JOFOC_20250701_Single_Source_Justification_MLES_redacted_1.pdf

This document is a Single Source Justification (SSJ) form from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a sole source acquisition of an electrofishing boat from Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems (MLES). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to contract a complete retrofit of an electrofishing boat, with MLES identified as the sole manufacturer of the required equipment, including infinity series control boxes and specialized components. The justification emphasizes that MLES is the only company with the proprietary equipment and knowledge to perform the retrofit, citing unique hardware, software, and intellectual property that makes their equipment non-interchangeable with other manufacturers.

The document outlines several key barriers to competition, including technical compatibility issues, proprietary equipment constraints, and financial barriers to switching manufacturers. The cost is deemed reasonable based on previous cost estimates from similar offices, and MLES is described as having maintained high standards of product quality, technical support, and customer service. The procurement will be conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) using sole source acquisition procedures, with internal certifications from the Program Office and Contracting Officer approving the unique procurement approach.