Frozen Bloodworms for Genoa National Fish Hatchery

This solicitation is for the procurement and delivery of frozen bloodworms of the Chironomidae (chironomid) species, suitable for hatchery feeding operations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Genoa National Fish Hatchery requires up to 8,500 pounds of these bloodworms. The product must be harvested and processed according to standard commercial practices, with excess moisture, sediment, debris, and by-catch removed before freezing. Product shall remain continuously frozen throughout storage and transportation, free from foul odor, spoilage, decomposition, mold, excessive freezer burn, excessive ice accumulation, foreign material, or hazardous contaminants. It should not show evidence of thawing and refreezing. Frozen blocks should average approximately one pound each, sealed in plastic bags and packed in corrugated boxes suitable for frozen transport and handling. Each box must be clearly labeled with product description, net weight, harvest or production date (if available), lot/batch number, and contractor name. The contractor must utilize freezer-capable transportation equipment to ensure product integrity throughout transit, and any shipment showing evidence of thawing, partial thawing, temperature abuse, leakage, or spoilage may be rejected. Delivery will occur in two separate shipments between May and August, with approximate quantities and delivery dates to be coordinated after award. All costs associated with packaging, handling, refrigeration/freezing, transportation, and delivery are to be included in the quoted pricing, with deliveries made FOB Destination.