SmithRoot_ElectrofishingVessel_Sole-Source Determination_final_abl.pdf

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 (ODFW 10/17/2025) Page 1 of 5

SOLE-SOURCE DETERMINATION AND JUSTIFICATION FOR

SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

Date: January 20, 2026 To: April Brenden-Locke, Designated Procurement Officer, Contract Services, Administrative Services Division

From: Grant Waltz, Fisheries Research Project Leader Ashley Kallberg, Procurement & Contract Specialist

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

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 125-247-0275

CSR: CSR #027-26, Electrofishing Vessel

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: $155,000

3. Single or Multiple Purchases: Single

4. Proposed Contractor: Smith Root Incorporated

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

The agency requires procurement of a specialized electrofishing vessel to replace an existing vessel that is more than 20 years old and no longer serviceable due to a cracked and irreparable hull. The vessel is a critical asset within a fleet of five electrofishing boats used to conduct long-term biological monitoring and evaluation activities in support of the Northern Pikeminnow Management Program throughout the Columbia River Basin.

Program operations require a vessel specifically designed and engineered for electrofishing in large, high-flow river systems, including the Columbia and Snake rivers. The vessel must safely support electrofishing operations under variable river conditions while accommodating specialized electrical equipment, crew, and sampling gear. Required capabilities include, but are not limited to:

• An approximately 18-foot, extra-heavy-duty aluminum hull designed for electrofishing applications and rated for operation on large river systems

• Marine-grade aluminum construction and reinforced hull suitable for repeated shallow-water and debris-prone environments

• Integration with an electrofishing system that is engineered to function safely with the vessel’s hull design, electrical grounding, and operator controls

• Redundant propulsion capability, including a primary outboard engine and a secondary backup engine, to ensure crew safety and mission continuity in remote locations

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• Standard and mission-specific vessel safety equipment, including navigation lighting, bilge pumps, and appropriate electrical isolation

• A compatible trailer designed to safely transport the vessel between multiple launch sites across the basin

The vessel must be fully outfitted and configured as a complete electrofishing platform upon delivery to minimize operational downtime and ensure compatibility with existing program methods, training, and safety protocols. This procurement is necessary to maintain uninterrupted monitoring operations that support federally and regionally mandated fisheries management objectives.

6. Background:

Our fleet of electrofishing vessels represent not only our primary biological sampling tool but, more importantly, a critical piece of safety equipment. Specifications to meet both our needs for biological sampling and safety are as follows:

High-Level Functional Requirements and Capabilities

• Primary Propulsion Capability o Provides reliable, fuel-efficient propulsion suitable for extended operations on large river systems via a Yamaha F115 or equivalent HP fourstroke outboard engine o Supports electronic fuel delivery, integrated helm controls, and heavy-duty throttle and shift systems o Backed by a manufacturer-supported warranty to ensure long-term serviceability

• Redundant Propulsion and Safety o Includes a secondary, Yamaha 9.9 HP fourstroke high-thrust engine sized to safely maneuver the vessel in the event of primary engine failure o Supports electric start, trim control, and onboard charging to enhance operational reliability

• Heavy-Duty Research Vessel Hull o Constructed of welded, marine-grade aluminum designed for electrofishing and shallow-water operations o Extra-heavy-duty hull thickness and reinforced transom rated for high-horsepower outboard engines o V-hull configuration and dimensions optimized for stability, load capacity, and performance on large rivers

• Integrated Vessel Interior and Systems o Fully integrated helm, controls, gauges, and electrical systems to support safe and efficient operations o Non-slip, industrial-grade deck surfaces and powder-coated interior for durability and crew safety o Built-in, compliant fuel storage system with filtration and exterior fueling access o Integrated battery storage and vessel identification compliant with marine regulations o Comprehensive vessel lighting and safety systems, including bilge pumping and fire suppression mounting

• Onboard Power Generation and Noise Reduction o Dedicated enclosure for onboard power generation to support electrofishing and auxiliary systems o Noise-reduction housing to minimize crew fatigue and interference with biological sampling

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• Live Fish Holding and Sampling Capability o Integrated aluminum livewell system designed to safely hold and segregate captured fish o Aeration, circulation, lighting, and drainage systems sized for biological sampling operations o Three livewell compartments to separate specimens and minimize stress and injury o Livewell placement optimized for efficient workflow between capture and processing areas

