Invitation For Bid 802-26-74038 Pop Up Archival Tags

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is soliciting sealed bids via Invitation for Bid (IFB) 802-26-74038 for the procurement of specialized satellite archival transmitting tags to support marine research initiatives focused on high-volume fish disbursement and survivorship studies. The procurement requires two distinct types of tags: six units of Type 1 tags (microPAT-401 or TPWD-approved equivalent) and ten units of Type 2 tags (Mark Report PAT-376 or TPWD-approved equivalent), with no substitutions permitted due to proprietary specification requirements that ensure test integrity. Type 1 tags must not exceed 100 millimeters in length or 50 grams in weight, feature a 1,600-meter depth rating, temperature data collection capabilities from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius, light level sensing, and a deployable duration of up to one year with automatic mortality detection and tag detachment functionality. Type 2 tags must not exceed 150 millimeters in length or 50 grams in weight, offer 1,600-meter depth rating, temperature range from minus 20 to 50 degrees Celsius, tilt and wet/dry sensors, and a two-year deployable duration with programmable detachment. All equipment must be new, manufacturer-warranted, and include operating manuals and necessary replacement parts for continuous operation upon delivery. Bids must be received by 2:00 PM Central Standard Time on January 30, 2026, via email to margaret.scarborough@tpwd.texas.gov, by mail, or hand delivery to TPWD-Coastal Fisheries at 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744, with bidders required to specify estimated delivery times. Award evaluation will consider lowest price, bidder qualifications and experience, delivery and service schedule, and past performance, with TPWD retaining sole discretion to determine best value; the State reserves the right to award based on lowest line-item bid, lowest total, or any combination serving the State's best interests.

No set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types are specified in the solicitation documents provided. Type 1 tags shall be delivered to TPWD CF Perry R Bass Marine Fisheries Office in Palacios, Texas, while Type 2 tags shall be delivered to TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division in Palacios, Texas, with shipping costs and F.O.B. destination terms included in unit pricing and no loading dock unloading required of TPWD. The contract commences upon issuance of a purchase order and automatically expires upon delivery and final acceptance by TPWD, with payment normally rendered within 30 days of receipt of a properly prepared invoice or acceptance of goods, whichever is later. Bids are binding for 60 business days from the bid due date of January 30, 2026, and the contract is subject to all applicable federal and state terms and conditions, including Davis-Bacon Act compliance, Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act standards, debarment certification, and anti-lobbying requirements. The State of Texas provides exemption from state sales tax and federal excise tax. No budget range or award value is disclosed in the available solicitation documents.