RFP | Fish & Wildlife, Two Custom Designed Incline Plane Traps

Confederated Tribes of the
Colville Reservation
P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155 (509) 634-2277
Request For Proposals:
Two Custom Designed Incline Plane Traps
SECTION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.01 Significant Dates
Posted Date: August 24, 2026
Deadline for Questions: September 16, 2026
Answers Posted: September 21, 2026
Closing Time and Date: September 25, 2026; 3:00 PM
Bid Opening Date: September 28, 2026
1.02 Description of Proposals Sought:
Design and build two custom incline plane traps to capture out-migrating salmonid smolts
during low flows (25-100 cfs) in the Sanpoil River. See section 3.02 for trap specifications.
1.03 About the Colville Tribes:
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is a Sovereign Nation. Presidential Executive
Order established the Colville Indian Reservation in 1872, with a land base of 1.4 million aces, located
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in North Central Washington State. The Tribes' Indian Country now includes various off-reservation
trust land holdings. The Tribes' administrative Headquarters are located at the Colville Indian Agency
Campus, approximately 2 miles south of Nespelem, WA with offices located throughout our reservation.
Tribal business hours are Monday thru Thursday 7:00 and 5:30 p.m. excluding Fridays, Saturdays,
Sundays, Tribal and Federal holidays.
1.04 Response Format:
Proposals should be prepared simply, providing a straightforward and concise delineation of the
Contractors approach and capabilities necessary to satisfy the criteria listed in Section 3. The proposal
may not be longer than 30 pages, single-spaced with no less than 12-point font. Emphasis in the
proposals should be on completeness, clarity of content, and adherence to the presentation structure
required by this RFP. Contractors that deviate from the required format may be deemed non-responsive.
1.05 Completeness of Proposal
The Contractor must submit a completed Proposal signed by a Contractor representative authorized to
bind the proposing Contractor contractually. The Contractor must identify on the form any exceptions
the Contractor takes to the Tribes RFP, or declare that there are no exceptions taken.
1.06 Response Date and Location
Proposals must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., PST, September 25, 2026. Proposals must be sent
by electronic mail. All proposals and accompanying documentation will become the property of the
Tribes and will not be returned. Contractors accept all risk of late delivery of emailed proposal
regardless of fault. Proposals must be emailed to holly.mclellan@colvilletribes.com.
1.07 Contractor's Cost to Develop Proposals
Costs for developing proposals in response to the RFP are entirely the obligation of the Contractor and
are not be chargeable in any manner to the Tribes-no exceptions.
1.08 Site Visitations
A site visit is not required. By submitting his/her proposal, the Contractor acknowledges that he/she has
satisfied him/herself as to the nature of the work requested.
SECTION 2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
2.01 Questions Regarding the RFP
Requests for interpretation/clarification of this RFP must be emailed to
holly.mclellan@colvilletribes.com. Unauthorized contact with other tribal employees or by any method
other than email regarding this RFP may result in disqualification. All oral communications will be
considered unofficial and non-binding on the Tribes.
All questions must be submitted no later than 3:00 p.m., PST, September 16, 2026. All responses will
be posted on the Tribes' web site at: https://www.colvilletribes.com/rfp no later than 4:00 p.m.PST on
the next business day after receipt of the question.
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2.02 RFP Amendments
The Tribes reserves the right to request any respondent clarify its proposal or to supply any additional
material deemed necessary to assist in the evaluation of the proposal.
The Tribes reserves the right to change the RFP schedule or issue amendments to the RFP at any time.
The Tribes also reserves the right to cancel or reissue the RFP. All such addenda will become part of the
RFP. It is the Contractor's responsibility to check the Tribes' website for the issuance of any
amendments prior to submitting a proposal response.
2.03 Withdrawal of Proposal
Provided notification is received in writing to the address provided in Section 1.05, proposals may be
withdrawn at any time prior to the proposal response due date and time specified. Proposals cannot be
changed or withdrawn after the time designated for receipt.
2.04 Rejection of Proposals
The Tribes reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any minor informalities or
irregularities contained in any proposal, and to accept any proposal deemed to be in the best interest of
the Tribes.
2.05 Proposal Validity Period
Submission of a proposal will signify the Contractor's agreement that its proposal and the content
thereof are valid for 30 days following the proposal response deadline unless otherwise agreed to in
writing by both parties. The proposal may become part of the Contract negotiated between the Colville
Tribes and the successful Contractor.
2.06 Proposal Signatures
An authorized representative of the Contractor must sign proposals, with the Contractor's address and
telephone information provided. Unsigned proposals will not be considered.
