Inland Waters Underused Fish Removal Operations

REQUEST FOR BIDS - RFB COVER SHEET
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
TITLE OF RFB: Inland Waters Underused Fish Removal RFB #: 27CRDFBMHAWK-100
Operations
DNR seeks to Services to remove Underused Fish Species from State of Iowa inland public waters.
purchase:
Number of mos. or yrs. of the initial term of 12 months Number of possible annual 2 years
the Contract: extensions:
Issuing Officer:
Name: Colton Lullmann
Office Address:
6200 Park Ave
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321
Phone: (515) 361-0743
E-mail: Procurement@dnr.iowa.gov
Date/Time
PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE-Event or Action: (Central Time):
DNR Issues RFB 08/21/2026 @
3:00PM CST
Emailed Bid to procurement@dnr.iowa.gov Due no later than 10:00 AM Central Time 09/02/2026 @
10:00AM CST
Relevant Websites: Web-address:
Internet website where Addenda to this https://bidopportunities.iowa.gov/
RFB will be posted:
Internet website where Contract terms and http://www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/RFPBidLettings.aspx
conditions are posted:
Number of Copies of Bid Required to be Submitted: 1
Bid Guarantee, if any: None
Firm Bid Proposal Terms: The minimum Number of Days following the deadline for submitting bid 60 Days
proposals that the Bidder guarantees all bid proposal terms, including price, will remain firm:
BIDDERS ARE CAUTIONED TO FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS
IN THIS RFB OR RISK DISQUALIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Section 1 - Introduction 2
Section 2 - Administrative Information 4
Section 3 - Specifications 8
Section 4 - Form of Bid 10
Attachment #1: Certification Letter 17
Attachment #2: Authorization to Release Information Letter 19
Attachment #3 Exceptions Form 20

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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 Bidder Instructions
Bidder is to download this document and save to computer. Once saved, type in responses to the required
sections and save again. As an option, the Bidder may print and write in responses.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Bids (RFB) is to solicit bids from qualified providers to provide the services
identified on the RFB cover sheet and described further in this RFB to the DNR. The DNR intends to award a
Contract(s) beginning and ending on the dates listed in RFB cover sheet, and the DNR may extend the Contract(s)
for up to the number of annual extensions identified in the RFB cover sheet at the sole discretion of the DNR.
Any Contract(s) resulting from the RFB shall not be an exclusive Contract.
1.3 Request for Bid (RFB) Definitions
Definitions - For the purposes of this RFB and the resulting Contract, the following terms shall mean:
"DNR" means the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Agency identified in this solicitation that is issuing the
RFB.
"Alternative Bid" means a response to a bid that does not meet the exact requirements of the specification but
offers an alternative for consideration. An alternative bid is submitted with an intentional variation to a
provision, specification, term or condition of the solicitation. This alternative, in the opinion of the bidder,
achieves the same end result. Alternative bids may be rejected as non-responsive.
"Bid" means the Bidder's bid submitted in response to the RFB.
"Bidder" means a Contractor or Vendor submitting a bid in response to this RFB.
"Contract" means the Contract(s) entered into with the successful Bidder(s).
"Responsible Bidder" means a Bidder that has the capability in all respects to perform the requirements of the
Contract. In determining whether a Bidder is a Responsible Bidder, the DNR may consider various factors
including, but not limited to, the Bidder's competence and qualifications to provide the goods or services
requested, the Bidder's integrity and reliability, the past performance of the Bidder relative to the quality of the
goods or services offered by the Bidder and the best interest of the DNR and the State.
"Responsive Bid" means a Bid that complies with each of the provisions of this RFB, or is either an alternative
bid or a bid with an exception, if accepted by the DNR.
"RFB" means this Request for Bids and any addenda hereto.
"Underused Fish Species" means any carp species, any buffalo species, freshwater drum, and gizzard shad.
"Fish Removal Operation" means use of bag seines, gillnets, trammel nets, and hoop nets for capture and
removal of underused fish species.
