Hereford_Klamath_RadioTags_Sole-Source bs_20260115_abl~1.pdf

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 (ODFW 10/17/2025) Page 1 of 3

SOLE-SOURCE DETERMINATION AND JUSTIFICATION FOR

SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

Date: 1/13/2026 To: April Brenden-Locke, Designated Procurement Officer, Contract Services, Administrative Services Division

From: Becky Sell (Procurement and Contract Specialist 1)

Mark Hereford (Project Leader Klamath Fisheries Reintroduction Project)

RE: Sole Source Determination pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 279B.075 and

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 125-247-0275

CSR: CSR #017-26, Klamath Salmon Radio Tags

Part A

1. Authority to enter into a Sole-Source Contract: OAR 125-246-0170(2)(c)(H)

2. Estimated Total Value of the Procurement: $103,930

3. Single or Multiple Purchases: Single

4. Proposed Contractor: Lotek Wireless Inc.

5. Brief Description of Goods or Services to be procured:

These radio transmitting tags are for use in freshwater fish such as salmon and steelhead. The unique characteristic of these tags, which only Lotek can provide, is their ability to produce a unique code for each individual tagged fish. This code can only be detected by Lotek brand receivers, which are already installed and in use. This proprietary coding system enables studies that track individual fish throughout the landscape.

I am the principal investigator working with numerous partners (federal, state, and tribal) who will also use this technology to track juvenile spring-run Chinook Salmon out-migrating from Oregon habitats following the removal of the four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. Lotek is the only manufacturer that produces and sells radio transmitters and receivers fully compatible with Lotek’s proprietary coding system.

Tags will be internally implanted in fish and must last longer than 100 days for juveniles and 300 days for adults. Currently, 15 stationary receivers (Lotek SRX1200-D2) are installed throughout the watershed, and 2 mobile receivers (Lotek SRX-MD2) are available for mobile tracking. Only Lotek radio tags and receivers are compatible with each other, making Lotek the sole source capable of meeting these technical and compatibility requirements.

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 (ODFW 10/17/2025) Page 2 of 3

6. Background:

I am working with a diverse group of partners (State, Federal, Tribal, NGO) to assess Chinook migration and success and passage through Keno Dam (State high priority fish barrier) into newly available habitat following the removal of the four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. Fish will be tagged with radio transponders in and released above and below Keno Dam. Their movements and behaviors will be tracked via stationery and mobile radio telemetry throughout the Oregon and California portion of the watershed. To accomplish this, I need radio transmitting tags that provide a unique code to identify tagged individuals that last over 100 days for juveniles and 300 days for adults. Lotek is the only company that can provide a product with this specification. Along with this, the project will be utilizing radio frequency detection receivers that have already been purchased and installed from previous projects and other partner organizations.

The proposed purchased goods (VHF tags) are only compatible with Lotek receivers and vice versa.

7. Findings:

A. Market Research Overall Finding.

• Market research was conducted through searches on the internet, peer reviewed scientific journals, communication with several State and Federal agencies who work on similar projects and attending multiple professional meetings such as the annual Oregon chapter of the American Fisheries Society Meeting, it has become apparent that only two companies in North America that produce appropriate and reliable radio transponder tags: Lotek and Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS). While both manufacturers provide specialized products, the project requires uniquely coded transponder tags capable of identifying over 200 individual fish.

Supporting documentation, including a detailed comparison of Lotek and ATS manufactures of radio transmitting tags, is provided in Attachment 1. Furthermore, the tags must be compatible with existing infrastructure and equipment used by multiple state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental organizations monitoring the outmigration of juvenile spring-run Chinook Salmon and passage through Keno Dam in the Klamath River Watershed. To maintain consistency among organizations and to utilize equipment purchased from other projects Lotek coded VHF transmitters and Lotek VHF receivers need to be used throughout the study. For these reasons this project requires the sole source purchase of Lotek radio coded transmitting tags and their compatible VHF receivers.

And

B. Findings of Fact pursuant to OAR 125-247-0275(2) must include, at a minimum, one of the following:

1. Pursuant to OAR 125-247-0275(2)(a): Compatibility. Provide findings supporting your determination that the efficient utilization of existing goods requires the acquisition of compatible goods or services from only one source.

This purchase will support ongoing fish tracking using our current infrastructure of 15 Lotek stationary receivers and 2 mobile receivers. Lotek is the only manufacturer that produces and sells radio transmitters and receivers fully compatible with Lotek’s proprietary coding system. This

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 (ODFW 10/17/2025) Page 3 of 3 compatibility is essential for accurate data collection and integration with existing equipment. See Attachment 2 (letter from product manufacturer) confirming Lotek’s exclusive capability.

2. Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(b): Exchange of Software or Data. Provide findings supporting your determination that the goods or services required for the exchange of software or data with other public or private agencies are available from only one source.

Not applicable

3. Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(c): Pilot or Experimental Project. Provide findings supporting your determination that the goods or services are for use in a pilot or an experimental project.

4. Pursuant to ORS 279B.075 (2)(d): Other findings that support the conclusion that Supplies and Services are available from only one source may include but are not limited to considerations of:

unique design, availability, geographic location, exclusive authorized representative, cost of conversion, and warranty services.

Part B - Conditions of Approval will be inserted by ODFW-DPO.

April Brenden-Locke, Contract Services Manager, ODFW Date

2/1/2026