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Board weighs software options and pilot to post fish on New Bedford 'Base' auction; members seek protections for captains
Summary
Members discussed whether to develop bespoke auction software, license an existing product such as Base, or outsource auction operations. Staff described procurement constraints and proposed a New Bedford (Base) pilot; board members asked for a plan to limit price risk for captains, including a potential capped compensation mechanism.
The Portland Fish Pier Authority discussed options for replacing or licensing its fish-auction software and reviewed plans for a pilot that would post local landings on the Base auction in New Bedford.
Staff summarized a developer forum that showed vendor interest but reiterated guidance from Sam Chapin, the city's purchasing officer, that the city would not issue a request for proposals for software development unless funding has been allocated up front. "They don't want us to go on, as she said, a fishing expedition just to see who's out there," a presenter said, relaying the city's procurement concern.
Board members and staff outlined three paths: pursue bespoke software development (which staff estimated could reach the seven-figure realm), license and host an existing product such as Base, or outsource auction operations to an established provider. "We would need to have on the order of $1,000,000 in order to even, you know, credibly proceed" with development, a presenter told the board.
Separately, the board discussed a pilot to place fish on Base. Robert said the pilot is ready when boat schedules align and that unloading for Base requires delivering product the day before Base's 6 a.m. auction start. That timing can expose captains to the market's day-to-day volatility: a boat that unloads one day might see prices shift the next. Board members proposed a temporary protection for participating captains — a small insurance or compensation pool to cover price differentials if a test harms a vessel financially. Members asked staff to draft a clearer plan and budget and to propose thresholds or caps for any compensation requests.
Robert provided operational context: "Landings for November, we're at a 106,000 with a 125,000 budgeted." He also noted recent operational repairs and that a new buyer (Atlantic Offshore Fishery, out of New Jersey) has been active on local auctions.
Because the board lacked quorum the meeting did not approve any procurement or compensation measures; staff said they will return with a more structured pilot plan and budget for the full board.
