The District 3-Fish Management agency is dedicated to sustaining and enhancing aquatic habitats and public access to Ohio’s inland waterways through targeted infrastructure development and maintenance. Its core mission centers on supporting fisheries management, recreational fishing access, and aqua...
The District 3-Fish Management agency is dedicated to sustaining and enhancing aquatic habitats and public access to Ohio’s inland waterways through targeted infrastructure development and maintenance. Its core mission centers on supporting fisheries management, recreational fishing access, and aquatic resource conservation by constructing and upgrading boat ramps, fishing piers, dock systems, and associated shoreline infrastructure. Strategic priorities include improving ADA compliance at public fishing sites, modernizing boat maintenance facilities, and ensuring durable, weather-resistant construction in high-use recreational zones. Key programs focus on habitat accessibility, safety enhancements, and long-term asset resilience, with an emphasis on integrating functional design with environmental stewardship.
The agency primarily procures heavy civil engineering services and specialized marine construction, with a strong focus on site preparation, paving, sealing, and structural improvements to boat launch facilities. Contracts are typically awarded through open solicitations for design-build or construction management services, reflecting a preference for turnkey solutions that ensure coordinated execution of complex waterfront projects. Procurements for specialized equipment, such as electrofishers and insulated boat interior systems, indicate an operational need for field-ready tools and vessel maintenance capabilities.
Primary procurement activity targets NAICS 237310 (highway and bridge construction) and 237990 (other heavy civil engineering), reflecting the agency’s reliance on civil contractors for shoreline and ramp infrastructure. The 336612 (boat building) and 336390 (motor vehicle parts) codes reveal niche investments in custom marine equipment and vessel retrofits, suggesting a hands-on approach to maintaining a fleet of operational and research vessels. No set-asides are utilized, and vendor relationships appear performance-driven, favoring experienced contractors with proven expertise in aquatic infrastructure and marine construction.
District 3-Fish Management operates under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, serving designated wildlife districts across the state with localized infrastructure needs. It utilizes standard federal and state procurement vehicles, including competitive sealed bidding and request for proposals, to acquire construction and specialized equipment services critical to its conservation and public access mission.
