MT-BOZEMAN FISH TECHNOLOGY- URCHIN UNI FEED FORMUL
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), under the Department of the Interior, is seeking proposals for Urchin Uni Feed Formulation Consulting and Research for the Bozeman Fish Technology Center. This Total Small Business Set-Aside solicitation aims to procure professional scientific consulting services for a 12-month research and development project focused on improving formulated feeds for urchin (uni) aquaculture. Quotes are due by February 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.
Project Scope
The project's primary objective is to enhance the growth, gonad quality, nutritional efficiency, and sustainability of urchin uni through advanced feed formulation. The scope of work includes:
- Developing feeds to improve the sustainability and product quality of urchin uni.
- Assisting with the continued development of trout diets for better ingredient utilization and digestibility.
- Assessing alternative ingredients for use as bait.
- Performing data entry, statistical analysis, and report/manuscript writing for ingredient evaluation projects.
- Publishing research data in the USFWS online nutrient digestibility database.
Required Services & Expertise
The contractor will provide general consulting on feed formulations and specifications, assist with manufacturing small batches of research feeds, conduct laboratory assays, manage and interpret data from feeding trials, and communicate research findings through presentations and publications. Key expertise required includes:
- Aquaculture nutrition.
- Experimental design.
- Data analysis.
- Feed formulation for marine invertebrates.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Period of Performance: Approximately 12 months, from February 16, 2026, to February 15, 2027.
- Set-Aside: 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Product Service Code: F115 (Environmental Systems Protection - Environmental Consulting And Legal Support)
- Place of Performance: Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Bozeman, Montana.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: February 11, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.
- Submission Method: Email quotes and questions to khalilah_brown@fws.gov.
- Required Quote Information:
- One-page technical capability statement.
- Proposed technical approach.
- Relevant experience (past 5 years) in feed formulation or marine invertebrates.
- Key personnel qualifications.
- Evaluation Criteria: Best Value, with technical experience, technical approach, management plan, and past performance considered more important than price.
Important Notes
Offerors must submit quotes on company letterhead, certify compliance with applicable FAR provisions, and maintain active SAM.gov registration. The solicitation references Wage Determination 2015-6027, revision 3, for Gallatin County, MT, which outlines minimum wage and fringe benefit rates for covered occupations.