The International Pacific Halibut Commission is requesting proposals from industry to provide bait for the year 2003 summer halibut surveys. The 2002 survey is currently underway, and we have adequate bait for this year. This notice solicits proposals to provide bait for next summer (2003).

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 and standardization 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. The preferred size grade is 6 to 9 pound chums but smaller fish will be considered. The salmon must have been caught and processed no earlier than June of 2002. We require information on the month of capture and the run for each unit/tote of bait purchased. Bait may be inspected for quality prior to accepting a proposal.

The Commission plans to purchase about 327,000 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 should include shipping and/or storage costs. The bait may be stored at a central location and shipped in May of 2003, 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 all or a portion of 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 by 5:00 p.m. August 16, 2002. Interested suppliers may send a letter of proposal to the IPHC, Attn. Claude Dykstra; P.O. Box 95009, Seattle Washington 98145-2009; Phone (206) 634-1838 ext. 213 or Fax: (206) 632-2983.