7G--Special Notice of Intent to Sole Source Award
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) intends to award a firm fixed-price sole source contract to Lotek Wireless Inc. for GPS collars equipped with cameras for wolf tracking at the Selawik National Refuge. This procurement addresses an urgent need to gather information on wolves to support upcoming management decisions, specifically regarding a new proposal for aerial gunning. While this is an intent to award, other interested parties may submit a statement of capabilities.
Scope of Requirement
The requirement is for 5-7 specialized GPS collars equipped with cameras for deployment on wolves within the Selawik National Refuge. These collars must be suitable for wolves, include GPS, radio, and Iridium capabilities, and potentially video/audio features, compatible with existing FWS collars. The data collected is crucial for informing wolf management decisions in 2027.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Intent to Sole Source (Firm Fixed-Price)
- Intended Awardee: Lotek Wireless Inc.
- Estimated Value: Approximately $28,000 (for 5-7 units at $3,900 each)
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- NAICS: 334290 (Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing)
- PSC: 7G22 (IT and Telecom—Network: Satellite and Rf Communications Products)
- Deployment Timeline: Collars must be manufactured and delivered by April 7, 2026, for deployment prior to summer 2026, during periods of snow cover and adequate daylight (February-April).
- Statement of Capabilities Due: February 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
- Published: February 19, 2026
Justification & Market Research
The sole source justification under FAR subpart 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) and (ii) is based on the urgent need and Lotek Wireless Inc. being the only source identified through market research capable of manufacturing and delivering suitable collars within the required timeframe. Other potential vendors, like Vectonix, could not meet the specific requirements or delivery schedule. The urgency stems from the need for data to support decision-making in 2027, with a limited window for collar deployment.
Action Items
This is not a solicitation. However, any interested party believing they can meet this urgent requirement may submit a written statement of capabilities. Submissions must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Statements should be sent via email as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to carter_duke@fws.gov. No telephone requests will be honored.