July 13, 2008

ATTENTION BAIT SUPPLIERS AND SALMON PROCESSORS

Bait Needed for 2009 IPHC Stock Assessment Survey
250,000 pounds semi-bright chum salmon
Initial closing date: July 18, 2008
Proposals will be accepted for consideration until quantity required is met.

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is requesting proposals from industry to provide bait for 2009 summer halibut surveys. The IPHC plans to purchase 250,000 pounds of bait to supply IPHC stock assessment survey operations running from the end of May through August, 2009. Interested parties should submit proposals to provide all or a portion of the total amount. IPHC prefers the bait to be stored by the provider until shipped in early May of 2009. The Commission will consider purchases from salmon harvesters, if the harvester can make proper processing arrangements. 

In season, providers are not obligated to provide storage in or transportation to particular ports. Providers may submit proposals regardless of their country of operation; that is, Canadian providers may supply bait for research taking place in U.S. waters and vice versa. The predicted locations and amount of bait are listed below; however, loading ports are subject to change based on survey logistics. 

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Due to the scientific nature of the study, IPHC bait quality requirements and standardization exceed those normally provided by industry as bait chums. The minimum acceptable quality is #2 semi-bright (ASMI grade A through E), H&G, IQF, Chum salmon with "meat colored" flesh. The preferred size grade is 6 to 9 pound chums, but smaller fish may be considered. The salmon must have been caught and processed no earlier than June 2008. Fish should be processed quickly enough so that the flesh is firm when thawed. Information on the month of capture and the run for each unit/tote of bait purchased is required. Bait may be inspected for quality prior to accepting a proposal. IPHC will consider chums to be supplied from early 2009 runs when accompanied by the date and port of availability; although, chums already in cold storage will be preferred. 

Proposals must include quantity offered, size, quality, price per pound, and preseason storage location. If applicable, also include relevant information about shipping to desired ports and any in-season storage options. Proposals without shipping and/or storage rates will be evaluated in consideration of the necessary shipping and storage costs incurred by the IPHC. Another point used in evaluating proposals will be the possibility of deferring all or a portion of payment until bait is removed from the storage facility. The Commission is not required to accept the lowest or any of the bids received.

The initial closing date will be July 18, 2008. Proposals will be accepted until quantity required is met. Interested suppliers should send a letter of proposal to the IPHC, Attn. Eric Soderlund; P.O. Box 95009, Seattle, Washington 98145-2009; Phone (206) 634-1838, ext. 230 or Fax: (206) 632-2983; or e-mail.

Bruce M. Leaman
Executive Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.washington.edu

RFP Overview

Specifications:

Due to the scientific nature of the study, IPHC bait quality requirements and standardization exceed those normally provided by industry as bait chums.

Chum salmon requirements:

Considerations:

1. During May of 2009, bait will be shipped to ports specified by vessels hired to conduct the 2009 stock assessment survey. Vendors who are able to provide cold storage from time of purchase until shipment may be preferred. Proposal should indicate whether storage can be provided and at what rate. There is no requirement to provide storage or transportation services.
2. In 2008, IPHC research vessels loaded bait according to the table below. 2009’s Stock Assessment Survey will likely load similar amounts from most of these ports.
   

Transportation to and storage in these ports may be given preference.

3. Chums must have been caught and processed no earlier than June 2008.