ATTENTION BAIT SUPPLIERS AND SALMON PROCESSORS

Bait Needed for 2008 IPHC Stock Assessment Survey 258,000 pounds semi-bright chum salmon Proposals due October 19, 2007

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is requesting proposals from industry to provide bait for 2008 summer halibut surveys. The Commission will consider purchases from salmon harvesters, if the harvester can make proper processing arrangements.

The IPHC plans to purchase 258,000 pounds of bait to supply stock assessment survey operations running from the end of May through August. Interested parties should submit proposals to provide all or a portion of the total amount. The bait should be stored by the provider until shipped in early May of 2008. In season, providers are not obligated to provide storage in or transportation to particular ports. Providers may submit proposals irrespective 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.

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 2007. 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 2008 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 will not necessarily accept the lowest or any of the bids received.

Proposals must be received by 16:30 October 19, 2007. 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.

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