Questions and Answers for 1232SA26Q0307.pdf

Questions for 1232SA26Q0307- GPS Livestock Tracking Collars

1. First, the specifications indicate that the collars must support LoRaWAN and/or cellular communication and also be Bluetooth enabled. Could you please clarify the intended purpose of the Bluetooth functionality if data transmission is already achieved through LoRaWAN or cellular connectivity?

We hope to obtain collars with Bluetooth or another radio frequency signaling option in order to evaluate animal contact events - that is, to determine when and how often animals come in close contact with one another.

2. Second, regarding the GPS tracking capability, could you please confirm the expected data resolution or reporting interval for location data (for example, how frequently the collar should record or transmit GPS positions)?

Ideally, we would like to collect animal location coordinates at one-minute intervals, with accuracy less than 3-12 feet. We recognize that accuracy of devices is linked to satellite reception (e.g. dilution of precision) but will be working in relatively small pastures and so would like to identify place locations with high precision and accuracy.

3. Finally, the specifications indicate that the device must include an audio warning level of less than 90 dB at 3-4 feet. Could you please clarify the intended purpose of this feature, specifically whether the audio warning is expected to support virtual fencing or geofence boundary alerts, proximity alerts, or another operational function? Indeed, we are hoping these audio warnings will be used in virtual fence applications. Still, collars may be used without virtual fencing in some studies, and we hope, in those cases, to just use GPS coordinate data.

4. What is the approximate acreage or grazing area size where the virtual fence boundaries will be established?

Paddocks will range from ½ acre to 30 acres in size

5. Will the collars be deployed at one location or multiple sites?

Collars will be deployed at a singular research farm that is approximately 400 acres

6. Is there currently a cellular or LoRaWAN infrastructure available at the deployment location?

There is no LoRaWAN nor cellular infrastructure available - the cellular service is reliable though.

7. Will installation, configuration, or training support be required as part of the requirement?

Configuration for high frequency data collection will be required and training support for web dashboard/interface would be helpful

8. Do you prefer to have the 12-month subscription service as a separate line item?

Please include this as a separate line item for our records.

9. Does the Government have a preferred connectivity type for the collars (cellular, LoRaWAN, or as stated in the specification)?

We do have preference for cellular collars for their flexibility and to avoid LoRaWAN infrastructure

10. Will the Government require access to a cloud-based monitoring dashboard for viewing animal locations and exporting raw GPS data?

Yes, we will need this, but ideally will have access to the raw data too

11. Is there an estimated period of performance beyond the initial 12-month subscription, or should vendors assume renewal options may be exercised in subsequent years?

This contract will only cover the first initial 12-month subscription.