2.07 Insurance Requirements
The selected Offeror shall procure and maintain for the duration of its Contract awarded pursuant to this
RFP insurance against claims for injuries or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection
with the performance of the work by the Offeror, his agents, representatives, employees or
subcontractors. The Offeror shall pay the cost of such insurance. Insurance shall meet or exceed the
following unless otherwise approved by the Colville Tribes.
A. Minimum Insurance
1. Commercial General Liability coverage with limits not less than $1,000.000 per
occurrence / $2,000,000 annual aggregate.
2. Stop Gap/Employers Liability coverage with limits not less than $ 1,000,000 per
accident/disease.
3. Business Automobile Liability coverage with limits not less than $1,000,000 per accident
for any auto.
4. Worker's Compensation coverage as required by the Industrial Insurance Laws of the
State of Washington/
B. Self-Insured Retentions
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Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved in writing by the Colville Tribes.
C. Other Provisions
Commercial General Liability policies shall be endorsed to:
1. Include the Colville Tribes, its officials, employees and volunteers as additional insured.
2. Provide that such insurance shall be primary as respects any insurance or self-insurance
maintained by the Colville Tribes.
3. Each insurance policy shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled except after thirty
(30) days written notice has be given to the Colville Tribes.
D. Acceptability of Insurers
Insurance shall be placed with insurers with a rating acceptable to the Colville Tribes.
E. Verification of Coverage
Offeror awarded a contract under this RFP shall furnish the Colville Tribes with certificates of
insurance required herein. The certificates are to be received and approved by the Colville
Tribes before work commences. The Colville Tribes reserves the right to require complete,
certified copies of all required insurance policies at any time.
F. Subcontractors
Subcontractors hired pursuant to this RFP must provide coverage, which compiles with the
requirements state herein.
2.08 Retainage/Performance Bond
Any contract negotiated in response to this RFP will require either a 25% retainage or a performance
bond. Any contract awarded with a value greater than $100,000 will require a performance bond.
2.09 Ownership of Documents
Any reports, studies, conclusions, and summaries prepared by the Contractor shall become the property
of the Tribes. The Tribes may provide the Contractor with a limited license to use such material.
2.10 Hold Harmless
The Contractor shall hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the Tribes and the Tribes officers, agents,
and employees against any liability that may be imposed upon them by reason of the Contractor's failure
to provide worker's compensation coverage or liability coverage.
2.11 Limitations on Costs and Expenses
The Contractor's cost proposal may not include: any costs that can be described as overhead, including
secretarial, clerical, or file management work; on-line research services charges (in-house photocopying;
unnecessary express mail/overnight courier mailings); or for developing invoices for the Tribes.
2.12 Dispute Resolution and Venue
The Tribes will require the selected Contractor to expressly consent to the jurisdiction of the Colville
Tribal Court for any and all disputes that may arise from the Tribes engagement of the Contractor's
services, including the application of tribal law.
2.13 Appropriated Funds
Any contract awarded pursuant to this RFP is subject the Tribes' appropriation and budgetary process,
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which operates on a fiscal year from October 1 to September 30. Any required payments under the
contract are contingent on the availability of funds in the tribal treasury. As funds are appropriated
yearly any contract awarded would be for the remainder of the fiscal year, at which time it would be
renewable on a yearly basis.
2.14 Indian Preference
Indian preference applies to any award of contract pursuant to this RFP and the Contractor shall comply
with all applicable Indian preference requirements set forth in Chapter 10-1, the Colville Tribal
Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), and Chapter 10-3, Indian Preference in Contracting. The tribal
code is available at https://www.cct-cbc.com/current-code/.
2.15 Debarment
Selected Contractor must sign a Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension (See Attachment
B).
2.16 Contract
The selected Offeror will be required to enter into the Colville Tribes' standard form contract which will
include a "no assignment" provision indicating that the Contract may not be assigned without written
consent of the Tribes. Any increase in contract price following execution of the contract requires a
written modification to the term to continue.
SECTION 3. REQUESTED SERVICES
3.01 Duration of Services
The Tribes anticipates the service period for this work to be completed December 31, 2026.
3.02 Scope of Work
The Tribes seeks a custom designed two incline plant traps for capturing salmonid and trout smolts. The
trap will need to operate during low flows in the Sanpoil River (25-100 cfs) and provide safe fish
holding conditions for at least 100 smolts that average 80 mm in size (50-200 mm size range).
