Sole Source Bulletin.docx

Sole Source Notice S-62900-00001779

It is the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (Agency) intent to continue to maintain the existing and build out for the future the statewide smoke detection camera system.

This sole source justification applies to the purchase of providing the Agency with software, software development and upgrades, licensing and maintenance service for fire detection and prevention. The EVS Forest Watch system as utilized by the Agency is made up of 82 individual cameras located at 61 mountaintop sites. Software for this system is proprietary to EVS and must remain compatible to the current configuration of the ODF system of detection cameras located on mountaintop sites and the staffed and monitored fire detection centers located across the state. The system has been in use by the Agency since 2009 and provides fire detection and prevention services for millions of acres of private, industrial and Federal forest lands. It is fiscally prudent to avoid replacement of the existing system and infrastructure.

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.

Continued maintenance and future build out of the EVS Forest Watch system must remain compatible with the existing infrastructure. The possibility that one fire might be missed in a transition period to new software or infrastructure could results in millions of dollars in large fire costs.

Efficient utilization of existing goods requires that software and licensing is compatible with the Contractor’s current service that has been in use for many years and that any new build outs also interface compatibly with the present configuration of equipment on sites and the systems utilized by the Agency and Association Detection Centers. Replacement of components of the existing fully functional and effective system would be unnecessarily costly.

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.

The EVS Foret Watch software is an exclusive proprietary software designed for use by a highly trained human operators that are familiar with the EVS Forest Watch software systems. This system relies heavily on the expertise of Agency and Association operators at four staffed Detection Centers located strategically in Southern and Eastern Oregon. The Agency or Associations maintain these centers for the exclusive role of smoke and fire detection. Access to EVS ForestWatch cameras and camera imagery is controlled by Agency or Association.

The three Forest Protective Associations, Douglas FPA, Coos FPA and Walker Range FPA, are outside of the Agency contract for services, however, they are tied to the Contractor services historically and will remain with Contractor service to maintain the current level of fire protection service. The Associations are intrinsically reliant on the continuation of the Agency relationship with the Contractor in one of two ways:

1. An Association Detection Center has responsibility to provide smoke detection services to an Agency District(s), or

2. An Agency Detection Center provides smoke detection services for an Association(s).

This demonstrates the necessity for continuation of the compatible system that can only be provided by one source to the Agency in order to sustain this highly effective smoke and fire detection and prevention service with cooperating partners.

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.

Exclusive proprietary software is designed to enhance human judgement, not rely on front end AI technology to inform the user.

Unique technology which exaggerates visual differences, emphasizing changes over very short periods of time. Local image processing via ISE components of the software, reducing the cost of processing vast amounts of raw data. Includes the secure storage of historic and evidentiary information.

Operator ability to take direct control of the camera system and troubleshoot issues locally.

Agency control of camera movement, operator decision making and availability of imagery (not publicly accessible).

Split system design allows for specific targets to be monitored while maintaining 360° continuous surveillance.

If another fire detection and prevention services provider believes they can provide the software and services described in this notice, they have until 01/25/2022 at 2:00 PM to submit a protest. Protests must be emailed to the Single Point of Contact identified below. Please include the OregonBuys solicitation number in the subject line of the email.

ODF is not responsible for incomplete protests that were not correctly addressed to the email of the Single Point of Contact identified below.

Oregon Department of Forestry Procurement Unit, Bldg. E Attn: Richard Arnaz Email: Richard.arnaz@odf.oregon.gov Qualifications: In order to protest this sole source determination, a protestor must present detailed proof that they are able to provide all software and associated services (upgrades, customization of software specific to ODF and the described infrastructure listed above. Software must be compatible with ODF’s existing statewide smoke detection camera system with compatibility determined solely by ODF in its discretion.