Veterinary services-implant transmitters

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a sources sought announcement to identify qualified veterinary service providers capable of surgically implanting radio transmitters in diving ducks, with responses due by July 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Work will be performed at two USGS locations in the San Francisco Bay Area: Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge in Newark, California and the San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station on the USGS Moffett campus in Moffett Field, California. The contractor must have specialized expertise implanting transmitters in diving duck and/or Aechmorphorus grebe species due to the unique anatomical characteristics of diving birds. The scope requires implanting up to 100 GPS-GSM transmitters with external antennas over two winter periods (2026–2027 and 2027–2028), with implants completed within 10 hours of capture. Birds must be released after a 2 to 8-hour recovery period to the same capture location. Services include postoperative care, medication administration, advising support crew during surgery, and training one additional veterinarian selected by USGS to perform surgeries and collect blood samples for contaminant analysis. Up to 12 workdays per year are anticipated to complete the requirement; specific workdays and hours will be coordinated upon purchase order award. The contractor is responsible for providing their own food during on-call hours. USGS will provide all radio transmitters, surgical equipment, and necessary permits and licenses. NAICS code 541940 (Veterinary Services) with a $10.0 million annual size standard and PSC code R425 apply. Responses should demonstrate technical capability, relevant experience with similar work, personnel qualifications, available facilities and equipment, applicable licenses or certifications, and any other evidence of ability to perform. Contact elizabeth_adam@ios.doi.gov with questions.