GPS Satellite Tracking Collars for Rocky Mountain Elk

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) issued Request for Proposal S-63500-00001334 for the procurement of one hundred (100) GPS iridium satellite tracking collars for adult Rocky Mountain Elk, along with associated data collection services for up to three years. The primary objectives of this procurement include identifying elk migration patterns and corridors, defining seasonal ranges, and providing estimates of adult survival for elk populations in eastern Oregon. Proposals were due by January 11, 2022, with an intended notice of award date around January 18, 2022. The evaluation matrix considered four key criteria: Proposed Collar Specifications, References, Product Reliability, and Price, with a total possible score of 100 points. Bidders were required to provide detailed pricing information, including initial costs, activation fees, data collection subscription fees, and message delivery fees for the three-year contract term. The RFP specifically required vendors to describe warranty and replacement coverage for failed units and noted that ODFW may adjust the number of collars purchased based on funding availability and product pricing.

The contract opportunity involved jurisdictions including Marion County and the City of Salem, with federal funding supporting the procurement. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, ODFW intended to award the contract to Vectronic Aerospace, Inc. of Coralville, Iowa, which received the highest evaluation score of 85.5 points. The other evaluated vendors included Lotek Advance (78.1 points) and Aerospace Wireless Telemetry (79.6 points). While no specific set-aside designations were mentioned, the procurement was conducted under the provisions of ORS 279B.060, indicating compliance with state procurement regulations. The contract incorporated federal contracting provisions due to the funding source. Specific budget details were not explicitly stated, but the procurement involved purchasing 100 GPS satellite tracking collars with associated three-year data collection services. The contract allowed for potential adjustments in collar quantity based on funding and pricing considerations.