• Helm, Navigation, and Electrofishing Controls o Centralized console with hydraulic steering and integrated throttle and trim controls o Integrated navigation, sonar, and depth-finding systems to support safe vessel operation o Built-in electrofishing controls, electrode configuration panels, and breaker protection o Redundant power monitoring and control systems for vessel and electrofishing equipment o Weather-protective console cover for equipment longevity

• Front Work Platform and Crew Safety o Dedicated forward work platform designed specifically for electrofishing operations o Integrated foot and hand controls for electrofishing output o Non-slip work surfaces, removable safety railings, and all-weather deck materials o Adequate lighting and power outlets to support sampling activities in variable conditions

• Electrofishing Electrode Systems o Integrated, vessel-mounted electrode arrays designed for safe and effective electrofishing o Pivoting and adjustable boom systems to allow precise deployment and retrieval o Durable coatings and materials suitable for continuous exposure to water, UV, and electrical loads o Cathode and anode configurations engineered to work with the vessel hull and electrofishing system

In addition, we require a manufacturer that is within a three-hour drive (one way)of our duty station in case of equipment failures or safety issues.

We are proposing to purchase a 18’ Smith Root extra heavy-duty aluminum vessel outfit with an Apex integrated electrofishing system, outboard and backup engines for propulsion, vessel safety equipment (e.g., navigation lights, bilge pumps, marine grade aluminum), and trailer. Smith Root is located in Vancouver, Washington, which is within 40 miles of the duty station for this program and vessels (less than a three-hour drive). This location is also central to the general work area for these vessels in the Columbia River Basin. Having access to the boat and electrofishing system builder on short notice is critical to keep the vessels in a safe and operational condition at critical times when we need troubleshooting help, maintenance, or repairs during the field season. This access reduces time lost from inoperable equipment and reduces safety issues from properly maintained and repaired systems. Work on these vessels is completed by trained and certified staff

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 (ODFW 10/17/2025) Page 4 of 5 that have knowledge and tools to repair these vessels. The estimated cost for this vessel, Apex electrofishing system, main and spare outboard engines, and trailer using the specifications above is $155,000.

7. Findings:

A. Market Research Overall Finding.

Pursuant to OAR 125-247-0691 (2) (c) there is only one manufacturer or seller of the product of the quality, performance or functionality required for this vessel.

We conducted market research on electrofishing vessel and system vendors:

Smith Root, Inc., Vancouver, WA – Provides complete package. Distance from Clackamas, Oregon = 40 miles.

ETS Electrofishing Systems LLC., Madison, WI – Limited material for complete package. Distance from Clackamas, Oregon = 1979 miles

Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems, Polo, MO. Distance from Clackamas, Oregon = 1807 miles.

Halltech, Guelph, Ontario, Canada – Limited information of systems and integration into a complete electrofishing system/vessel/trailer package. Distance from Clackamas, Oregon = 2583 miles plus crossing an international border.

Oquawka Boats, Oquawka, IL – Limited information about integrated electrofishing systems into the vessel. Looks to be a vessel builder that can prepare the vessel for installation of an electrofishing system sourced elsewhere. Distance from Clackamas, Oregon = 1973 miles.

Apart from Smith Root, Inc., the four other major potential suppliers of electrofishing parts or complete systems are more than 1800 miles from the ODFW office in Clackamas, Oregon. Obtaining factory service for vessels sourced from any of these four vendors would require months of coordination and a prohibitive investment of resources to send a vessel or electrofishing system back for repair. In addition, three out of four of the vendors do not appear to offer complete systems designed, fabricated, and maintained in-house. Smith-Root Inc. designs, builds and can maintain the entire electrofishing vessel system. This increases efficiency when scoping and building the vessel as well as with future service and troubleshooting as our staff will not have to communicate with multiple vendors regarding the different systems associated with their primary safety and work tool (e.g., vessel hull, electrofishing system).

And

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

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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.

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.

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.

ODFW requires a manufacturer that is within a three-hour drive (one way)of our duty station in case of equipment failures or safety issues. Smith Root Inc. is the only suitable manufacturer that can meet the specifications within this geographic distance.

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

April Brenden-Locke, Contract Services Manager, ODFW Date

1/26/26