Lotek Wireless Litetrack 20 GPS collars

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) intends to solicit Lotek Wireless Litetrack 20 GPS collars on a sole-source basis, with quotations due July 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern and anticipated award on July 28, 2026. No set-aside applies; a Made in America Waiver has been approved.

The procurement covers 20 units of Lotek AAA001362 LiteTrack 20 RF GPS PINPOINT (No Data Plan) collars, one LBL000088 Pinpoint Software USB unit, one PinPoint Command Unit, and freight. All items must be new, manufacturer-direct products from Lotek Wireless Inc. (Newmarket, Ontario, Canada) or an OEM-approved source; alternate, substitute, or "equal" products will be rejected.

The collars will track free-ranging mongooses in Puerto Rico for an ongoing APHIS Wildlife Services study evaluating mongoose movements and habitat use. Each collar must weigh no more than 20 grams and support remote download capability. Justification for sole-source procurement centers on proprietary software already integrated into the current research project, ensuring seamless data transfer and compatibility; the 20-gram weight limit and remote download capability are not available from other known manufacturers. Market research conducted May 1 through June 18, 2026 included a Sources Sought notice on SAM.gov (June 1–8) that received two responses; searches of GSA schedules, AbilityOne vendors, USDA inventory, and existing USDA-wide contracts yielded no suitable alternatives.

Award will be made using a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order under simplified procedures (FAR 12.201-1) with potential six-month extension. Evaluation uses Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable methodology; past performance will be assessed as acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable based on contractor history with USDA and other federal sources. Quotations must provide exact brand name, make, and model numbers with sufficient documentation confirming authenticity. Price evaluation includes quantity discounts and prompt payment discounts. Contact: julia.lackey@usda.gov.