GPS enabled trolling motors

The Department of the Interior US Geological Survey Office of Acquisitions and Grants seeks 16 GPS-enabled trolling motors for delivery to Columbia, Missouri, with quotations due July 29. The procurement is a Total Small Business set-aside and incorporates a brand-name justification limiting sources to Minn Kota products: 8 Minn Kota Riptide Kayak Terrova units (Model MKA-21) with Advanced GPS Navigation Wireless Remote and Quick-Release Mounting Bracket, and 8 Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Saltwater units (Model MKA-64) with Quick-Release Mounting Bracket.

Place of performance is the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri. The total anticipated award value is $45,279.68 ($2,829.98 per unit). Delivery must occur within 60 days after receipt of order, FOB Destination. The NAICS code is 333618, Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing; the PSC code is 2090, Miscellaneous Ship and Marine Equipment.

The brand-name restriction derives from technical compatibility with existing semi-autonomous watercraft that were designed, tested, and validated using Minn Kota GPS-enabled systems. Market research identified no alternative manufacturers meeting compatibility requirements. Substituting other equipment would require redesign of autonomous platforms, modification of mounting hardware, revalidation of navigation performance, and additional field testing, significantly delaying research and jeopardizing long-term data continuity.

The motors support research on native and invasive fish behavior, development of novel capture techniques for invasive carp, unmanned sonar surveys, and management partner assessments of invasive carp control actions. Award is anticipated August 3. All offerors must register at SAM.gov and comply with Buy American Act requirements, including disclosure of any foreign end products. Quotations should be emailed to rafael_anderson@ios.doi.gov. The point of contact is Josey Ridgway at jridgway@usgs.gov or 573-441-2953.