CA-RED BLUFF FWO-HATCHERY TAGGING
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) has issued a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Hatchery Tagging Services in Red Bluff, CA. This opportunity includes a Single Source Justification (Under SAT) outlining the intent to acquire marking and tagging services for juvenile salmon and steelhead on a sole-source basis from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC).
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the marking and tagging of juvenile salmon and steelhead at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery (NFH) Complex. This involves the use of specialized, patented AutoFish tagging systems.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (with Single Source Justification)
- Set-Aside: None (justified sole-source)
- Response Due: March 27, 2026, 5:00 PM PST
- Published: March 24, 2026
Justification for Sole Source
The FWS intends to sole-source this requirement to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) due to the following:
- Unique Expertise: PSMFC personnel possess unique technical expertise required to operate the specific, patented AutoFish tagging systems. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife mandates the use of PSMFC staff for this operation.
- Proprietary System: No other contractor has access to the AutoFish tagging system or the specialized personnel to operate it.
- Operational Impact: Manual tagging techniques would lead to unacceptable delays, increased costs, and reduced precision, compromising the program's objectives.
- Cost Prohibitive: Full competition would necessitate the government purchasing an automated fish marking trailer, estimated at $1.5 million, which is not currently feasible.
Additional Notes
The Program Office recommends this sole-source acquisition, and the Contracting Officer has approved its use under FAR Part 13.