Sole Source: Umpqua Basin Smolt Survival

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is proceeding with a sole-source procurement of Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System (JSATS) tags and receivers from Advanced Telemetry Systems, Inc. for the Umpqua Basin Smolt Survival project, with a protest period closing August 18, 2026. This is a notice of sole-source approval, not a competitive solicitation.

ODFW has determined that Advanced Telemetry Systems is the only viable source capable of supplying JSATS tags meeting the biological and operational constraints of the study. The tags' small injectable format, suitable battery life, and high detection probability in large river systems are essential for tagging salmon smolts released from Rock Creek Hatchery on the North Umpqua River during the 2025–2027 biennium using acoustic telemetry technology. Market research conducted in spring 2026 evaluated alternative systems from Innovasea and Biomark but found that only JSATS tags met the requirements for fish size compatibility, tag burden, and in-hatchery tagging methodology needed to produce healthy, tagged smolts that effectively replicate untagged population behavior. Alternative technologies such as PIT tags and coded wire tags lack adequate detection frameworks and detectability in the Umpqua River system. Advanced Telemetry Systems holds exclusive manufacturing rights to the SS400, SS300, and Eel Lamprey Acoustic Tag products under a licensing agreement with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The estimated procurement value is $116,000 for a single purchase. The project is governed by Oregon Revised Statute 279B.075 and Oregon Administrative Rule 125-247-0275. The sole-source determination was approved August 11, 2026. Any affected person may file a written protest within seven calendar days to ODFW Designated Procurement Officer April D. Brenden-Locke. Questions may be directed to Becky Sell, Procurement and Contract Specialist 1, at becky.s.sell@odfw.oregon.gov or 503-509-9826.