"Complete Seine Haul" is considered an approved bag seine length fully extended and sweeping its maximum
area.
1.4 Contract Term

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The term of the Contract will begin once a fully executed Contract has been received.
1.5 Background Information
This RFB is designed to provide Bidders with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive Bids.
The RFB process is for the DNR's benefit and is intended to provide the DNR with competitive information to
assist in the selection process. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Each Bidder is responsible for determining
all factors necessary for submission of a comprehensive Bid.
Under the authority of Iowa Code Chapter 482 and Iowa Administrative Code 82, the DNR is seeking to remove
aquatic species that are an underused renewable resource or have a detrimental effect on other aquatic
populations from the waters of the state known as:
Iowa (Emmet County)
Little Spirit (Dickinson County)
North Twin Lake (Calhoun County)
Okoboji Chain (Dickinson)
Silver (Palo Alto County)
Storm (Buena Vista County)
Sugema (Van Buren County)
Tuttle (Emmet County)
George Wyth/Cedar River (Black Hawk County)
Prairie Park Fishery (Linn County)
Upper and Middle Sabula lakes (Jackson County)
The DNR seeks sealed bids from qualified Contractors for removal of Underused Fish Species from these waters
of the state. These contracts shall be awarded to the firm or individual whose bid is believed to be the most
advantageous to the state. Bids may be rejected if they do not appear to be reasonable or if there is reason to
believe that the firm or individual is not sufficiently qualified to accomplish the desired work.

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SECTION 2 - ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
2.1 Issuing Officer
The Issuing Officer identified in this solicitation is the sole point of contact regarding the RFB from the date of
issuance until selection of the successful Bidder.
2.2 Restriction on Communication
From the issue date of this RFB until announcement of the successful Bidder, Bidders may contact only the
Issuing Officer. The Issuing Officer will respond only to emailed questions regarding the procurement process at
Procurement@dnr.iowa.gov. Questions related to the interpretation of this RFB must be submitted as provided
in this solicitation. Oral questions related to the interpretation of this RFB will not be accepted. Bidders may be
disqualified if they contact any State employee other than the Issuing Officer about the RFB except that Bidders
may contact the State Targeted Small Business Office on issues related to the preference for Targeted Small
Businesses.
The DNR assumes no responsibility for oral representations made by its officers or employees unless such
representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFB through an addendum.
2.3 Amendment to the RFB
The DNR reserves the right to amend the RFB at any time using an addendum. The Bidder shall acknowledge
receipt of all addenda in its Bid.
It is the Bidder's sole responsibility to check daily for addenda to posted documents.
2.4 Bid Amendment and/or Withdrawal
The Bidder may amend or withdraw and resubmit its Bid at any time before the Bids are due. The amendment
must be submitted and received by the time set for the receipt of Bids.
2.5 Submission of Bids
The DNR is requiring each Contractor to EMAIL its Bid to procurement@dnr.iowa.gov so that it is received by the
Issuing Officer no later 09/02/2026 at 10:00AM Central Time. The Contractor must ensure the subject line of the
email includes the RFB number as identified in the solicitation document. This is a mandatory specification and
will not be waived by the DNR. Any Bid received after this deadline will be rejected. It is the Contractor's
responsibility to ensure that the Bid is received prior to the deadline. Contractors must furnish all information
necessary to evaluate the Bid. Bids that fail to meet the mandatory requirements of the RFB will be disqualified.
Verbal information provided by the Contractor will not be considered part of the Contractor's Bid unless it is
reduced to writing.
2.6 Costs of Preparing the Bid
The costs of preparation and delivery of the Bid are solely the responsibility of the Bidder.
2.7 Rejection of Bids
The DNR reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, in whole and in part, received in response to this RFB at any
time prior to the execution of a written Contract. Issuance of this RFB in no way constitutes a commitment by
the DNR to award a Contract. This RFB is designed to provide Bidders with the information necessary to prepare
a competitive Bid. This RFB process is for the DNR's benefit and is intended to provide the DNR with competitive
information to assist in the selection of a Bidder to provide goods and/or services. It is not intended to be
comprehensive and each Bidder is responsible for determining all factors necessary for submission of a
comprehensive Bid.
