WI-GENOA NFH-CHIRONOMID BLOODWORMS

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement and delivery of frozen bloodworms (Chironomidae species) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Genoa National Fish Hatchery in Genoa, Wisconsin. The contract will be a 100% Total Small Business set-aside, firm-fixed price contract.

• Frozen bloodworms meeting specific species requirements.

• Proper frozen handling, clean/usable product, compliant packaging, and dependable cold-chain delivery.

• Product specifications, supplier literature, labels, and photographs may be required for documentation.

• Source supplier or harvest source must be identified.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: June 4, 2026, to August 31, 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but implied by the need for quotes.

• Offer Due Date: June 1, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT.

• Submission Method: Quotes and questions must be emailed to khalilah.brown@fws.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Offers will be evaluated on a Best Value basis, considering technical acceptability, past performance, and price. Technical acceptability and past performance are significantly more important than price.

• Quote Requirements: Must include firm name, UEI, point of contact, phone, email, and three examples of successful, timely completion of similar work.

• Offer Acceptance Period: Prices must be held firm for 60 calendar days from the offer due date.

• This acquisition is a 100% Total Small Business set-aside.

• Delivery Address: Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 State Hwy 35, Genoa, WI 54632.

• Two shipments are anticipated: the first by the end of June 2026, and the second by the end of August 2026.

• Quotes must be submitted on company letterhead and itemize total price per shipment, delivery for each shipment, and estimated lead time.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To supply the Genoa National Fish Hatchery with up to 8,500 pounds of frozen bloodworms of the chironomid species.

• Provide frozen bloodworms processed according to standard commercial practices for aquatic feed products.

• Bloodworms must have excess moisture, sediment, debris, and by-catch removed before freezing.

• Product must be frozen immediately after harvest and remain continuously frozen throughout storage and transportation.

• Product must be free from foul odor, visible spoilage, decomposition, mold, excessive freezer burn, excessive ice accumulation, foreign material, and hazardous contaminants.

• Frozen blocks should average approximately 1 pound (16 oz) each.

• Individual blocks must be sealed in plastic bags and packed in corrugated boxes suitable for frozen transport and handling.

• Boxes must be clearly labeled with product description, net weight, harvest/production date (if available), lot/batch number, and contractor name.

• Product must be maintained at 0°F (-18°C) or colder during storage and transportation.

• Freezer-capable transportation equipment must be used.

• Shipments showing evidence of thawing, partial thawing, temperature abuse, leakage, or spoilage may be rejected.

• Deliveries to be made in two separate shipments between May and August during the applicable growing season.

• Delivery location: FWS/Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 State Hwy 35, Genoa WI 54632.

• Deliveries are FOB Destination.

• Contractor shall include all costs associated with packaging, handling, refrigeration/freezing, transportation, and delivery in quoted pricing.

• Government reserves the right to inspect product upon delivery for compliance with all solicitation requirements.