McLane Research Laboratories Signal Activated Bottom Lander Sediment Trap (SABL) and Imaging FlowCyt

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is pursuing a single-source procurement for maintenance, parts, and upgrades of specialized oceanographic equipment from McLane Research Laboratories. Specifically, the procurement targets the Signal Activated Bottom Lander (SABL) and Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), which are critical instruments for harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring, tracking, and research. The contract is intended to secure proprietary parts and maintenance for these unique scientific instruments, which provide near real-time information to FWRI and FWC leadership. The procurement is not a traditional bid solicitation, but rather a formal notification seeking vendor confirmation of capability to supply the specified commodities. Interested vendors must submit written documentation demonstrating their ability to provide the required services, with submissions due by April 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET. The procurement requires vendors to comply with Chapter 287 of Florida Statutes and demonstrate comprehensive capability to perform contract requirements with integrity and reliability.

McLane Research Laboratories is the sole intended vendor for this procurement, as they assert exclusive rights to the IFCB and SABL instruments' maintenance and parts. The contract term is anticipated to be up to three years upon purchase order issuance, with an estimated total value of $300,000.00. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are noted in the documentation. The instruments are proprietary technology that has been integrated into multiple state-funded research partnerships, suggesting a specialized and critical role in scientific research infrastructure. The procurement covers maintenance, upgrades, and parts for oceanographic equipment specifically designed for harmful algal bloom research. The contract emphasizes the vendor's unique technological capabilities and the critical nature of the equipment for ongoing scientific monitoring and investigation efforts. Management approvals from multiple organizational levels underscore the strategic importance of this procurement for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.