Sole-Source Notice: Radio Transmitting Tags & Receivers for Klamath River Telemetry Study

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is pursuing a sole-source procurement for radio transmitting tags and receivers to support a critical telemetry study on the Klamath River. The specific procurement includes 125 coded VHF radio transmitting tags, 15 stationary radio receivers, 2 mobile radio receivers, and associated antennas from Lotek Wireless, Inc. The primary objective is to monitor the repopulation of salmon and steelhead in newly accessible habitat following the removal of four hydroelectric dams, which represents the largest dam removal and river restoration project globally. ODFW has determined that Lotek is the only vendor capable of providing radio tags and receivers compatible with the required unique coding system for tracking individual fish across the watershed. The sole-source procurement will be executed under Oregon Administrative Rule 125-247-0275(4), with written protests accepted until 2:00 PM PST on July 4, 2024. Verbal protests will not be considered, and the procurement is not a competitive bid solicitation. The contract is specifically focused on supporting comprehensive fish migration monitoring in this landmark environmental restoration initiative.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations are explicitly mentioned in the documentation, the procurement is limited to Lotek Wireless as the sole manufacturer meeting the technical requirements. The total estimated contract value is $104,450, which covers the specialized radio telemetry equipment needed for the study. The procurement is specifically tied to Jackson County and the broader Klamath River ecosystem restoration project. No incumbent vendors other than Lotek are identified for these specialized radio transmitting tags and receivers. The existing technological infrastructure requires precise integration with Lotek's specific coding system, which distinguishes their equipment from alternative manufacturers like Advanced Telemetry Systems. The procurement represents a targeted, technical acquisition supporting a significant environmental research and restoration effort, with clear justification for the sole-source selection based on unique technological specifications and project requirements.