Sole-Source Determination and Justification_4-21-26_abl_signed.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: April 21, 2026 To: April Brenden-Locke, Designated Procurement Officer, Contract Services, Administrative Services Division

From: Ryan Couture, Hatchery Coordinator Ashley Kallberg, Procurement and Contract Specialist

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

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 125-247-0275

CSR: Contract 635-111-26 SeaStereo

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:

$15,000

3. Single or Multiple Purchases:

Single purchase for a 1-yr agreement

4. Proposed Contractor:

SeaStereo

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

The purpose of this project is to consult with SeaStereo to use a stereoscopic imaging system integrated with AI-based fish counting and biomass estimation capabilities to collect, analyze and provide data on fish inventory, size and growth. The project will be executed in phased stages, including hardware implementation, prototype development, field deployment, data collection, model training, and final system recommendations for enterprise-scale implementation. All aspects of this pilot consulting project will help inform the application of this technology for additional hatchery facilities in the future.

Information provided in data files and analytic reports will help evaluate the future use of this technology.

6. Background:

The current challenge traditionally, tracking fish inventory, size and growth at hatcheries is a labor-intensive and time-consuming manual process. It requires staff to physically handle fish for weighing and measuring, which not only consumes significant man-hours but also induces physiological stress in the fish, potentially impacting their health and development.

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

The Role of AI Technologies: The integration of AI-driven technologies—such as computer vision and automated sensor arrays—offers a transformative solution. These systems can monitor fish populations in real-time without human intervention. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, hatcheries can:

• Increase Efficiency: Automate the data collection process, allowing biological staff to focus on higher-level management tasks.

• Improve Accuracy: Minimize human error in measurements and provide a much larger data sample than manual netting allows.

• Enhance Fish Welfare: Reduce the need for physical handling, leading to lower stress levels and more natural growth patterns.

• Predictive Insights: Use historical data to forecast future growth rates and optimize feeding schedules, directly improving the Strategic Initiatives and Fish & Wildlife Health protocols.

7. Findings:

A. Market Research Overall Finding.

SeaStereo has patented technology in this space and is the only available entity using aerial stereoscopic imaging for fish counting and biomass estimation.

ODFW investigated and reached a number of entities doing this type of work, including Aquabyte who we are also partnering with, however all of the other options included in-pond only cameras and other hardware. In-pond hardware has a number of drawbacks including equipment size, challenges moving equipment as well as bio-fouling. We have visited with several of these companies at vendor shows associated with fish culture conferences and consulted with other state and federal agencies and universities. Oregon State University is a leader in engineering and is partnering with SeaStereo to create technology for the aquaculture industry and will provide the consulting services we need to perform this pilot evaluation.

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.

Not applicable

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.

https://inside.dfw.state.or.us/director/strategic_plan_phase_2.asp https://inside.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/health_lab/index.asp

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

ODFW has a need to pilot and evaluate advanced fish counting and biomass estimation technologies that can integrate with existing monitoring objectives, data standards, and aquatic resource management frameworks. The proposed solution is to consult with SeaStereo is uniquely compatible with these needs due to its proprietary stereoscopic imaging technology, which enables simultaneous fish enumeration and biomass estimation with a level of accuracy and automation not currently achievable through other available methods.

SeaStereo’s system utilizes patented stereoscopic imaging and AI-driven analytics specifically designed for aquatic environments. This technology produces data outputs that align with our existing scientific methodologies and data requirements, including size estimation, species differentiation, and longitudinal monitoring capabilities.

Our intent is to evaluate this emerging technology as a pilot to refine requirements for potential broader adoption. Because SeaStereo is the sole provider of this specific stereoscopic imaging approach for fish counting and biomass estimation, acquiring services from another source would not meet the intended pilot objectives. Other fish counting technologies currently available (e.g., sonar, manual counts, or single-camera systems) do not produce equivalent data outputs and would not integrate with or support the same analytical framework.

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

4/27/26