GPS Tracking Collars and Associated Equipment for Mule Deer Research in Eastern Oregon

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) S-63500-00003107 to procure GPS tracking collars and associated equipment for mule deer research in eastern Oregon, specifically in Union County. The procurement seeks a single vendor to provide advanced GPS collars, vaginal implant transmitters, neonate collars, and carnivore GPS collars over a five-year research project. Key deliverables include equipment with satellite communication, mortality sensors, user-programmable features, and data transmission capabilities with specific technical requirements such as iridium communication and robust battery life. The RFP evaluation criteria encompasses proposed collar specifications, references, product reliability, and pricing, with a total of 100 possible points distributed across these categories. Proposals are due on June 16, 2022, at 2:00 pm Pacific time, with ODFW anticipating a notice of intent to award on June 23, 2022. The annual delivery date for all collars and associated equipment is November 1, with ODFW confirming order amounts by May 1 each year. Vendors must provide detailed specifications, data transmission fees, and warranty information as part of their proposal.

Based on the Evaluation Matrix, Vectronic Aerospace of Coralville, Iowa, was identified as the highest-scoring proposer with 81.7 points. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were mentioned in the documentation. The contract will be funded with federal funds, requiring the successful proposer to comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. While specific budget ranges were not explicitly stated, ODFW indicated they may increase or decrease the number of collars purchased based on funding availability, product pricing, or adjusted research needs. The contract terms specify FOB Destination delivery, and ODFW will not accept changes in quantities as a valid reason for price increases. The research project is expected to assess habitat use, parturition locations, and survival of adult and juvenile mule deer, as well as habitat use and home range size of specific carnivores. Data security requirements include encryption and hosting within the United States.