Acoustic Fish Tags

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking to procure acoustic transmitters and receivers for fish research monitoring projects through an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The solicitation requires 100 acoustic transmitters (V13-1x-A69-1604 model), with 50 units to be delivered to field stations in Corpus Christi and Port Arthur, and 10 transponding acoustic receivers (NexTrak R1 model) to be delivered to the Upper Laguna Madre Field Station in Corpus Christi. The primary research objectives include monitoring tagged fish movements, specifically tracking spawning migration of spotted seatrout and sheepshead. TPWD prefers initial delivery by March 1, 2026, though alternative delivery schedules may be proposed. The bid is due on January 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time, with the contract commencing upon award and continuing through November 30, 2027. Evaluation criteria will focus on best value, including lowest price, vendor qualifications, delivery capability, and past performance. The bid must be submitted on an all-or-none basis, with unit pricing inclusive of all associated shipping, handling, and delivery fees.

The solicitation is open to all qualified bidders, with specific procurement preferences given to Texas-based businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and historically underutilized businesses. The equipment specifications are proprietary and non-substitutable, emphasizing the critical need for compatibility with existing research infrastructure. All proposed equipment must be new, unused, and covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty, which begins upon TPWD's acceptance. The contract includes no guaranteed minimum or maximum order quantities, with payment contingent upon TPWD's acceptance after a five-working-day inspection and performance testing period. Invoices will be processed within 30 days of receipt and acceptance of goods. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves specialized scientific equipment critical to marine research monitoring. Potential vendors should note the strict technical requirements and the importance of precise equipment specifications in maintaining research continuity and data integrity.