Intent_to_Award_Notice_DOIGFBO260015_1.pdf

Intent to Award Notice – DOIGFBO260015

The US Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Research Units in Reston, VA, supporting the Ecosystems Mission Area has unique requirements for the purchases of (19) Mark-Report PAT- - 376D Satellite tags from Wildlife Computers. The primary use is to support the field program of the Maine Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit for finding the overwintering habitat of Atlantic sturgeon in the Gulf of Maine to meet research objectives associated with fisheries management, aquatic sciences, resource conservation, and endangered species research.

The USGS is aware of no other source that can provide the above. Therefore, it intends to make an award to Wildlife Computers unless it is contacted by any vendor who believes they have similar technical expertise and can provide the same product(s). Vendors are invited to contact the Contracting Officer, Leah Williams via email at leah_williams@ios.doi.gov no later than 09:00 AM ED, Tuesday, May 19, 2026 with an affirmative answer. Email shall include “Notice DOIGFBO260015” in the subject line.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) considers employee signatures to be Personal Protected Information, and therefore all employee signatures have been redacted. By posting this document, the Contracting Officer attests all appropriate signatures have been obtained.

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (FAR 13.1)

The following information is provided to demonstrate the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications:

Description of Supplies or Services The Maine Cooperative Fishery Research Unit requests award of a non-competitive procurement to for satellite tags used to track sturgeon fish that the Unit has been studying in the Gulf of Maine. They will be used as part of an existing satellite network (Argos) to assess movements of sturgeon in the Gulf of Maine during winter months. To meet research objectives the equipment must meet minimum requirements, including but not limited to: Ability to perform and release after extended periods of darkness, long battery life without relying on solar charging and must meet the size requirements of 120g or less in mass (based on a biological tagging threshold principle of 2 percent body mass as a tag burden).

Statutory Authority FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) – only one source reasonably available.

Rationale Supporting Use of Citation The Wildlife Computers, Inc. for Mark-Report PAT-376D satellite tags are the only commercially available tag that satisfies the government’s requirements including a long battery life (>3 months) without relying on solar charging (that will; not extend battery life in turbid waters and has a small size (120 g or less).

The Efforts to Identify Additional Sources Including the Market Research Conducted Based on extensive market research conducted online, speaking with colleagues, and speaking with sales consultants, it was determined that the satellite equipment by Wildlife Computers is the only equipment currently on the market that can meet all required specifications, particularly size requirements. There are currently no other authorized resellers. Other vendors researched mailto:leah_williams@ios.doi.gov included Lotek, Microwave Telemetry, and Advanced Telemetry Systems.

Future Plans to Permit Competition Future requirements for same/similar items will be competed to the maximum extent practical.

Other manufacturers have indicated the intent to develop similar product and those would likely be acceptable. The Program Office will conduct continuous market research in an effort to identify solutions that meet specifications/requirements in the future.

(End of Notice)