Notice of Sole-Source- Round Butte Hatchery 15, 000 Pit Tag Purchase

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is conducting a sole-source procurement for 15,000 Biomark APT 12 pre-loaded pit tags for the Round Butte Hatchery. This procurement is specifically designed to support the Deschutes River Stock hatchery spring Chinook program, with the primary objective of evaluating adult return effectiveness. The pit tags are highly specialized, measuring 12.5 mm in length and 2.03 mm in diameter, and are intended for subcutaneous or intramuscular implantation in fish. They must meet specific technical requirements, including a 134.2 kHz interrogation frequency, compliance with ISO standards 11784 and 11785, and capability for underwater detection. The procurement is being conducted under OAR 137-047-0275, ORS 279B.050(6)(m), and ORS 279B.075, with a notice period from December 2, 2025, to December 9, 2025. Any affected parties have seven calendar days from the first publication date to file a written protest with the designated procurement officer, April D. Brenden-Locke, via specified email addresses.

The sole-source procurement is not restricted to specific organizational types, but is justified based on unique compatibility requirements with existing Biomark detection infrastructure at Round Butte Hatchery and Columbia River dams. Market research confirmed no alternative products meet the required performance standards, leading to this single-source determination. The total procurement value is estimated at $43,650.00, with the tags being critical for efficiently tracking and monitoring fish movements. No incumbent vendors are mentioned, but the procurement relies on integration with existing detection equipment across multiple river dam locations. The tags will be used to gather vital data for the hatchery's spring Chinook program, with the specific goal of improving understanding of adult fish returns. Potential respondents should note that this is not a competitive solicitation, and the procurement has been approved under specific state procurement regulations that allow for sole-source acquisitions when no comparable alternatives exist.