F--Sources Sought - Lake Trout Suppression Gillnetting Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify entities capable of providing Lake Trout Suppression Gillnetting Services at Swan Lake, Lake County, MT. This effort supports the recovery of threatened Bull Trout by reducing Lake Trout populations. Responses are due May 7, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be required to:
- Conduct daily gillnet deployment and retrieval (M-F) at Swan Lake from July 13-17, 2026.
- Provide data collection support (catch, locations, net type, biomass).
- Minimize bull trout bycatch and mortality using a recovery tank with supplemental oxygen.
- Restore USFWS-provided gillnets to original specifications (mesh sizes, panel lengths, hanging ratios) for both juvenile (6' x 300') and adult (12' x 300') nets. This includes custom hanging, specific lead/float lines, and monofilament twine. Nets must be delivered/re-delivered to Creston National Fish Hatchery or shipped as directed.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Estimated Period of Performance: June 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027 (including required netting July 13-17, 2026).
- NAICS: 114111 - Finfish Fishing (Size Standard: $24.0M).
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- Response Due: May 7, 2026, at 1 PM Central Time.
- Published: April 27, 2026.
Specialized Qualifications
Interested parties must demonstrate:
- Expertise in lake trout gillnetting operations of comparable complexity.
- Experience handling bull trout and minimizing bycatch mortality.
- Capability to hang/restring gillnets to custom specifications, including refill reconditioned construction.
- Ability to operate safely on Swan Lake.
Submission Requirements
Capability statements (max 5 pages) must include:
- Company Information (Name, address, UEI, business size status).
- Technical Capability (narrative on gillnet suppression experience, handling protocols, bycatch minimization).
- Detailed capability for stringing/restringing/reconstructing nets.
- Personnel & Equipment (vessel specifications, net shop/stringing facility capabilities).
Submission Instructions
Responses must be submitted by e-mail ONLY as an Adobe PDF attachment to Dana Arnold at dana_arnold@ios.doi.gov. The subject line must be: "Sources Sought - Swan Lake Gillnet Suppression & Net Restringing."