DNR Fisheries/LED - FACTS contract

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a Notice of Intent to Negotiate (ITN) for the Fishing Activity and Catch Tracking System (FACTS) contract, seeking to establish a direct multi-year procurement with Electric Edge Systems Group, Inc. (EESG), a Canadian-owned company. The procurement focuses on maintenance and enhancements of the state-owned DNR customized code within the FACTS application, classified under commodity code 98574 for General Software. The solicitation was issued on 4/8/2025, with vendor questions due by 4/10/2025 at 12:00 pm EST and alternative vendor responses required by 4/16/2025. Vendors must complete a comprehensive vendor questionnaire covering detailed company information, including background, veteran-owned business status, economic impact, and labor law compliance. The ITN requires potential contractors to provide extensive documentation demonstrating their qualifications, technological capabilities, and ability to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the FACTS system. Evaluation criteria will likely include vendor experience, technical expertise, compliance with state requirements, and the ability to seamlessly transition and enhance the existing system.

The procurement appears to have specific set-aside considerations, potentially favoring veteran-owned businesses and requiring compliance with state diversity and economic impact guidelines. The contract represents a transition from an existing annual Purchase Order under the Michigan Master Computing Program (MMCP) to a new direct contract, suggesting potential opportunities for small or diverse businesses to participate. Electric Edge Systems Group, Inc. is currently identified as the sole source vendor, which may limit competitive bidding. The state will conduct thorough verification of all submitted vendor information, including tax compliance and business certifications. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed in the provided documentation, the multi-year nature of the contract and the specialized software development requirements suggest a potentially significant investment in maintaining and enhancing the FACTS system. The procurement also indicates a strong preference for vendors who can demonstrate ongoing technological innovation and support for the state's fisheries tracking infrastructure.