A16_Single_Source_Justification_1.pdf

FWS Form 3-0034 (Rev. 10/2020) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

1. Description of Need

3. Other Capable Sources

2. Market Research Conducted

Pursuant to FAR subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii), for purchases not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), Contracting Officers may solicit from only one source if the circumstances deem only one source is reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand name, or industrial mobilization).

Instructions: The information in the text boxes are provided as sample language or to indicate a needed fill-in. Sample language should be removed from the final document. All text boxes require information and shall not be left blank.

SINGLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

(UNDER SAT)

JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

Acquisitions Operations

4. Barriers to Competition

5. Contractor's Qualifications

6. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Cost

7. Recommendation and Certification by Program Office

Based on the above justification, I recommend this acquisition to be conducted using sole source acquisition procedures. I hereby certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Program / Project Officer

8. Contracting Officer Certification and Approval: Under SAT

Based on the above justification, I hereby certify and approve the use of sole source acquisition procedures under FAR Part 13 for this purchase.

Contracting Officer

Text3: While VODA IQ manufactures PIT tags that could be utilized for similar purposes, there are significant concerns regarding the consistency and reliability of their tags. Specifically, there is no guarantee that VODA IQ tags will yield the same level of detections throughout the Columbia River Basin. There has been minimal use of these vendor's tags by Federal, State, and Tribal agencies to date as compared to Biomark. This variability poses a risk to fisheries management, as inconsistent detection rates and other potential variable can lead to unreliable data and potentially hinder effective decision-making.

To mitigate these risks, we are requesting a sole source procurement for Biomark tags. These tags will be paired with the previously purchased VODA IQ tags for our paired release studies. This approach will enable us to confirm detection efficiencies through direct comparison, ensuring that our monitoring efforts are based on reliable and consistent data.

By utilizing Biomark tags in conjunction with VODA IQ tags, we aim to enhance the accuracy of our findings and support effective fisheries management in the region.

Text2: Extensive long-term studies have demonstrated the importance of purchasing PIT tags from the same manufacturer and model numbers to ensure data consistency and reliability. Our continual purchases from Biomark have resulted in a robust dataset, characterized by consistent historical data and reporting that is critical for effective fisheries management.

Currently, there are only a few companies that produce PIT tags suitable for use in fish and wildlife applications. Biomark Inc. and Merck Health are the primary suppliers of PIT tags utilized throughout the Columbia Basin, serving Federal, State, and Tribal agencies. Biomark has established a reliable system for loading individual tags into a sterile, single-use injection system, ensuring consistent and hygienic implantation during mass tagging operations.

Biomark products are widely adopted due to their compatibility with the existing PIT infrastructure in the Columbia River Basin, which includes dams, hatcheries, and instream arrays. This compatibility is contingent upon specific physical properties, which are as follows:

Encapsulation Material: Must be glass and injectable.

Length: Between 12.0 and 12.5 mm.

Weight: Average weight of 0.115g or less when measured in air.

Given these factors, it is evident that Biomark remains the most suitable source for our tagging needs, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of our monitoring efforts.

Text1: PIT tags are a widely used and essential tool for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in monitoring fish populations within the Columbia Basin. The infrastructure throughout the Columbia Basin has been strategically adapted to incorporate PIT tag detectors, enabling comprehensive tracking and data collection across the watershed.

Each PIT tag carries a unique alpha-numeric code, allowing for the identification of individual fish. The proposed tags for this initiative are the Biomark APT12 preloaded 134.2 kHz ISO FDX-B tags. These tags are specifically designed to be loaded into individual 12-gauge needles using a unique preloaded syringe implantation system, ensuring efficient and effective tagging procedures.

The monitoring systems deployed throughout the basin are equipped to detect PIT-tagged fish in their natural habitats, significantly reducing the need for post-tagging handling. This approach not only minimizes stress on the fish but also enhances the accuracy of our monitoring efforts, allowing for reliable data collection on fish movement and population dynamics.

The use of Biomark tags is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our monitoring programs and ensuring the success of our fisheries management strategies in the Columbia Basin.

Text4: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Dworshak National Fish Hatchery (NFH) recognizes the importance of fostering competition among vendors. However, there are significant barriers that necessitate the request for a sole source procurement in this instance.

Scientific Integrity: The integrity of our scientific research is critical. Any alteration in the variables we utilize—such as changing to tags from a different vendor—could introduce unforeseen variables that may compromise the validity of our data. This is particularly crucial for our monitoring of outmigration survival and adult returns.

Consistency in Data Collection: To ensure reliable comparisons and confirmations of our monitoring efforts, it is essential to use the same vendor for our tagging materials. Variability in tags can affect fish behavior and survival rates, leading to inconclusive results that could hinder effective management decisions.

Specialized Requirements: The specific requirements for our tagging process, including size, durability, and compatibility with our monitoring systems, limit our options to a select vendor who has proven capable of meeting these needs.

Historical Data Comparison: We already possess tags from another vendor; however, we aim to utilize the historically supplied tags for a comparative study. This approach will enable us to analyze trends and outcomes based on consistent tagging practices, thereby enhancing the reliability of our findings.

Given these barriers, we believe that the sole source procurement is justified to maintain the scientific rigor of our monitoring program and to ensure the success of our fishery management efforts.

Text5: Biomark is a known and reputable contractor that has provided these services and products nearly 30 years. The selected vendor's track record demonstrates ability to provide reliable systems that effectively and efficiently collect monitoring data, avoiding compatibility problems and extra costs of troubleshooting.