2.8 Disqualification

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The DNR will reject outright and will not evaluate Bids if the Bidder fails to deliver the Bid by the due date and
time. The DNR may reject outright and may not evaluate Bids for any one of the following reasons:
The Bidder acknowledges that a requirement of the RFB cannot be met.
The Bidder's Bid materially changes a requirement of the RFB or the Bid is not compliant with the
requirements of the RFB.
The Bidder's Bid limits the rights of the DNR.
The Bidder fails to include information necessary to substantiate that it will be able to meet a
requirement of the RFB.
The Bidder fails to timely respond to the DNR's request for information, documents, or references.
The Bidder fails to include any signature, certification, authorization, stipulation, disclosure or guarantee
requested.
The Bidder presents the information requested by this RFB in a format inconsistent with the instructions
of the RFB or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of the RFB.
The Bidder initiates unauthorized contact regarding the RFB with state employees.
The Bidder provides misleading or inaccurate responses.
The Bidder's Bid is materially unbalanced.
There is insufficient evidence (including evidence submitted by the Bidder and evidence obtained by the
DNR from other sources) to satisfy the DNR that the Bidder is properly responsive and responsible to
satisfy the requirements of the RFB.
The Bidder alters the language in Certification Letter or Authorization to Release Information Letter.
The Bidder has been convicted of a fish or game violation in the last 24 months.
The Bidder has defaulted or had a similar contract terminated for cause in the last 24 months.
2.9 Nonmaterial Variances
The DNR reserves the right to waive or permit cure of nonmaterial variances in the Bid if, in the judgment of the
DNR, it is in the DNR's best interest to do so. Nonmaterial variances include minor informalities that do not
affect responsiveness, that are merely a matter of form or format, that do not change the relative standing or
otherwise prejudice other Bidders, that do not change the meaning or scope of the RFB, or that do not reflect a
material change in the requirements of the RFB. In the event the DNR waives or permits cure of nonmaterial
variances, such waiver or cure will not modify the RFB requirements or excuse the Bidder from full compliance
with RFB specifications or other Contract requirements if the Bidder is awarded the Contract. The determination
of materiality is in the sole discretion of the DNR.
2.10 Reference Checks
The DNR reserves the right to contact any reference to assist in the evaluation of the Bid, to verify information
contained in the Bid and to discuss the Bidder's qualifications and the qualifications of any subcontractor
identified in the Bid.
2.11 Information from Other Sources
The DNR reserves the right to obtain and consider information from other sources concerning a Bidder, such as
the Bidder's capability and performance under other Contracts, the qualifications of any subcontractor identified
in the Bid, the Bidder's financial stability, past or pending litigation, and other publicly available information.
2.12 Verification of Bid Contents
The content of a Bid submitted by a Bidder is subject to verification. If the DNR in its sole discretion determines
that the content is in any way misleading or inaccurate, the Bidder may be disqualified.
2.13 Bid Clarification Process

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The DNR reserves the right to contact a Bidder after the submission of Bids for the purpose of clarifying a Bid to
ensure mutual understanding. This contact may include written questions, interviews, site visits, a review of past
performance if the Bidder has provided goods and/or services to the State or any other political subdivision
wherever located, or requests for corrective pages in the Bidder's Bid. The DNR will not consider information
received if the information materially alters the content of the Bid or alters the type of goods and/or services the
Bidder is offering to the DNR. An individual authorized to legally bind the Bidder shall sign responses to any
request for clarification. Responses shall be submitted to the DNR within the time specified in the DNR's request.
Failure to comply with requests for additional information may result in rejection of the Bid as non-compliant.
