1464-25-R-RFIN-00001

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is seeking to procure proprietary Vemco acoustic telemetry equipment from Innovasea through a sole-source procurement process. The contract opportunity, identified as 1464-25-R-RFIN-00001, covers specialized scientific research equipment including acoustic transmitters and receivers designed for fish tracking and migration studies. The procurement is specifically for Vemco equipment, which features unique tag IDs and an encrypted coding system that ensures only Innovasea's tags and receivers can interoperate. The solicitation was posted on October 10, 2024, with proposals due by October 30, 2024, and will be published on the state's procurement portal for a mandatory 14-day public comment period. The agency will invite any potential alternative vendors to submit detailed objections if they believe they can provide equivalent technology. The total equipment procurement is valued at $27,669, inclusive of shipping and handling costs.

The sole-source procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondents, though the highly specialized nature of the equipment effectively limits potential suppliers. Innovasea is identified as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the required Vemco acoustic telemetry technology, with no alternative vendors capable of providing compatible equipment. The procurement covers multiple jurisdictions including Hinds County and various Jackson City localities within Mississippi. While the primary objective is scientific research equipment acquisition, the sole-source justification emphasizes the proprietary technological requirements that prevent competitive bidding. The procurement is limited to the specific Vemco acoustic transmitters and receivers, with no indication of additional equipment or infrastructure integration requirements. The procurement will be funded through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks' budget, with the total project cost clearly defined at $27,669.