Sunfish for Statewide Urban Fishing Program

The State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a vendor to provide live hybrid sunfish for its Statewide Urban Fishing Program. The contract covers the delivery of approximately 93,000 fish annually across five geographic regions (Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southern Illinois, and Chicago lagoons) plus an additional 40,000 fish for special‑event stocking. Fish must be 4‑6 inches in length, meet specific mortality guarantees, and be transported in temperature‑controlled conditions with a 10‑ft release chute. The initial contract term is two years with options to extend up to a total of ten years. Key requirements include an Illinois Aquaculture or Aquatic Life Dealer license, U.S.‑origin product preference, and strict quality/mortality assurances. • Deliver live hybrid sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus × Lepomis cyanellus) sized 4‑6 inches. • Supply ~93 k fish per year plus 40 k special‑event fish, distributed statewide. • Maintain temperature‑controlled transport, ≤2 % mortality, and replace any excess dead fish. • Contract term: 2‑year initial period with up to three additional renewal years (max 10 years). • Vendor must hold an Illinois aquaculture or dealer license and comply with FDA interstate‑transfer standards.