New and Refurbish Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio Transmitters

Notice of Intent

This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), intends to negotiate a 5-year IDIQ with Holohil Systems Ltd, of Carp, Ontario, Canada for purchase and refurbishment of Model# PD-2, RI-2B, RI-2C, and RI-2C2 transmitters manufactured by Holohil Systems, Ltd for attachment to Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) as described in the attached Specifications.

Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Subpart 13.5 entitled, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. Holohil Systems Ltd is, to the USGS' knowledge, the only source who can procure and refurbish Model PD-2, RI-2B, RI-2C, and RI- 2C2 VHF transmitters due to at least four unique features, which are required to meet the USGS' need. First, it is small and low weight (less than or equal to 15g for adults, less than or equal to 3.8g for juveniles), is ideal for attaching to almost any size of desert tortoises. Second, the adult-tortoise sized RI-2B 24-month lifespan reduces frequent stressful handling encounters required to replace transmitters. Third, Holohil Systems programs transmitters to meet regulatory requirements and are specific to the permittee's needs. Fourth, the durability and low-profile of the transmitters are necessary as tortoises often burrow into caliche caves, under rocks, and are subject to predation; all which can damage transmitters. Additionally, Holohil Systems, Ltd, manufactured all of the transmitters currently owned by the USGS and no other company will refurbish these units.

The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a quotation by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government.

The NAICS code for this action is 334220, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing.

Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to nlushenko@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than June 5, 2020 at 1700ET. Responses submitted by hardcopy or the FedConnect web portal or the FedConnect Message Center shall not be accepted or considered.

Specifications:

New and refurbishment of VHF transmitters for studying movement patterns, behavior, habitat selection, and survival of Mojave desert tortoises at Fort Irwin and surrounding public lands. Transmitter. Requirements are as follows:

Model PD-2:

* Frequency range: 138 - 235 MHz.

* Pulse range: 20-120ppm

* Pulse width: 22ms

* Waterproof housing

* Less than 3.8g

* Standard Life: 6 months

* Lifespan range: 5-9 months

* Dimensions: 23 L x 12 W x 7 H (mm)

* Stranded stainless steel cable with black nylon coating

Model RI-2B:

* Frequency range: 138 - 235 MHz.

* Pulse range: 20-120ppm

* Pulse width range: 22-30ms

* Waterproof housing

* Less than 15g

* Standard Life: 24 months

* Lifespan range: 18-30 months

* Dimensions: 25 Diameter x 13 H (mm)

* Stranded stainless steel cable with black nylon coating

Model RI-2C:

* Frequency range: 138 - 235 MHz.

* Pulse range: 20-120ppm

* Pulse width range: 22-30ms

* Waterproof housing

* Less than 21g

* Standard Life: 36 months

* Lifespan range: 24-60 months

* Dimensions: 16 Diameter x 46 H (mm)

* Stranded stainless steel cable with black nylon coating

Model RI-2C2:

* Frequency range: 138 - 235 MHz.

* Pulse range: 20-120ppm

* Pulse width range: 22-30ms

* Waterproof housing

* Less than 40g

* Standard Life: 36 months

* Lifespan range: 24-60 months

* Dimensions: 37 Diameter x 33 H x 16 (mm)

* Stranded stainless steel cable with black nylon coating