2.14 Disposition of Bids
All Bids become the property of the DNR and shall not be returned to the Bidder at the conclusion of the
selection process, the contents of all Bids will be part of the public record and be available for inspection by
interested parties except for information for which Bidder properly requests confidential treatment according to
exceptions provided in Iowa Code Chapter 22, other applicable law below.
2.15 Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment
The DNR's release of public records is governed by Iowa Code chapter 22. Bidders are encouraged to familiarize
themselves with Chapter 22 before submitting a Bid. The DNR will copy and produce public records upon
request as required to comply with Chapter 22 and will treat all information submitted by a Bidder as
non-confidential records unless Bidder requests specific parts of the Bid be treated as confidential at the time of
the submission as set forth herein AND the information is confidential under Iowa or other applicable law.
2.16 Copyrights
By submitting a Bid, the Bidder agrees that the DNR may copy the Bid for purposes of facilitating the evaluation
of the Bid or to respond to requests for public records. The Bidder consents to such copying by submitting a Bid
and warrants that such copying will not violate the rights of any third party. The DNR shall have the right to use
ideas or adaptations of ideas that are presented in the Bids.
2.17 Release of Claims
By submitting a Bid, the Bidder agrees that it will not bring any claim or cause of action against the DNR based on
any misunderstanding concerning the information provided herein or concerning the DNR's failure, negligent or
otherwise, to provide the Bidder with pertinent information in this RFB.
2.18 Bidder Presentations
At the sole discretion of the State, Bidders may be required to make a presentation of the Bid. The presentation
may occur at the DNR's offices or at the offices of the Bidder. The determination as to need for presentations,
the location, order, and schedule of the presentations is at the sole discretion of the DNR. The presentation may
include slides, graphics and other media selected by the Bidder to illustrate the Bidder's Bid. The presentation
shall not materially change the information contained in the Bid.
2.19 Evaluation of Bids Submitted
Bids that are timely submitted and are not subject to disqualification will be reviewed in accordance with the
RFB.
2.20 Preference
By virtue of statutory authority, a preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced
within the state of Iowa. Preference application: Tied responses to solicitations, regardless of the type of
solicitation, are decided in favor of Iowa products and Iowa-based businesses per 11 IAC 117.
2.21 Determination of Responsible Bidder & Responsive Bid

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All Bids will be first evaluated to determine if they comply with the bid requirements (i.e. to determine if the
Bidder is a Responsible Bidder submitting a Responsive Bid). To be deemed a Responsible Bidder and a
Responsive Bid, the Bid must comply with the bid format instructions and answer "Yes" to all parts and include
information demonstrating the Bidder will be able to comply with the bid requirements.
2.22 Evaluation Criteria
The DNR will evaluate the Responsive Bids submitted by Responsible Bidders to determine the bids that are most
advantageous to the state and will award the Contract(s) to the Bidder(s) submitting the most advantageous
bid(s) to the state.
2.23 Award Notice and Acceptance Period
Notice of Intent to Award the Contract(s) will be sent to all Bidders submitting a timely Bid. Negotiation and
execution of the Contract(s) shall be completed no later than ninety (90) days from the date of the Notice of
Intent to Award. If the apparent successful Bidder fails to negotiate and deliver an executed Contract by that
date, the DNR, in its sole discretion, may cancel the award and award the Contract to the remaining Bidder the
DNR believes is most advantageous to the state.
2.24 Definition of Contract
The full execution of a written Contract shall constitute the making of a Contract for services requested by the
RFB and no Bidder shall acquire any legal or equitable rights relative to the Contract for services until the
Contract has been fully executed by the successful Bidder and the DNR.
2.25 Choice of Law and Forum
This RFB and the Contract are to be governed by the laws of the state of Iowa. Changes in applicable laws and
rules may affect the award process or the Contract. Bidders are responsible for ascertaining pertinent legal
requirements and restrictions. Any and all litigation or actions commenced in connection with this RFB shall be
brought in the appropriate Iowa forum.
