FWC SS 22/23-06 Wildlife Genetics

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a vendor to provide specialized genetic analysis services for the Florida black bear population. Specifically, the selected vendor will be required to extract microsatellite DNA from black bear hair samples and provide genetic analysis to identify individual bears, measure changes in genetic diversity, and detect immigration/introgression between Florida bear subpopulations. The vendor must be able to provide results compatible with past genotyping to allow comparison over time. The contract term is 3 years, and the estimated dollar amount is $300,000. Wildlife Genetics International has been identified as the sole source provider, having performed this work for over 20 years and developed the appropriate genetic profiles for Florida bears. The justification for the single source procurement cites Wildlife Genetics International's expertise and existing data as critical to ensuring compatibility with prior analyses and the ability to distinguish individual bears and subpopulations. No other vendors are identified as capable of providing these specialized genetic analysis services for the Florida black bear population.

This is a single-source procurement, and no other vendors are eligible to respond. The selected contractor must warrant that it has the capability, integrity, and reliability to fully perform the contract requirements in accordance with Chapter 287 of the Florida Statutes and all other applicable rules and laws. The contract value is estimated at $300,000 over the 3-year term.