1. Trap Intake and Body Dimensions
The trap frame is typically constructed using welded, 3/16-inch structural aluminum angle to keep the
unit lightweight, durable, and highly stackable.
* Overall Length: 96 inches (8 feet).
* Front Intake Opening: 60 inches (5 ft) wide by 42 inches high.
* Rear Discharge Opening: 36 inches wide by 9 inches high.
* Funnel Taper: The design narrows linearly down both axes over the 8-foot run to accelerate
water velocity and compress fish schools naturally into the live box.
2. Perforated Inclined Plane (Ramp) Design
The floor of the inclined plane separates the fish from the volume of river water. The water flows down
through the floor, while the fish slide upward into the collection area. We suggest a 1/8-inch (3.2 mm)
opening ensures that the fish's snout or open operculum (gill cover) cannot get wedged in the holes.
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However, the final opening will be agreed upon with the contractor and the project lead.
* Plate Thickness: 0.063-inch perforated aluminum sheet metal.
* Perforation Size: 1/8 in (3.2 mm) diameter holes
* Stagger Patters: 1/8-inch holes on 3/16-inch staggered centers (60-degree orientation).
* Cumulative Open Area: 40.3% open space. This ratio screens out excessive water without
allowing smolts to get physically wedged or injured.
* Orientation: The smooth, stamped side of the plate must face upward to prevent scale loss and
physical abrasion on juvenile fish. No sharp edges around the punched holes.
* Corrugation: Plate should feature longitudinal V-shaped corrugations (3-inch rise per ridge
spaced 8.25 inches center-to-center) to maximize structural strength and overall filtering surface
area.
3. Live Box (Collection Well) Dimensions
The live box sits at the rear of the trap and must safely hold fish until processing. The live box must be
optimized to prevent exhaustion because fish will actively try to swim against any current inside the
holding area.
* Standard Footprint: 4 feet wide by 4 feet long (or up to 8 feet long for heavy migrations).
* Depth: 3 to 4 feet deep.
* Internal Baffles: Perforated L-shaped flow dampers or wood blocks should block entry water
velocity down to 0.1 to 0.3 m/s. This prevents exhausting the captured smolts while keeping
them adequately aerated.
* Live Box Screening: Use 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) wire mesh or perforated plate for the exit walls of
the live box to completely eliminate the risk of the smolts escaping or getting stuck in the
drainage path.
4. Hydrologic and Velocity Targets
To ensure that large salmonid smolts (up to 250 mm) cannot swim backward out of the trap mouth,
specific hydraulic velocities are mandatory:
* Intake Water Velocity: Must exceed 1.8 meters per second (mps) at the mouth entry. Fry under 50
mm can be trapped at lower speeds, but smolts will escape if velocity drops below this threshold.
* Ramp Angle: Adjusted via pontoon winches between 7 degrees to 9 degrees relative to the horizontal river flow
axis.
* Operation Depth: Set the rear lip of the inclined plane exactly 5 to 6 inches above the water line
so fish slide cleanly over the final weir plate into the live box without a jarring drop.
Trap Metric Imperial
Key Specification
Component Dimensions Dimensions
Intake Width 152.4 cm 60 inches Structural aluminum angle frame
Intake Height 106.7 cm 42 inches Traps water column profile
Overall Length 243.8 cm 96 inches Linear tapering design
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Staggered centers; smooth side
Perforation Size 3.2 mm 1/8 inch
up
Live Box Size 1.2 m x 1.2 m 4 ft x 4 ft Solid sides with localized baffles
5. Diameter and Buoyancy Dimensions
Because the stream is only 24 inches deep, the diameter of the pontoons is restricted. If the pontoons are
too thick, they will scrape the river bottom; if they are too thin, they will submerge too deeply.
* Ideal Diameter: 12 inches (0.3 meters).
* Draft (Submersion): A 12-inch diameter pontoon built from aluminum or foam-filled plastic will
draw roughly 4 to 6 inches of water under the full load of the aluminum trap, live box, and
water weight.
* Clearance: This leaves 18 to 20 inches of clearance below the pontoons, keeping them safely
floating well above your 24-inch riverbed.
6. Material and Construction Options
* Aluminum Pipe (Recommended): 12-inch diameter, 0.125-inch wall thickness scheduled
aluminum pipe with welded, cone-shaped end caps. The cone shape cuts through the water and
prevents floating sticks or debris from snagging on the front of the trap.
* Polyethylene/Plastic Docks: Heavy-duty, UV-stabilized, foam-filled plastic pontoon logs. These
are highly impact-resistant if the trap accidentally bumps against river cobbles or boulders.