2.26 Restrictions on Gifts and Activities
Iowa Code Chapter 68B restricts gifts which may be given or received by State employees and requires certain
individuals to disclose information concerning their activities with State government. Bidders are responsible to
determine the applicability of Chapter 68B to their activities and to comply with its requirements. In addition,
pursuant to Iowa Code Section 722.1, it is a felony offense to bribe or attempt to bribe a public official.
2.27 Unit Price
If a discrepancy between the unit price and the item total exists, the unit price prevails.
2.28 Price Adjustments to Term Contract(s)
Bid prices shall remain firm for the initial term of the Contract. Price adjustments may be taken into
consideration during the Contract renewal process. The State reserves the right to accept or reject any proposed
price(s) changes.

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SECTION 3 - SPECIFICATIONS
All items listed in this Section are Bid Requirements. A successful Bidder must be able to satisfy all these requirements to
be deemed a Responsible Bidder.
3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1.1 The Bidder shall not conduct any fish removal operations if water temperature exceeds 70 degrees F in the fishing area
except on Upper/Middle Sabula (Jackson County) lakes. There are no temperature restrictions on Upper/Middle
Sabula lakes within the contract period.
3.1.2 The Bidder shall only conduct fish removal operations from the Tuesday after Labor Day through the Thursday
before Memorial Day unless express written permission is provided by DNR. Permission may only be granted by
DNR at its sole discretion and only if water temperatures are favorable. This does not apply to Upper/Middle
Sabula (Jackson County) lakes. There are no date or temperature restrictions on Upper/Middle Sabula lakes
within the contract period.
3.1.3 The Bidder shall use only approved bag seines having a webbing mesh of not less than two and one-half (2 1/2)
inches bar measure, provided that no mesh measuring more than one and one-half (1 1/2) inches nor less than
one (1) inch bar measure shall be contained in the center or bag portion of the seine.
On George Wyth Lake/Cedar River (Black Hawk County), Lake Sugema (Van Buren County), Prairie Park Fishery
(Linn County), and Upper and Middle Sabula lakes (Jackson County) the Bidder can also use:
Hoop Net: A passive entrapment device consisting of tubular netting suspended over a series of rigid
rings or hoops. All hoop nets used under this contract must feature a functional escape hole
measuring a minimum of five (5) inches in diameter in all directions. This escape hole must be
located in the netting between the final hoop and the tail-line.
Gillnet: A passive capture device consisting of a single wall of netting suspended vertically in the
water column designed to entangle target species. Gillnets may be of unlimited length. The netting
must consist of webbing mesh measuring no less than three and one-half (3.5) inches bar measure.
Operational restrictions require that gillnets be constantly attended by the Contractor during open
water conditions. During ice cover conditions, gillnets must be lifted and completely emptied of
catch at intervals not exceeding 96 hours.
Trammel Net: A passive capture device consisting of three parallel layers of netting (a slack,
small-mesh inner panel sandwiched between two taut, large-mesh outer panels) suspended
vertically in the water column. Trammel nets may be of unlimited length. The netting must consist of
webbing mesh measuring no less than three and one-half (3.5) inches bar measure. Operational
restrictions require that trammel nets be constantly attended by the Contractor during open water
conditions. During ice cover conditions, trammel nets must be lifted and completely emptied of
catch at intervals not exceeding 96 hours.
3.1.4 On Prairie Park Fishery, the Bidder shall conduct a series of at least three complete seine hauls conducted
approximately one week apart before the end of 2026 unless express written permission by the DNR agreeing to
reduce is obtained. On all other lakes, the Bidder shall conduct a minimum of two (2) complete seine hauls at
each contracted lake for each contracted year unless express written permission by the DNR agreeing to reduce
is obtained. The contracted price will not change in the event the DNR agrees to reduce the number of fish
removal operations. When using gillnets, trammel nets, or hoop nets where allowed the minimum required
effort shall be at least four full days of fishing effort.

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3.1.5 The Bidder shall remove all captured Underused Fish Species (defined in Section 1.3) and dispose of them
through commercial sale, in an approved landfill, or in another DNR approved manner with express written
permission by the DNR.
