7G--USGS Intent to Award Notice: Satellite Tags(PAT-376D)
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. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior, has issued an Intent to Award Notice for a non-competitive contract to Wildlife Computers. This contract is for the procurement of (19) Mark-Report PAT-376D satellite tags to support the Maine Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit's field program. The tags are crucial for tracking Atlantic sturgeon in the Gulf of Maine to assess overwintering habitats and aid fisheries management. Vendors believing they can provide similar products must respond by May 19, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The USGS requires specialized satellite tags with specific technical capabilities:
- Quantity: 19 Mark-Report PAT-376D satellite tags.
- Performance: Tags must be capable of performing and releasing after extended periods of darkness.
- Battery Life: Long battery life (>3 months) without reliance on solar charging.
- Size: Small size, with a mass of 120g or less, representing 2% of the sturgeon's body mass.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Intent to Award)
- Procurement Method: Non-competitive, citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) due to only one reasonably available source (Wildlife Computers).
- Product Service Code: 7G22 (Hardware And Software For Dedicated Satellite And Rf (Microwave) Communications Equipment).
- Set-Aside: Not applicable; this is an intent to award to a specific vendor. However, other vendors are invited to demonstrate capability.
Submission & Response
- Action: Vendors who believe they possess similar technical expertise and can provide the required product(s) are invited to contact the Contracting Officer.
- Contact: Leah Williams, Contracting Officer, via email at leah_williams@ios.doi.gov.
- Deadline: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 09:00 AM ED.
- Subject Line: Emails must include "Notice DOIGFBO260015".
Additional Notes
The USGS conducted market research and determined that Wildlife Computers' tags are currently the only ones meeting all specifications, particularly the critical size requirements. While this is an intent to award non-competitively, future requirements for similar items will be competed to the maximum extent practical, and the Program Office will continue market research for future solutions.