1464-26-R-RFIN-00006

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is pursuing a sole-source procurement for a minimum of one and maximum of four Apex electrofishers from Smith-Root Inc., with the primary objective of acquiring specialized scientific research equipment for fish studies and data collection. This procurement is specifically for electrofishing equipment with unique proprietary features, including built-in scientific data monitoring capabilities, GPS tracking, electrical input and output monitoring, and performance information recording. The solicitation allows for a 14-day public comment period, with objection submissions due by February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., which can be submitted to John Lee, Procurement Officer, either through physical submission or via the MAGIC electronic procurement system. The total procurement cost is $15,520.00 for materials and freight. The equipment is distinguished by its patented Programmable Output Waveform concept and the ability to download scientific data via flash drive for analysis and mapping, which Smith-Root Inc. indicates is unique in the global market.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Smith-Root Inc. is the exclusive vendor for this sole-source procurement, with the company positioning itself as the sole manufacturer of this specialized electrofishing technology. The equipment's proprietary nature is justified by its comprehensive scientific monitoring features that are not available from other manufacturers, effectively making it the only solution that meets the MDWFP's specific research requirements. The procurement represents a targeted acquisition of scientific equipment with a relatively modest budget of $15,520.00, which the agency argues provides equivalent capabilities to purchasing two competing manufacturers' electrofishers. The procurement includes not just the primary electrofishing units but also associated components such as manual control boxes, footswitches, cables, power cables, and accompanying hats, further supporting the comprehensive nature of this equipment acquisition.