3.1.6 The Bidder shall not return any dead captured fish to any waters of the state.
3.1.7 The Bidder shall make earnest effort to not harm aquatic species other than Underused Fish Species to be
removed. The Bidder shall return all alive and unharmed fish that are not specifically requested in this RFB to be
removed.
3.1.8 The Bidder shall provide the DNR a documented detailed summary of each fish removal operation within 14 days
of the fish removal operation on a form to be provided by the DNR.
3.1.9 The DNR reserves the right to sample the Contractor's total catch for the purpose of collecting biological
information. DNR agents or their designated representatives may board and ride fishing boats and vehicles of the
Contractor to accomplish this collection and to otherwise enforce compliance with the terms of this Contract.
Additional Requirements for Prairie Park Fishery:
o The DNR or Iowa State University (ISU) fisheries researchers will be present during all fish removal
operations to collect biological data.
o There are approximately 30 invasive carp tagged in this system. If these tagged fish are encountered
during Fish Removal Operations, Iowa DNR or ISU fisheries researchers will remove the tag before
leaving the lake.
o Acoustic receivers will be in place in Prairie Park Fishery during this contract. The Contractor shall
work with ISU fisheries researchers to avoid receivers during Fish Removal Operations.
3.1.10 Iowa law prohibits the transport of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). The Bidder shall comply with the following
restrictions:
Nets from known infested waters may not be used in uninfested waters. A second set of nets is
required. A second net pen is also required if one was used in a known infested waterbody. Infested
waterbodies are listed in the AIS section of the current year's fishing regulations booklet and on the
DNR website at: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/About-Fishing-in-Iowa/Fighting-Invasive-Species
Infested waterbodies should be fished last in the season.
One waterbody should be fished until fishing is complete for that waterbody. Do not relocate from
one waterbody to another in the same day unless a second set of equipment and nets are available.
When relocating between un-infested waterbodies, nets must be stretched out and allowed to dry for
5 days or be washed with 140-degree water for 5 minutes before fishing a new waterbody.
Inspect boat hulls, propellers, trailers, nets, and other equipment and remove all aquatic plants and
animals before leaving a waterbody.
Boats, trailers, bilges, live wells, coolers, buckets, containers, pumps, and motors should be drained of
water before leaving a waterbody and must to be cleaned or allowed to dry completely (minimum of
5 days) before using in another water body. Cleaning shall include: washing boats (inside and out)
with hot water (105-110 degrees F for 30 minutes or 140 degrees F for 5 minutes); outboard motors
must be flushed with bleach or allowed to drain out for 5 days in the down position; and all other
equipment that holds water should go through one of the same processes.
Holding ponds separate from the waterbody being fished may not be used to keep live fish. Holding
pens within the waterbody being fished are allowed.
Fish must not be transported in a live tank with water from a known infested waterbody. An
alternative water source known not to be infested with AIS shall be used when transporting harvested
fish.
The local fisheries management biologist must be given a 48-hour notice of your arrival at each
waterbody. A meeting with fisheries staff may be required before fishing can begin. All DNR staff
have the right to inspect all equipment and ensure the steps above have been completed prior to
fishing.
3.2 BIDDER REQUIREMENTS

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3.2.1 The Bidder shall have a minimum of 5 years' experience successfully removing fish from inland lakes using
large bag seines for Local, State or Federal agencies.
3.2.2 The Bidder is required to possess a valid Iowa Commercial Fishing License. All bidders must be eligible to
purchase a valid Iowa Commercial Fishing License at time of bid.
3.2.3 The Bidders shall provide the appropriate qualified staff ensuring all fish removal operations meet current
Local, State, and Federal rules and guidelines.
3.2.4 The Bidder shall have all subcontractors approved by the DNR prior to any fish removal operations. All
subcontractors shall be subject to all terms and conditions set forth in this RFB. If the Bidder is not present
during a fish removal operation, an approved subcontractor with a valid Iowa Commercial Fishing License
must be present.