Oyster Spat-on-Cultch Production and Deployment

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
SOLICITATION: Invitation for Bids (IFB)
SOLICITATION NUMBER:
3160008240
Oyster Spat-on-Cultch Production and
DESCRIPTION:
Deployment
ISSUE DATE:
September 8, 2026
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
BID CLOSING LOCATION:
1141 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
Janie Ballew
BID COORDINATOR: (228) 523-4118
procurement@dmr.ms.gov
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: October 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

1. INTRODUCTION
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) manages the coastal resources for
the State of Mississippi through the authority of the Mississippi Advisory Commission on
Marine Resources. We are dedicated to enhancing, protecting, and conserving the marine
interests of Mississippi for present and future generations. We manage all marine life, public
trust wetlands, adjacent uplands, and waterfront areas for the long-term recreational,
educational, commercial, and economic benefit of everyone.
2. PURPOSE
The MDMR is seeking bids from qualified contractors to provide oyster spat-on-cultch
production and deployment services in support of public oyster reef restoration in the
Mississippi Sound. This IFB is intended to open competitive bidding to qualified hatchery,
remote-setting, and aquaculture production operations. The scope of work to be performed and
the deliverables required under the contract are set forth herein.
3. TIMELINE
Start Date September 8, 2026
* First Date of Advertisement: September 15, 2026
* Second Date of Advertisement
Questions Submission Deadline September 22, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
Answers Posted September 23, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.
Bid Submission/Bid Open Deadline October 13, 2026
Bid Evaluations October 13, 2026
Anticipated Contract Intent to Award October 15, 2026
Unexecuted contract will require
Contract Approval additional approval from DFA before it
is awarded.
4. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The scope of work for the contract will include, but is not limited to, the following:
At a minimum, this contract requires:
1. Minimum 200,000,000 qualifying spat-on-cultch oysters deployed onto state-owned reefs.
2. Required density range of 30,000 to 80,000 qualifying spat per cubic yard of cultch
material.
3. Minimum 4,000 cubic yards of cultch material. The 200,000,000 spat minimum must be
distributed across the full 4,000 cubic yard minimum, not concentrated in a smaller volume
at higher density. Meeting the spat total does not end the Contractor's obligation to deploy
the full 4,000 cubic yards, and every cubic yard deployed toward that requirement,
including deployments made after the spat total is reached, must still meet the 30,000 to
80,000 spat per cubic yard density range and the 5mm minimum size requirement.
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4. Oysters must average 5mm or larger in size.
5. Produce oyster spat-on-cultch using broodstock sourced from Mississippi Sound waters.
6. Process and set cultch material to produce qualifying spat-on-cultch, with spat measuring
an average minimum size of 5mm at the time of deployment.
7. Maintain spat density within a required range of 30,000 to 80,000 qualifying spat per cubic
yard of cultch material.
8. Give MDMR at least forty-eight (48) hours' notice before any deployment.
9. Deploy spat-on-cultch Monday through Thursday only, unless otherwise pre-approved by
MDMR staff.
10. Allow cultch and spat health to be observed and approved by MDMR at the nursery, prior
to material leaving for deployment.
11. Provide MDMR staff with on-site access and authority to inspect and verify production
and deployment activities at all phases, including a minimum of two (2) MDMR staff
present at every deployment.
12. Provide two (2) Contractor staff to participate in sample processing at each deployment,
and propose a sampling plan for MDMR review and approval prior to contract execution.
The proposed sampling plan must meet MDMR's minimum standards for sample size,
frequency, and chain-of-custody documentation. MDMR reserves the right to reject any
proposed sampling plan or require revisions until it meets these standards, and retains final
approval authority over the sampling methodology used throughout the term of the
contract.
13. Maintain and provide records documenting broodstock source, spat set size and density,
and production and deployment quantities for MDMR verification, with size measurements
collected at every deployment.
5. DELIVERABLES
The deliverables are to include:
1. Qualifying spat-on-cultch, as described in the Scope of Work and verified by MDMR at
each deployment to meet the required minimum size and density range.
2. An individual report for each deployment documenting quantities, deployment location,
and date, with payment based only on the qualifying product delivered in that deployment.
