58--NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Division of Migratory Birds intends to award a sole-source purchase order to ORNITELA UAB for Ornitela Ornitrack GPS/GSM transmitters. This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties must demonstrate their capability to meet this requirement within three calendar days of the notice's publication (April 22, 2026).
Purpose and Scope
FWS requires Ornitela Ornitrack 2.8, 6.0, and 10.0 GPS/GSM transmitters to track the local, regional, and annual movements of migratory shorebirds and short-billed gulls. These transmitters are capable of recording locations with ~10m accuracy, collecting data frequently, and uploading via cell towers. The requirement includes 60 Ornitela Ornitrack 2.8, 10 OrniTrack 6.0, and 10 Ornitrack 10.0 GPS/GSM model transmitters, all with front and rear attachment tubes, and reinforced antennas for the 6.0 and 10.0 models.
Contract Details
- Type: Sole Source Purchase Order (Simplified Acquisition Procedures, FAR Part 13.106-1(b))
- Anticipated Awardee: ORNITELA UAB (distributed by Vertebrate Systems, LLC)
- NAICS: 334290 (Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing), Size Standard: 800 employees
- PSC: 5825 (Radio Navigation Equipment, Except Airborne)
- Estimated Value: Not exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250,000)
Justification for Sole Source
A Single Source Justification document explains that Ornitela tags were identified as the most suitable after market research. Key factors include their optimal size, weight, data storage, transmission capabilities, and rechargeability, which are critical for avian telemetry. FWS prefers Ornitela due to familiarity, proven performance, and the need for consistent data collection across years, especially when compared to alternatives like Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) which were found to be more expensive with additional monthly costs.
Response Requirements & Deadline
This is not a solicitation. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond within three (3) calendar days of the notice's publication (April 22, 2026). Responses must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government's decision not to compete is at its sole discretion. No reimbursement for providing capability information will be provided. The notice closes on April 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact John Skogen at Jack_Skogen@fws.gov. Reference the Notice of Intent number in all correspondence.