Satellite Network Data Time for Argos PTT

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is pursuing a sole source procurement for satellite network data time through Woods Hole Group/CLS America for wildlife tracking purposes, specifically focused on transmitting GPS waypoints and transmitter status information using the ARGOS satellite network. The contract will support tracking of wild turkeys and other avian species using Platform Terminal Transmitters (PTT), with specifications requiring six daily transmissions from May through August and five daily transmissions from September through April, covering a total of 48 transmitters. The procurement is being processed through the Utah Division of Purchasing, which has published a Notice of Intent to Award a Contract without Engaging in a Standard Procurement Process, citing unique technological requirements that limit competitive bidding. The justification for sole source procurement is based on the ARGOS satellite network being the only satellite constellation capable of communicating with low-powered, lightweight tracking devices suitable for wildlife research. The contract is structured for a five-year term, with the current quote valid from 03/04/2025 and proposal responses due by 08/22/2025, involving daily fees of $4.00 per tag and monthly active platform fees of $17.00 per tag.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Woods Hole Group is positioned as the primary vendor, with CLS America potentially serving as a partner in delivering the satellite network services. The total estimated contract value is approximately $253,500 for the five-year term, with annual data fees calculated at up to $37,440, broken down into $27,648 for data transmission and $9,792 for monthly active platform fees. The contract includes provisions for tag and data tracking flexibility, with payment terms set at NET 30 Days via check. Vendors are required to comply with an Anti-Boycott provision, certifying they are not engaged in economic boycotts and will not boycott certain entities or industries. The procurement also requires vendors to submit both redacted and non-redacted versions of their proposals, with the understanding that complete redaction will not be accepted. Additional legislative funding may be added to the awarded contract if the legislature provides supplemental funding for the identified scope of work.