The International Pacific Halibut Commission is requesting proposals from industry to provide bait for the year 2001 summer halibut surveys. The 2000 survey is currently underway. Bait needed for the remainder of 2000 will be purchased in local ports as needed. This notice is intended to solicit proposals to provide bait for next summer (2001).

The only bait used for the Commission's standardized stock assessment survey is Chum Salmon. Due to the scientific nature of the study, our bait quality requirements exceed those normally provided by industry as "bait chums". The Commission's minimum quality requirement is #2 semi-bright (ASMI grade A through E), H&G, IQF, Chum Salmon with "meat colored" flesh. Six to nine pound chums are preferred but smaller fish will be considered. The salmon must have been caught and processed no earlier than June of 2000. Bait may be inspected for quality prior to accepting a proposal.

The Commission plans to pre-arrange around 240,000 pounds of bait, providing for survey operations from May into July. Interested parties may submit proposals to provide all or only part of the total amount. Proposals may include shipping and/or storage. The bait may be stored at a central location and shipped in May of 2001, or shipped and stored in the approximate amounts listed below:

If the proposal does not include shipping and/or storage, the location of the bait will be considered in regard to shipping and storage costs to the Commission and used in evaluating the proposal. Another point used in evaluating proposals will be the possibility of deferring payment until bait is removed from the storage facility. The Commission will not necessarily accept the lowest or any of the bids received.

Proposals must be received before August 1, 2000. Interested suppliers may send a letter of proposal to the IPHC, Attn. Dan Randolph; P.O. Box 95009, Seattle Washington 98145-2009; Phone (206) 634-1838, ext. 213 or Fax: (206) 632-2983.

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