3. Documentation supporting broodstock sourcing from Mississippi Sound waters.
4. Size measurement data collected at every deployment.
5. An MDMR-approved sampling plan, submitted prior to contract execution.
6. MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications for bidding include:
* Bidders must have documented experience in oyster hatchery operations, remote setting, or
spat-on-cultch production.
* Bidders must have cultch material access and processing/setting capability sufficient to meet
the scope of services described herein.
* Bidders must have the equipment and logistical capacity to deploy spat-on-cultch to designated
reef sites in the Mississippi Sound.
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* Bidders must be able to source broodstock from Mississippi Sound waters.
* Bidders must be able to propose a sampling plan for MDMR review and approval prior to
contract execution. MDMR retains sole discretion to approve, reject, or require modification
of any proposed sampling plan, and no contract will be executed until an MDMR approved
sampling plan is in place
* Bidders must provide two (2) professional references familiar with the bidder's abilities as
described in this IFB.
* By submitting a bid, you are certifying that you are not currently debarred from bidding by
the State, any political subdivision of the State (towns, cities, counties, agencies, etc.), any
other state, or the federal government. You also certify that you are not submitting a bid as
an agent of someone so debarred.
* Bidders are required to be electronically registered in Mississippi's Accountability System
for Government Information and Collaboration (MAGIC) before submitting their bid.
Instructions for registering in MAGIC can be found below in Section 10.
The minimum qualifications for contracting include:
* Vendors which are domestic corporations, limited liability companies, or limited
partnerships must be in good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
* Vendors which are foreign corporations, limited liability companies, or limited
partnerships may be required to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State to transact
business in Mississippi. See Miss. Code Ann 79-4-15.01.
7. BASIS FOR AWARD
The MDMR will award the bid to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder who meets all
required specifications, subject to approval by the Public Procurement Review Board, if
necessary. The MDMR reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive minor
informalities which do not affect quality, quantity, price or delivery.
8. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
In order to enter into a contract, you must meet minimum insurance protection requirements.
You must provide evidence of your policies within ten (10) calendar days of a fully
executed contract.
All insurance policies must be issued by companies licensed or holding a Certificate of
Authority from the Mississippi Department of Insurance. All liability insurance policies must
provide coverage to the MDMR as an additional insured.
You must hold the following insurance throughout the term of the contract:
Coverage Type Amount
Workers' Compensation (as required by Mississippi law)
Accident (Per Occurrence) $100,000
Disease-Policy Limit $500,000
Disease-Per Employee $100,000
General Liability
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Aggregate $1,000,000
Personal Injury/Bodily Injury and Property Damage (Per Occurrence) $500,000
Fire Damage (Per Fire) $50,000
Medical Expense (Per Person) $5,000
9. BOND REQUIREMENTS
No bonds required.
10. BID SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
You are required to electronically register in Mississippi's Accountability System for
Government Information and Collaboration (MAGIC), and you may submit your bid
electronically through MAGIC, or you may submit your bid by paper submission via mail or
hand delivery to MDMR as outlined below:
Vendor Electronic Registration in MAGIC:
* It shall be the responsibility of each bidder to ensure that its vendor profile is current in the
MAGIC system. The website to register as a vendor with the State of Mississippi is:
http://www.dfa.ms.gov/vendors.
* For online learning instructions on submitting your bid electronically, select
"Training/Documentation" from the link listed above. Select the Supplier Self-Service
Course link and then click "Launch Course."
* If you have problems getting on the website, please contact the Mash Helpdesk at (601)
359-1343 or mash@dfa.ms.gov. You must receive a User ID and Password to access the
MAGIC portal. This process could take up to 72 hours to complete.
MAGIC Submission and Technical Requirements
* The bid submission must be submitted in MAGIC no later than October 13, 2026 at
2:00p.m.
* Timely submission of the bid is the responsibility of the bidder. Bids received after the
specified time will be rejected and the unopened bid will be made a part of the procurement
file. It is suggested that you allow 72 hours before the due date and time for
submission of the bid in MAGIC, especially if you are a first-time user.
Paper Bid Submission Requirements
* The bid submission must be signed and submitted in a sealed envelope. It must be
submitted to MDMR Procurement Department at 1141 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi MS 39530
no later than October 13, 2026 at 2:00p.m.
* Timely submission is the responsibility of the bidder. Submissions received after the
specified time will be rejected and the unopened bid will be made a part of the procurement
file.
