NOTICE SOLE SOURCE: Purchase of Aqua-Life BP40 and BP60 Electric fish pumps

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is awarding a sole-source contract for one Aqua-Life BP40 and one BP60 electric fish pump under OAR 137-047-0275, ORS 279B.050(6)(m), and ORS 279B.075, with a protest window closing October 15, 2026. This is not a solicitation; it is public notice of a sole-source determination already approved.

The pumps are manufactured by Magic Valley Heli-Arc & Manufacturing, Inc. and are essential equipment at the Cole M. Rivers Hatchery for loading fish liberation trucks, distributing fish from marking trailers, transferring fish to graders and sorting trailers, and routine fish handling operations throughout the production year. Each unit is a portable, trailer-mounted system combining fish pumping, integrated dewatering capability, variable-speed electric drive, and height-adjustable discharge for multiple truck-loading configurations. The procurement replaces aging hydraulic equipment that has experienced significant mechanical deterioration and reliability issues.

The estimated total procurement value is $133,868.25 plus freight. The sole-source determination was justified under OAR 125-247-0691 based on market research conducted in June–July 2026 that evaluated alternative vendors including VAKI, Marco, Inventive Marine Products Limited, and PG Flow Solutions. None of those competitors offer comparable integrated systems without requiring custom engineering, additional infrastructure modifications, and permanent facility changes that are not feasible given space constraints. Continued procurement from Aqua-Life ensures full compatibility with existing equipment, maintains operational protocols and staff training continuity, and eliminates downtime and conversion costs associated with transitioning to alternative manufacturers.

Affected persons may protest by submitting written objections within seven calendar days from first publication to april.d.brenden-locke@odfw.oregon.gov and odfw.contractsinbox@odfw.oregon.gov, with detailed legal and factual grounds, description of resulting harm, and relief requested. Contact: Jazmine Rotaru, Procurement and Contracts Assistant, Jazmine.S.Rotaru@odfw.oregon.gov or 503-947-6159.