7. Pontoon Spacing and Width Specifications
To accommodate the 60-inch (5-foot) wide trap mouth, allow for structural clearance, and prevent lateral
tipping in fast currents, the pontoons must be spaced 76 inches apart on the inside.
* Inside Spacing: 76 inches. This leaves an 8-inch clearance gap on both the left and right sides of
the 60-inch trap frame. This gap prevents the moving trap from binding against the pontoon
walls when you raise or lower it.
* Total Footprint Width: 100 inches (8.33 feet) from the outside edge of the left pontoon to the
outside edge of the right pontoon.
* Structural Cross-Bracing: Connect the two pontoons using three horizontal, 2x2-inch square
aluminum structural tubes (0.25-inch wall thickness). Bolt or weld these cross-braces across the
top of the pontoons at the front, middle, and rear sections to prevent the pontoons from twisting
inward under water pressure.
8. Winch-Mast and Lift-Tower Design
Because the stream is 2 feet deep and the current runs fast, manual lifting is unsafe. A mechanical four-
point lift tower system (two masts at the front intake, two at the rear discharge) to precisely position the
trap frame may be required. Suggested specifications are listed below, however the final design will be
agreed upon with the contractor and the project lead.
* Mast Dimensions: Construct four vertical lift towers using 2.5-inch square aluminum tubing.
Each mast should stand 48 inches tall, welded directly to the interior structural frame of the
pontoons.
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* The Sleeve System: Weld slightly larger 3-inch square aluminum "sleeves" (12 inches long) onto
the four corners of the trap body frame. These sleeves slide up and down over the 2.5-inch
vertical masts like a track, locking the trap laterally so the river current cannot push it sideways.
* Winch Specifications: Mount a 1,200 lb capacity brake winch (such as a Dutton-Lainson or
similar mechanical worm-gear winch) to the top crossbar of each mast pair.
* Rigging: Run a 3/16-inch stainless steel aircraft cable from each winch down to a lifting eye-bolt
welded onto the trap frame.
* Operation: The brake winches hold their position automatically without a clicking ratchet. This
allows you to raise the front intake completely out of the water to self-clean debris, or lower it
down to the exact 23-inch depth to create a perfect seal with the river bottom.
9. Rigging
The standard field layout will utilize a three-point safety rigging system consisting of an overhead
highline (or heavy bank anchors) and a balancing bridle cable.
3.03 Required Information
The Contractor's Proposal must include the following:
A. Title Page. Show Request For Proposal (RFP) subject, name of Contractor, address, telephone and
fax numbers, name of contact person and date of submission. (See Attachment A.)
B. Transmittal Letter. A one- or two-page summary stating the Contractor's understanding of the work to
be done and making a positive commitment to perform the work.
C. Table of Contents. A clear identification of the material by section and page number.
D. Profile of the Contractor. Include location of the Contractor's office(s), number of partners,
associates, and other professional staff. Describe the range of activities performed by your Contractor.
E. Approach. Provide a clear description of the Contractor's anticipated approach for providing these
services.
F. Contractor Organization and Management. Show the team proposed for the work identified, including
the identification of persons assigned to individual tasks, and, if applicable, the function and
responsibilities for major subcontractors.
G. Statement of Qualifications.
(1) Experience of Contractor: Provide a statement of the Contractor's experience in designing and
building incline plant traps or similar smolt collecting traps.
(2) Experience/Qualifications of Assigned Professionals: Provide resumes for the individuals who would
likely be assigned to this work including education, licensing information, background
accomplishments, relevant continuing professional education and any other pertinent information for
each of the key personnel to work on the project. Offerors must include a statement in the proposal to
the effect that "the key personnel assigned to this project as described in this proposal will not be
removed from the audit without prior approval of the Tribes' Contract Officer Representative."
H. Current Assignments. Provide a statement concerning the Contractor's ability to devote sufficient
time and resources to this type of work in relation to existing or anticipated assignments of the
Contractor.
I. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Provide a statement regarding any potential conflict of
interest issues the Contractor might have or encounter in providing these services to the Colville Tribes.
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J. Detailed Cost Proposal. Provide a detailed statement of any and all costs for providing these services.
This statement must include proposed hourly rates for all persons employed by or contracting with the
Contractor to provide the work described herein, as well as rates for travel and other expenses when
travel is necessary.