* The time and date of receipt will be indicated on the envelope or package by the MDMR
staff.
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* All prices and notations must be printed in ink or typewritten. No erasures permitted.
Errors may be crossed out and corrections printed in ink or typewritten adjacent and must
be initialed, in ink, by the person signing bid.
* Submissions via facsimile (faxes) or email will not be accepted. It is suggested that if a
submission is mailed to MDMR, it should be posted in certified mail with a return receipt
requested. MDMR will not be responsible for mail delays or lost mail.
* All Bids submitted by hand delivery or mail will become the property of the MDMR.
* Bids should be mailed, or hand delivered and must be labeled as follows:
"Oyster Spat-on-Cultch Production and Deployment"
RFx No. 3160008240
Smart No. 1450-27-R-IFBD-00001
Opening Date: October 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Attention: MDMR Procurement Department 2nd Floor
1141 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
SEALED BID - DO NOT OPEN
The deadline for receiving Bids is October 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
11. AMENDMENTS TO THIS IFB
Should an amendment or amendments to this IFB be issued by MDMR, it will be posted on
the MDMR website dmr.ms.gov and on the Mississippi Contract Procurement Opportunity
Search Board (Procurement Portal) website ms.gov/dfa/contract_bid_search/Bid in a manner
that all bidders will be able to view. Furthermore, bidders must acknowledge receipt of any
amendment to this IFB by signing and returning the amendment with the bid submission
by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose
on the Bid Form-Attachment B, or by letter. The acknowledgment must be received by the
MDMR by the time and at the place specified for receipt of Bids. It is the bidder's sole
responsibility to monitor the website for amendments to the IFB.
12. QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted by email to:
procurement@dmr.ms.gov. All questions/requests for clarification must be received no later
than September 22, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
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All questions/requests for clarification and the answers thereto will be published on the MDMR
website, dmr.ms.gov, and the MAGIC Portal http://www.dfa.ms.gov/vendors in a manner that
all bidders will be able to view by September 23, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.
The MDMR will not be bound by any verbal or written information that is not specified within
this IFB unless formally noticed and issued by the contact person.
13. TERM OF CONTRACT
The start date for the contract is the date the contract is signed by the selected bidder and the
Executive Director of the MDMR and it will remain in effect for a period of two years unless
terminated earlier. The contract may be extended subject to the availability of funds and at the
sole discretion of the MDMR with the agreement of the Contractor. Any contract renewal or
extension shall be under the same pricing, terms, and conditions as in the original contract, and
shall be agreed to, in writing, by the MDMR and the Contractor.
14. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR BIDDING
All bids must include the following:
* Attachment A-Bid Cover Form completed and signed;
* Attachment B-Bid Form completed and signed; and,
* Attachment E-Bidder's Checklist completed and signed.
Use the bid form to identify your best price. You must identify your company's name on
each page of the bid form, and each of the attachments. Complete all of the blanks and
sign the form.
You must use the bid form. Submissions without a bid form will be rejected as nonresponsive.
Do not amend or add to the bid form. We may reject modified bid forms as nonresponsive on
a case-by-case basis.
You are responsible for the costs of preparing your bid. We do not accept liability for such
expenses.
Any bidder claiming that its bid contains information exempt from the Mississippi Public
Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. 25-61-1, et seq.), shall segregate and mark the information as
confidential and provide the specific statutory authority for the exemption. The bidder must
submit all attachments. Requests to review proprietary information will be handled in
accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act.
15. CONDITIONS OF SOLICITATION
When you submit a bid, then you promise that you will accept an award if offered. You also
certify that you have not communicated with any other bidder or competitor regarding your
bid or the price, your intention to submit a bid, or the factors you used to calculate the bid
price. You can read more about your certifications on the Bid Form, Attachment B.
The MDMR reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive any minor informality.
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16. BID PROTESTS
Pursuant to Office of Purchasing, Travel and Fleet Management Manual Chapter 6, Section
6.101, if you are an actual or prospective bidder and feel aggrieved by this solicitation or award
of a contract, then you may file a protest (in duplicate) with the Executive Director of the
MDMR with a copy to the Chief Procurement Officer of the Mississippi Department of
Finance and Administration. Protest must be filed within seven days after you know or should
have known of the facts giving rise thereto. Late protests will not be considered. The protest
must be in writing and explain the specific reasons that you are protesting.
