SSA - Virtual Fencing Towers

The state of Idaho, specifically the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in partnership with Lincoln County, is pursuing a sole source procurement for virtual fencing technology to support rangeland restoration in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The procurement involves acquiring five Vence Virtual Fencing Base Stations to supplement an existing ecosystem of three base stations and 320 Vence collars. The project is a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Forest Service, ISDA, the University of Idaho, and federal grazing permittees, with the primary objective of managing and restoring rangeland following the 2022 Moose Fire. The sole source request is justified by Vence being the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of base stations compatible with the current system, particularly critical in a remote, rugged area with limited cellular coverage. The procurement timeline spans from March 25, 2024, to March 24, 2025, with potential future renewals. The proposal is due on April 2, 2024, and the total estimated cost for the five base stations is $50,000, which will be funded through grant resources.

There are no explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational respondents mentioned in the available documentation. The existing technology infrastructure consists of three previously deployed base stations and 320 Vence collars, which will be directly integrated with the proposed five additional base stations. The project requires precise technical compatibility, as the Vence system is the only solution capable of functioning effectively in the specified challenging geographic environment. While the primary focus is on the virtual fencing technology procurement, the procurement is unique in its sole source nature, indicating a specialized technological solution tailored to specific environmental management needs. The $50,000 budget represents the total anticipated investment for this specific technological enhancement, with potential for future expansions or renewals contingent on project success and continued grant funding.