Virtual Reality Hunting Training Simulator

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is pursuing a sole-source procurement for a Virtual Reality (VR) Hunting Training Simulator through the International Hunter Education Association U.S.A (IHEA-USA), developed in collaboration with Boise State University. The primary objective is to acquire a customized VR Field Trial Program that will serve as an educational tool for hunter education classes and a public outreach experience. The simulator will focus on critical training elements such as shoot/don't shoot decision-making, Zone-of-Fire awareness, and ethical hunting practices, providing immersive hunting scenarios across diverse terrains and wildlife species with real-time feedback on safety and shot placement. The program is specifically designed to be distributed freely on the META platform for at-home self-study and classroom education. The procurement is scheduled with a posted date of July 3, 2025, and a submission due date of July 10, 2025, with the VR program intended to enhance hunter education through an innovative, interactive training approach. The deliverables include a comprehensive VR software package that can be used across multiple educational and training contexts.

This procurement is a sole-source contract, which means no competitive bidding process will occur, and IHEA-USA is the exclusive distributor of this specialized VR game software. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations are mentioned in the documentation. The total estimated procurement value is $30,000, with the contract being awarded directly to IHEA-USA due to their exclusive distribution rights and partnership with Boise State University's Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile (GIMM) department. The existing infrastructure includes the META platform for distribution, and the technology requires integration with current hunter education training programs. The VR software will be available as a free download, targeting individual learners and state wildlife education programs, with an agreement already in place between IHEA-USA and Boise State University outlining the development work and distribution channels.