17. POST AWARD VENDOR DEBRIEFING
Pursuant to Office of Purchasing, Travel and Fleet Management Manual Section 6.210, a
bidder may request a post-award debriefing, in writing, by U. S. mail or electronic submission.
Such debriefings may be given at any time on or after the eighth (8th) day after the agency has
awarded the contract. In no case may a bidder request a debriefing more than thirty (30) days
after the agency has awarded the contract. A debriefing is a meeting and not a hearing.
Therefore, legal representation is not required. Should the bidder prefer to have legal
representation present, the bidder must notify the MDMR and identify the attorney. The
MDMR shall be allowed to schedule and/or suspend and reschedule the debriefing at a time
when a representative from the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General can be present.
For additional information regarding the process and procedure for Vendor Debriefing and
Protest, please refer to the Office of Purchasing, Travel and Fleet Management Manual that
may be found at https://www.dfa.ms.gov/purchasing-travel-and-fleet-management .
18. NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO AWARD
Notification will be sent to all bidders by mail and/or email of the selection of the successful
bidder. We will also post the selection of the successful bidder on our website at
www.dmr.ms.gov.
19. GOVERNING LAW
This solicitation and any resulting contract shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the
State of Mississippi, excluding its conflict of laws provisions, and any litigation with respect
thereto shall be brought in the state courts of Harrison County, Mississippi.
20. RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES
It is expressly understood and agreed that if MDMR enters into a contract with a bidder, it does
so based on the purchase of commodities or services and not based on an employer-employee
relationship or a joint venture relationship.
21. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
The contract awarded, if any, subsequent to this solicitation shall be administered by the
MDMR. All invoices submitted by the Contractor for goods received or services provided
pursuant to the contract shall be submitted as follows:
By Mail: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Procurement Department, 1141
Bayview Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530
By Email: Procurement@dmr.ms.gov
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The MDMR will provide timely payment in accordance with Section 31-7-301, et seq. of the
Mississippi Code Annotated, which generally provides for payment by the MDMR within
forty-five (45) days of receipt of an approved invoice. The Contractor understands and agrees
that MDMR is exempt from the payment of taxes.
22. COMPENSATION FOR GOODS AND SERVICES
* Payment. The MDMR will pay Contractor upon satisfactory completion of the Scope of
Services and Deliverables.
* Invoice. The Contractor shall submit a detailed invoice as follows:
Contractor may submit detailed invoices incrementally after the initial deployment of
live seed oysters and then again after each subsequent deployment.
* In order to process payment, the invoice must include the following information and
supporting documentation:
1. Contract Number; and,
2. Purchase Order Number
3. Dates of deployment; and,
4. A certification signed by the Contractor that all employees working on the project, all
material suppliers and all sub-contractors, if any, have been paid in full by the
Contractor.
* Payment Processing. The MDMR makes payments within 45 days of receiving an
approved invoice. Payment will not be made for work performed before the execution or
after expiration of the contract.
23. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
MDMR will select the successful bidder without regard to political affiliation, race, color,
handicap, genetic information, religion, national origin, sex, religious creed, age, or disability.
24. ATTACHMENTS
The attachments to this IFB are made a part of this IFB as if copied herein in words and
figures and include:
* Attachment A - Bid Cover Form
* Attachment B - Bid Form
* Attachment C - Contract Clauses
* Attachment D - Reference Score Sheet
* Attachment E - Bidder's Checklist
* Attachment F - Federal Assurances
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Attachment A - Bid Cover Form
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is accepting bids for Oyster Spat-on-Cultch
Production and Deployment.
Bids must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. CST on October 13, 2026.
Company Name: ______________________________________________________
Quoted by: __________________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________________
Telephone: _________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________
Name, title and phone number of company representative to be contacted by MDMR:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In addition to providing the above contact information, please answer the following questions regarding
your company:
What year was your company started? _____________________________________________________
Please provide the physical location and mailing address of your company's home office, principal place
of business, and place of incorporation.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Is your company currently for sale or involved in any transaction to expand or to become acquired by
another business entity? If yes, please discuss the impact both in organizational and directional terms.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
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