ECLECTRO FISHER SOLE-SOURCE.pdf

Sole-Source Justification for Hunter Education Materials Purchase Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Materials: Smith-Root Inc.

Description of the Commodity: The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks seeks to procure Apex Electro fisher for biologist fish studies.

MANUAL

APEX CONTROL BOX

FOOTSWITCH 15FT CABLE

ANODE CABLE 15 FT

CATHODE CABLE 15 FT

INPUT POWER CABLE 30A 10FT

HAT SRI APEX

INCLUDES 1 YEAR LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY

Generator requirements:

Maximum Output: to reach maximum rated control box output, use an 8000 running watt 240-volt output. Continuous 240V at 33A 50/60Hz single phase.

Smaller Generators: lower power generators can be used.

Generators must be 240 VAC output.

Unbonded: Generator must have un-bonded or floating neutral Plug: Standard plug twist lock 4-pin plug designed for 220-volt 30 amps, NEMA number L14-30P

These resources are integral to the agency's collection of scientific fish data.

Explanation of Why the Commodity is the Only One that Can Meet the Needs of the Agency: The APEX is the only electro fisher with built in scientific data monitoring and recording that allows the biologist to download the recorded data via flash drive for analyzing and mapping. This is not offered on any other electrofishing equipment in the world. The APEX boat electro fisher records more than 24 hours of GPS, electrical input, electrical outputs, warning codes, and performance information for every second of electrofishing. Additionally, it is the only boat electro fisher to have a built in USB port to download all electrofishing data while also allowing the upload of new software.

Explanation of Why the Source is the Only Entity That Can Provide the Required Commodity: no other company manufactures a boat electro fisher with the capabilities of the APEX Boat electro fisher. This equipment allows for hundreds of thousands of different electrical output combinations. The Programmable Output Waveform concept is patented by Smith-Root and not available from any other source, providing access to the most effective and safe output waveforms available. Additionally, the APEX is readily available to receive any future software improvements through email, therefore providing the simplest and lowest cost access to any newly developed waveforms and capabilities in the future. The APEX is the only electro fisher with built in scientific data monitoring and recording that allows the biologist to download the recorded data via flash drive for analyzing and mapping. This is not offered on any other electrofishing equipment in the world.

Explanation of Why the Amount to Be Expended for the Commodity is Reasonable: The total cost of the materials and freight is $15,520.00. This pricing reflects the proprietary nature of the materials, and The Smith-Root APEX Electrofishing Control Box is not available from any other source in the United States or at a reduced price. As the majority of sales from Smith- Root are to government agencies, they are required to sell to all vendors at the same price. It also singularly provides the electrical output capabilities that would require the purchase of two of the other manufacturers' Electro fishers. The cost ensures that MDWFP receives comprehensive, high-quality materials necessary for its programs, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Efforts Made to Obtain the Best Possible Price: Due to the proprietary nature of Smith-Root Apex electro fisher control box, no other vendors can provide equivalent materials. However, Smith-Root Inc has provided competitive pricing that aligns with the unique value and exclusivity of these resources.

Procedures for Addressing Objections: The terms of this proposed sole-source procurement will be published on the state’s procurement portal for the required 14 days. Any person or entity that objects to this designation and believes they can provide the commodity will be invited to submit an objection with a detailed explanation.

Objection Submission Details: Responses are due by February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., and may be mailed or delivered by hand or courier service to the following address:

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks Attn: John Lee, Procurement Officer 1505 Eastover Drive Jackson, MS 39211 Objections may also be submitted electronically via MAGIC. Vendors without a MAGIC Vendor Account should register through the MAGIC Self-Registration Tool. All objections will be reviewed in accordance with procurement rules.