SECTION 4. PROPOSAL EVALUATION
4.01 Evaluation Procedures
A Selection Committee will evaluate proposals. The selection will consider how well the Contractor's
proposal meets the needs of the Tribes as described in the Contractor's response to each requirement
listed in Section 3.03. In evaluating the proposals, the Tribes will use a criteria evaluation process.
Evaluations will be based on criteria as outlined in Section 4.02. All proposals will be evaluated using
the same criteria and weighting. Any proposal that does not contain each element described in this RFP,
fully completed, initialed or executed, as appropriate, may be judged to be incomplete and may not be
considered further.
4.02 Scoring and Evaluation Factors
The evaluation factors reflect a wide range of considerations. While cost is important, other factors are
also significant. Consequently, the Tribes may select a contract other than the one providing the lowest
cost solution. The objective is to choose the entity capable of providing reliable and effective services
within a reasonable budget.
An award will be made to a responsible Indian Offeror if its proposed price is within 10% of the lowest
non-Indian Offeror's Proposal Price and the Indian Offeror provides documentation of having the
expertise and experience necessary to satisfactorily complete the work required.
Evaluation will be based on the following criteria:
1) Responsiveness of the proposal in clearly stating an understanding of the work to be performed.
(0-15)
2) Reasonableness of overall time estimates as well as the time estimates for each major section of
the work to be performed (0-5)
3) Qualifications and experience of Offeror (0-20)
4) Size and structure of Contractor and ability to maintain continuity of work (0-5)
5) Experience of Offeror in advising clients on the feasibility and desirability custom smolt traps
(0-20)
6) Qualifications and experience of staff to be assigned. Education, position in the Contractor, and
years and types of experience will be considered (0-10)
7) Cost (0-10)
8) TERO (0-15) as follows:
(A) Tier 1: 100% Colville Business Enterprise (15)
(B) Tier 2: Colville Family Business Enterprise (12)
(C) Tier 3: Colville Business Enterprise (9)
(D) Tier 4: Indian Business Enterprise (6)
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(E) Tier 5: Indian owned business not certified by the Colville Tribes (5)
Maximum Points: (100)
4.03 In-Person Discussion Sessions
One or more Offerors who have scored well on the evaluation may be invited by the Tribes, without cost
to the tribes, to a discussion with the Colville Business Council, the managers of relevant tribal
programs, and others invited to the Session to provide the Offeror the opportunity to demonstrate its
services, to discuss its approach/methodologies, implementation process, schedule, staffing and other
applicable professional services. The Discussion Session will be informal, as the Tribe is not interested
in a sales presentation by Offeror but rather an interactive discussion with the CBC; it is important that
those key personnel identified by the Offeror to be assigned to the project will fully participate in the
presentation and discuss.
4.04 Final Selection
The Selection Committee will formulate their recommendation for award of the Contract, which will be
forwarded to the Colville Business Council for formal acceptance.
4.05 Contract Award and Execution
The Tribes reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposals submitted.
Therefore, proposals should be initially submitted on the most favorable terms the Contractor can offer.
This should not be interpreted to prohibit either party from proposing additional contract terms and
conditions during negotiations of the final document.
The RFP document and the successful Contractor's/Offeror's proposal response, as amended by
agreement between the Tribes and the Contractor/Offeror, including e-mail or written correspondence
relative to the RFP, may become part of the Contract between the Tribes and the successful Contractor/
Offeror. Additionally, the Colville Tribes may verify the Contractor's/Offeror's representations
appearing in the proposal. Failure of the Contractor/Offeror to perform as represented may result in
elimination of the Contractor/Offeror from competition or in Contract cancellation or termination.
The apparent successful Contractor/Offeror will be expected to enter into a contract with the Tribes. If a
contract is not entered into with a reasonable time after selecting the proposal, the Tribes may elect to
cancel the award or award the Contract to the next highest ranked Offeror. The Tribes shall not be bound
or in any way obligated until both parties have executed a contract. No party may incur any chargeable
costs prior to the execution of a final contract.
After opening and ranking, an award may be made on the basis of the proposals initially submitted,
without discussion, clarification or modification, or, the Tribes may discuss with the selected Contractor
offers for cost reduction and other elements of the Contractor's proposal. If the Tribes determines that it
is unable to reach a contract satisfactory to the Tribes with the selected Contractor, then the Tribes will
terminate discussions with the selected Contractor and proceed to the next Contractor in order of
selection ranking until a contract is reached or the Tribe has rejected all proposals. The Tribes will not
disclose any information derived from the proposals submitted from competing offers in conducting
such discussions.
The Tribes reserves the right to award a contract for all or any portion of the requirements proposed by
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