Sole-Source Determination and Justification CO Porcupine Investigation25_27_abl_JB_ak.pdf

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 Page 1 of 3

SOLE-SOURCE DETERMINATION AND JUSTIFICATION FOR SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

Date: August 27, 2025 To: April Brenden-Locke, Designated Procurement Officer, Contract Services, Administrative Services Division

From: Jamie Bowles, Regional Habitat Biologist 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: 307-25, IT/Personal/Professional services

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: $45,195

3. Single or Multiple Purchases: Single purchase of multiple items.

4. Proposed Contractor: Telemetry Solutions

5. Brief Description of Goods or Services to be procured: GPS collars for porcupines and long-range downloader

6. Background:

This is a request for GPS collars for the OR porcupine investigation. The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is the second-largest rodent in the United States and is classified as an unprotected mammal in the state of Oregon. As a generalist herbivore, it occupies diverse ecosystems throughout much of North America. However, there is minimal recent research published in Oregon regarding their general life history, habitat use, and sources of mortality. Due to this and other reasons, this species will be added to the list of Species of Greatest Information Need in 2025. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are far fewer porcupines on the western U.S.

landscape now compared to the recent past.

These collars will track the movements of these animals, in addition to assist us in finding mortalities and identifying those sources of mortality. We need specific collars for this project, as porcupines are a more complicated animal to radio-mark due to the nature of their morphology.

We are requesting a sole source for these collars, Telemetry Solutions, for the following reasons:

OR Porcupine Investigation Collar Requirements Requested company: Telemetry Solutions Details: 20 small mammal collars with GPS and VHF capabilities and the following:

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 Page 2 of 3

1) We have a download device that is specific for these collars, reducing the total cost of material needed. We will be purchasing an additional long-range downloader from them.

2) Telemetry Solutions has experience building collars specific to porcupines and their sensitive nature.

3) Very few companies can make collars light enough in weight to meet our veterinarians’ requirements that we keep the weight of the tracking device to less than 2% of the average weight.

This would be less than 227 grams.

4) We need very specific collar belt material, such as nylon or Biothane-coated webbing with hypoallergenic properties, and the ability to have the company modify the material, if needed, in order to accommodate this particular species. These materials are non-abrasive, durable, and minimize the risk of irritation to porcupines’ sensitive skin and quills.

5) Due to the weight restrictions, there are not satellite collars available. We need the capabilities to download these from a long-distance (e.g., from a fixed wing plane).

6) We need the flexibility to change the schedules on our own, rather than pre-program. This company’s product allows that.

7) We need to obtain as close to 24 months battery life as possible.

We are asking for a minimum of 20 collars in order to meet the research team suggested minimum, and a long-range download station.

7. Findings:

Brand name needed: Telemetry Solutions (https://www.telemetrysolutions.com/) Custom GPS terrestrial mammal collars: https://www.telemetrysolutions.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Small-GPS-Collar-Specification-Sheet.pdf

8. Market Research Overall Finding.

Lotek:

https://www.lotek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WildCell-Series-Spec-Sheet.pdf

- Small terrestrial mammal collar.

- Why this won’t work:

o too heavy (min. 238 grams) o not compatible with download station.

https://www.lotek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PinnaclePro-Series-Spec-Sheet.pdf

- Small terrestrial mammal collar

- Why this won’t work:

o too heavy (min. 380 grams)

Vectronics:

https://www.vectronic-aerospace.com/vertex-mini-collar/

- small terrestrial mammal collar o Why this won’t work: not compatible with download station.

o Nylon and neoprene are the only options for belt material.

https://www.telemetrysolutions.com/ https://www.telemetrysolutions.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Small-GPS-Collar-Specification-Sheet.pdf https://www.telemetrysolutions.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Small-GPS-Collar-Specification-Sheet.pdf https://www.lotek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WildCell-Series-Spec-Sheet.pdf https://www.lotek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PinnaclePro-Series-Spec-Sheet.pdf https://www.vectronic-aerospace.com/vertex-mini-collar/

Sole-Source Determination_rev01-31-24 Page 3 of 3 https://www.atstrack.com/assets/documents/spec-sheets/W500_510.pdf

- small mammal

- Why this won’t work:

o Nylon and neoprene are the only options for belt material

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.

In order to best utilize funding, we need the collars to be compatible with the already existing base station/downloader that we have available.

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.

n/a

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.

This is a pilot project for radio-marking porcupine in the state of Oregon.

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.

Our market research has led us to the finding that this product is the only one on the market that meets the requirements:

1. Ability to program and change the collar schedules on our own

2. Ability to design the belt material to suit the needs of this specific species.

3. Per our veterinarian, it is recommended that we not exceed 2% of the individual’s body weight, and need to stay within those parameters.

4. Due to the sensitive nature of this species, we are requesting that the company also have experience in building collars for porcupines.

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

April Brenden-Locke, Contract Services Manager, ODFW Date

9/2/2025 https://www.atstrack.com/assets/documents/spec-sheets/W500_510.pdf