93_111378_Ecoscan_Notice.pdf
PDF 121 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Recording Aerial Extent of Coastal Kelp Canopies
- Solicitation number
- 93-111378
- Issued by
- Washington
About this file
This is a sole source posting notice from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announcing the anticipated award of a contract to Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. for recording the aerial extent of coastal kelp canopies. The contractor will provide aerial photography and mapping of two kelp species (Nereocystis luetkeana and Macrocystis pyrifera) from imagery collected during 2026 and 2027 within specified survey ranges: the Washington State marine coastline from Port Townsend to the Copalis River, including Protection, Tatoosh, and Destruction Islands for the long-term monitoring survey, and shoreline within DNR Aquatic Reserves at Cherry Point, Smith and Minor Islands, and Cypress Island for the reserves survey. Deliverables include hand-digitized kelp canopy maps projected onto baseline maps with species-specific rendering, detailed canopy analysis by number and species, statistical comparisons to previous surveys dating from 1990 to 2026, and output products featuring maps at multiple scales along with tabular and spatial data. The initial contract term is one year, with an anticipated issue date on or after August 14, 2026, and DNR retains the option to extend the contract for three additional one-year increments. Capability statements addressing vendor qualifications must be submitted within ten working days of the announcement.
The one-year initial contract value is $43,408, with DNR determining that each optional one-year extension would result in equal or slightly higher consideration. The incumbent vendor, Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc., possesses 36 years of specialized experience in hand-digitizing floating kelp canopies using the specific methodology originally developed by this entity. DNR justifies the sole source award based on the vendor's unique expertise, as kelp canopy mapping is characterized as an interpretive science requiring continuity with the same entity that developed and has consistently employed these methods over three decades. Required vendor capabilities include extensive documented experience in aerial photography-based coastal kelp surveys, equipment for collecting aerial photography, and the ability to provide high-resolution aerial imagery meeting specific conditions of low tide, calm water, and cloud-free conditions during peak canopy expression between July and October.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 93_111378_Ecoscan_Market Research.pdf | ||
| 93_111378_Ecoscan_Justification.pdf | ||
| 93_111378_Ecoscan Resource Data Inc_Contract.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
N O T I C E
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Department of Natural Resources
SOLE SOURCE POSTING
July 15, 2026
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), contemplates awarding a sole source contract to Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. to provide recordings of the aerial extent of coastal kelp canopies from imagery that will be collected in 2026 and 2027 within a specified survey range as identified by DNR.
Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. will map the aerial extent of the coastal kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana and Macrocystis pyrifera) canopies from imagery they will collect in 2026 and 2027 within the DNR assigned survey range from an aerial platform, utilizing existing vertical color infrared digital photography. Low altitude kelp canopy composition observations will be provided in support of the aerial imagery. All survey imagery will be projected onto existing baseline maps and the kelp canopies, by species, accurately rendered. Each subsequent kelp canopy map will be scanned into an image processing program and a detailed analysis of canopy planimeter area by canopy number, species, map page, and survey range conducted. Statistical comparisons of changes in these indices between this current survey and those of previous inventory will be included. A variety of output products, featuring maps at several scales, will be presented as a means of understanding this important resource. Imagery, processing, analysis and presentation methods will be consistent with the imagery, processing, analysis and presentation methods used in past reports dating from 1990-2026.
A report from 2024 summarizing methods to be used is available at:
https://dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/aqr_nrsh_vanwagenen24.pdf
The survey range for the long-term monitoring survey is the Washington State marine coastline from the city of Port Townsend to the Copalis River, including Protection, Tatoosh, and Destruction Islands.
The survey range for the reserves survey is shoreline within the following properties, identified as DNR Aquatic Reserves: Cherry Point, Smith and Minor Islands, and Cypress Island.
DNR requires Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. because they have the specialized skills to hand-digitize floating kelp canopies from aerial imagery. Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. has 36 years of experience with this exact methodology. Since mapping kelp canopies is an interpretive science, it is imperative that the same entity continues to create these maps. Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. has experience with the specific methods used as they developed the methods and have used them consistently over the past three decades.
DNR will enter into a one (1) year contract with Van Wagenen Robert Farel dba Ecoscan Resource Data, Inc. The contract will be issued on or after August 14, 2026, and will continue for a one (1) year initial term. The cost of this one (1) year contract is $43,408. DNR may opt to extend the contract for three (3) additional times in one (1) year increments, if required. DNR determines that each optional additional one (1) year extension would result in equal (and/or slightly higher) consideration being added to the total contract value.
https://dnr.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/aqr_nrsh_vanwagenen24.pdf
Offerors contemplating the above requirements are required to submit capability statements detailing their ability to meet the state’s requirements within ten (10) working days of this announcement.
Vendor capability statements should address how they are qualified and capable of performing the following requirements:
• The vendor must have extensive documented experience in all aspects of conducting aerial photography based coastal floating kelp canopy surveys. This experience must include:
acquiring vertical aerial color infrared photographic imagery and associated observations, interpretation of imagery and transfer of the information into GIS databases, species-specific identification of floating kelp canopy and bed area, statistical comparisons of extent of the kelp along the coastline and between years, and presentation of survey results using maps at various scales as well as tabular and spatial data.
• The vendor must possess equipment and/or the ability to collect aerial photography for use in mapping aquatic lands.
• The vendor must be able to document how they can provide high-resolution aerial photography with the following characteristics: low-tide, calm water, and cloud free during peak floating kelp canopy expression (i.e., between July and October).
In the absence of other capable sources, it is the state’s intent to make a sole source award of the contract. To submit capability statements or for questions, contact:
Name: Danielle Claar Phone: 360-902-1030 Email: Danielle.claar@dnr.wa.gov
| NOTICE |
| SOLE SOURCE POSTING |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .