UDOT Notice of Sole Source- Radiodetection Underground Locator Devices

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Contract Without Engaging in a Standard Procurement Process for Radiodetection Underground Locator Devices on a sole source basis. This procurement seeks to acquire four Radiodetection 7200 Package units equipped with Rechargeable Battery Packs from California Surveying & Drafting Supply (CSDS). The primary justification for this sole source procurement is that the Radiodetection 7200 is the only locator device available capable of detecting fiber optic lines at depths exceeding 20 feet, which is essential to UDOT's operational requirements. UDOT conducted market research by contacting alternative vendors including Grainger and Vermeer Mountain West, both of which confirmed their maximum locating depths are limited to 20 feet, thereby failing to meet UDOT's specifications. The public notice period runs from February 17, 2026, through February 25, 2026, during which interested and qualified suppliers may submit challenges with detailed documentation demonstrating competing sources that meet or exceed the stated requirements. Challenges must be submitted to jefferybarnes@utah.gov prior to the closing date and must include the challenger's name and supporting documentation proving the availability of comparable or superior products meeting UDOT's specifications.

No set-aside designations or restrictions specifically targeting disadvantaged enterprises, small businesses, or other protected categories have been identified in the procurement documents. The identified incumbent vendor for this procurement is California Surveying & Drafting Supply, which holds authorization as the sole distributor of Radiodetection, LLC products throughout California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona through December 31, 2026. CSDS's exclusive authorized distributor status directly supports the sole source justification, as Radiodetection, LLC has confirmed their exclusive distribution rights in the region, establishing that no competing sources exist within the territory. The estimated total cost for this procurement is $32,060 for the four units, with an additional freight charge of $120 for delivery to destination, bringing the total estimated contract value to $32,180. The contract will be executed as a UDOT Agency Contract; however, the specific contract term and any renewal options have not been detailed in the available documentation. If no valid challenges are received during the public comment period, UDOT Procurement may proceed with the non-competitive contract award to CSDS upon completion of the solicitation process and execution of the agreement by all parties.