A16_Single_Source_Justification_signed_1.pdf
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- DOIFFBO260055
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This is a Single Source Justification form (FWS Form 3-0034) submitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a sole source acquisition under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is procuring 107 Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) 6-gram 4G backpack-style transmitters for deployment on cinnamon teal at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge and other managed wetlands in southern Nevada and the Intermountain West Ecoregion in September 2026. The transmitters, weighing approximately 305 grams each, must not exceed 3% of the hawk's body weight (6.0 grams) and comply with Bird Banding Laboratory requirements. Market research identified only two manufacturers producing GPS-GSM transmitters in the required size and weight specifications: CTT and Ornitela. Ornitela manufactures a 6-gram 4G transmitter but uses different data management systems, would require the refuge to adopt a new platform, and is Lithuania-based, creating potential data management complications. CTT is the sole source selected because the refuge currently uses CTT transmitters on other projects with existing access to their web-based data management systems, eliminating the need for new platform purchases or staff training. The proposed price range for the 107 transmitters is $214,000 to $189,160, with CTT providing a discounted rate based on purchase quantity. The justification was certified by Program Officer James Vinson on March 24, 2026, and approved by Contracting Officer Solmaz Salih on April 2, 2026.
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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: The only other company that makes a backpack style transmitters are Ornitela. Ornitela makes a 6g 4G transmitter, but uses different data management sources, which the Refuge does not currently have access and would be a new learning curve and additional expenses. Ornitela is a Lithuania based company, and the data management systems are not within the United States. This could pose some problems with future data management. | |
| Text2: The project scope is to to purchase 107 6g transmitters for deployment on cinnamon teal in September 2026. The cinnamon teal that are receiving transmitters weigh an average of 305g. Sound practice and our permit from USGS that authorizes us to deploy these transmitters on the birds require that the transmitters we use weigh no more than 3% of the hawk's body weight (6.0 grams). I completed online research and talked with subject matter experts and found that only two companies manufacture GPS-GSM transmitters in the sizes and weights (under 10 grams) that are needed for the cinnamon teal. Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) offers the Flicker 6g 4G transmitters and Ornitela offers 6g 4G transmitters. The refuge already uses CTT transmitters on other projects and have existing access to CTT's web data management systems. | |
| Text1: The Refuge is starting a four year study to identify critical wetlands and enhance management actions at Pahranagat NWR and other managed wetlands in southern Nevada and the Intermountain West Ecoregion. The study will deploy GPS-GSM transmitters on cinnamon teal to identify migration corridors, identify critical wetland habitats, estimate survival rates, and estimate rates of emigration and migration. Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) offers the 4G transmitters in the size and weights that meet the requirements of the Bird Banding Laboratory. The refuge currently uses CTT equipment and have existing access to CTT's web data management systems. By purchasing CTT, the refuge will not have to purchase or learn new data management platforms to manage and process the information generated from the four year project. | |
| Text4: Tariffs and unknown electronics used in the backpack transmitters built in Lithuania is a potential barrier. The unknown stability of the data management systems in eastern Europe could also pose a major barrier and success of the project. The refuge already uses CTT transmitters on other projects and have existing access to CTT's web data management systems. | |
| Text6: After evaluating the cost proposal from CTT, the total combined price was determined to be realistic for the transmitters that are being produced. I have looked at other that have used the same style and weight transmitters, and CTT is providing a discounted price to the refuge, due to the quantity that is being purchased. The price for 107, 6 gram, 4G backpack style transmitters range from $214,000 to $189,160. CTT discounted their price to $178,520, which is 5% below the lowest estimate. | |
| 2026-03-24T14:39:19-0700 | |
| JAMES VINSON |
| 2026-04-02T12:01:16-0600 | |
| SOLMAZ SALIH |
Text5: Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) is a company that specializes in the manufacturing of tracking systems. CTT offers a 4G transmitters in the size and weights that meet the requirements of the Bird Banding Laboratory. The refuge currently uses CTT equipment and have existing access to CTT's web data management systems. By purchasing CTT, the refuge will not have to purchase or learn new data management platforms to manage and process the information generated from the four year project.
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