A16_3-0034_Single_Source_Ornitella__RL_sign1_1.pdf

FWS Form (Rev. 2020) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS

Acquisitions Operations

We researched other vendors that supply telemetry equipment, and located only one other vendor (Cellular Tracking Technologies or CTT), which makes a comparable tag at similar weights. Their tags, called the flicker Gen2 model (2.8-3.0 g) and ES-420-UL-10-BKP have similar weights and functionality but are more expensive to purchase and require a ca. $5/month downloading cost per tag. We and our collaborators have used the Ornitella tags to successfully track small to medium sized birds for the past four years. We prefer to stay with the Ornitella tags because we are familiar with the devices, know that they will work, and want to ensure the data are collected in a consistent way to ensure sound scientific data analyses can be done. Using the same tags through time ensures that we successfully meet our study objectives and can compare data from multiple years. Also, the CTT Gen2 tag is relatively new and has only been field tested by one field project in 2025.

Given the complexity of these units, it is always better to let others be the beta tester and to focus on tags that we know can deliver good data.

The market will continue to be monitored and surveyed for future purchases under this project to identify emerging products that may improve our ability to collect high precision and accurate data without compromising our ability to compare to prior years information.

Sole source procurement of Ornitella tracking devices to determine the local, regional and annual movements of migratory shorebirds and short-billed gulls of high conservation concern.

Vertebrate Systems, LLC is the North American distributor of Ornitella GPS GSM tags that are suitable for tracking small to medium-sized birds. The OrniTrack-2.8, 6.0, and 10 models, which are 4G solar powered transmitters (https://www.ornitela.com/) that weigh only 2.8 g, 6 g, and 10 g, respectively, and are the right size for the small shorebirds and small gulls we wish to track. These tags are capable of storing 1000s of GPS locations on the tag, with locations accurate to <10m and collected at 15 minute intervals. These locations are transmitted in <1 second to any 4G LTE Cat-M1 cellular tower when birds pass by. The devices are fully rechargeable and programmable.

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Program / Project Officer

Contracting Officer

Price Fair and Reasonableness indicates tag prices are lower than their competitors.

Migratory Program, Alaska Region / Richard Lanctot

Ornitela is a specialized manufacturer of avian GPS/GSM telemetry systems, focused on solutions for ornithological research and wildlife tracking. The core team combines experienced biologists with expertise in bird tracking and skilled micro-electronics engineers, enabling them to tailor technical solutions specifically for the needs of biological research. The company was established to address limitations seen in existing tracking products — especially where flexibility, customization for moderate order sizes, and cost competitiveness are needed. Their products are used around the world and trusted by hundreds of research organizations in over 50 countries for biodiversity monitoring, migration studies, and ecological research.