FBO_Announcement_1.pdf

Intent to Award Notice – 140G0125Q0112 Page 1 of 1

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (WVCFWRU) has a requirement to purchase a boat, motor, and trailer package capable of conducting electrofishing research utilizing specialized electrofishing equipment manufactured by Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems (MLES).

The USGS is aware of no other source that can provide a boat, motor, and trailer package designed specifically to work with Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems electrofishing control box. Therefore, the USGS intends to make an award to Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems unless the USGS is contacted by any vendor who believes they can provide a product that can meet the needs of this requirement. Vendors are invited to contact the Contracting Officer, Brian Baker via email at bfbaker@usgs.gov no later than 1:00 PM EST, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, with an affirmative answer.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) considers employee signatures to be Personal Protected Information, and therefore all employee signatures have been redacted. By posting this document, the Contracting Officer attests all appropriate signatures have been obtained.

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (FAR 13.1)

The following information is provided to demonstrate the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications:

1. The requirement is for an 18-foot V-hull boat of welded construction that is compatible with Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems (MLES) electrofishing equipment. This boat when fitted with existing MLES electrofishing equipment will support the safety and field programs of the West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (WVCFWRU) for training students and USGS employees for certification of motorboat operation as required by DOI policy, and for use in research of fish and wildlife in a variety of habitats pursuant to research objectives associated with fisheries and wildlife management, aquatic and terrestrial sciences, and resource conservation.

2. A boat from MLES is required for compatibility with WVCFWRU’s MLES control box and associated MLES electrofishing equipment. The MLES boat is hardwired with specialized anodes and wiring that directly connect to an MLES control box via box-specific connectors and wiring. Further, the electrofishing control box needs to be tightly secured in the boat while electrofishing. MLES boats have a metal fabricated stand that is customized for the dimensions of an MLES control box (16” x 12”) allowing the control box to sit securely and safely in front of the boat operator while electrofishing. The control box has an emergency cut-off switch that needs to be accessible and within view of the boat operator, so the control box cannot be placed anywhere else on the boat. Only control boxes made by MLEs have these dimensions. A boat sourced from a company other than MLEs would have incompatible wiring and mounting location.

3. Future requirements, including when the Midwest Lakes Management electrofishing boat meets end of life, will undergo market research and be competed to the maximum extend practical.