Bait needed for 2009 IPHC SSA Survey

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November 17, 2008

ATTENTION BAIT SUPPLIERS AND SALMON PROCESSORS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Bait Needed for 2009 IPHC Stock Assessment Survey
60,000 - 90,000 pounds semi-bright chum salmon
Closing date: December 1, 2008
Proposals may 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 up to 90,000 pounds of bait (in addition to the quantity already secured for 2009) 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. IPHC will consider chums to be supplied from early 2009 runs when accompanied by the date and port of availability. Chums already in cold storage will be preferred. 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.

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. Bait specification are summarized on the following page.

Proposals must include quantity offered, size, quality, price per pound, and pre-season storage location. If applicable, also include relevant information about shipping 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 December 1, 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.

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

RFP Overview

Bait 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:

	Headed and gutted (H&G)
	Individually quick frozen (IQF).
	The preferred grade is semi-bright #2s (ASMI grade A-E). Fish of a higher quality are acceptable but not preferred over the minimum quality.
	IPHC prefers 6/9s and 4/6s will be considered; 9-ups will not be considered.
	Bait may be inspected by IPHC staff prior to purchase to ensure that the flesh is firm and has been processed in a manner that maintains the required quality.
	Bait must be toted in ~1,000 lb fiber totes.
	Information on the month of capture and the run for each unit/tote of bait purchased is required.
	The salmon must have been caught and processed no earlier than June 2008.