VHF beacon collars

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is conducting an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the procurement of 130 VHF radio-transmitter collars specifically designed for tracking and managing bighorn sheep populations. The collars must meet precise technical specifications, including user-defined frequencies between 150.680 and 151.980 MHz, a 53 cm neck size, welded 2-inch wide belting, and a tear-drop shape with an integrated mortality sensor. Key deliverables include collar programming, activation services, hardware, software, and comprehensive warranty coverage. The bid solicitation requires vendors to provide detailed pricing inclusive of taxes, shipping, and importation tariffs, with a mandatory delivery deadline of September 15, 2021. Bidders will be evaluated based on responsiveness and responsibility, with the contract anticipated to be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. The bid submission deadline is August 5, 2021, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, with an expected contract execution date of August 9, 2021.

The procurement opportunity includes provisions for certified disadvantaged business participation, encouraging minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses to participate as potential subcontractors. Bidders are required to complete a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan, which includes reporting their own certification status, listing previously worked with certified firms, and detailing strategies for soliciting certified businesses if awarded the contract. The ODFW will require a comprehensive responsibility inquiry from potential vendors, examining their financial resources, past performance, legal history, and business licensing. Reference checks will be conducted, requesting information from three different firms about the bidder's previous service quality, contract performance, and operational capabilities. While the specific contract value is not explicitly stated in the documents, the procurement involves 130 collars with associated services, suggesting a moderate-value contract that would be suitable for manufacturers and suppliers specializing in wildlife tracking equipment.