Electronic Measuring Systems for Statewide At-Sea Observer Program

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking electronic measuring systems for its Statewide At-Sea Observer Program. The procurement involves integrated hardware and software solutions, specifically electronic measuring boards, tablets, and customizable software designed to replace manual data collection methods used by marine observers. Vendors must provide systems capable of recording complex fisheries data in real-time, including live fish lengths, discard conditions, angler information, and comprehensive trip-level data across four nested data levels. Key deliverables include 16-20 complete electronic measuring systems to be received by December 1, 2026, with specific quantities determined by unit cost and equipment compatibility. The evaluation process will assess proposals based on several criteria: executive summary (30 points), respondent background and experience (5 points), project organization (5 points), project plan (45 points), implementation schedule (5 points), and cost (10 points), with a minimum score of 60 points required for consideration. Critical procurement dates include a January 12, 2026 deadline for written questions, with responses anticipated by January 15, 2026, and sealed proposals due January 26, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET. The evaluation period is scheduled from February 2-16, 2026, with an anticipated award date of February 23, 2026.

Potential respondents must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid submission. The RFP permits subcontracting and encourages diversity participation, though specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed. The initial contract term is three years from purchase order issuance, with options for yearly renewal for up to five additional years at the Commission's discretion. The estimated project budget is $90,000, with the cost sheet requiring pricing for hardware kits, tablets with accessories, maximum shipping fees per unit, and annual software licenses covering the initial three-year term plus potential renewal years. Vendors must submit one original and one electronic copy on a flash drive in sealed envelopes, accompanied by mandatory documentation including the Respondent Acknowledgment Form, references, list of subcontractors, cost sheet, and various compliance certifications. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the RFP suggests the system must integrate with or replace existing manual data collection infrastructure used by marine observers during fisheries monitoring activities.