UW Intent to Sole Source - Canine Field Detection Services

The University of Washington intends to contract with FieldLab to purchase dog detection teams to find large carnivore scat as part of their Central Washington (CWA) carnivore monitoring program. The specialized fieldwork teams require dogs trained to locate wolf, cougar, coyote, bobcat, bear, wolverine, fisher, marten and fox scat across a 6,000 km2 remote area. The projected value of the two-month contract is $59,802.30, with an estimated start date of October 4, 2024. The University conducted market research but could not identify any other vendors capable of performing this highly specialized scope of work within the required timeline. The University believes FieldLab is the only practicable source for these services based on their existing, trained detection dog teams and familiarity with the politically sensitive study area and stakeholders. The University was not able to unbundle the services due to the integrated nature of the work. Approval of this sole source is critical to allow the University to meet its program deadlines and deliverables to the State of Washington.

This opportunity is designated as a sole source procurement due to the specialized nature of the fieldwork and FieldLab's existing capabilities. The University did not identify any other vendors capable of meeting the requirements within the necessary timeline. This contract will be awarded directly to FieldLab and is not open to other bidders. The estimated contract value is $59,802.30, with no specific disadvantaged enterprise set-asides mentioned. The University is the sole procuring agency, and this contract will support their work across multiple counties in Washington state.