GPS Cattle Tracking Collars
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. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking quotations for GPS Cattle Tracking Collars under Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0307. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside acquisition for commercial items. The collars, along with software subscriptions, batteries, and chargers, are required for deployment at a research farm in Burlington, VT. Quotes are due by March 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work & Requirements
The requirement is for 50 GPS cattle collars, 50 software subscriptions, 5 batteries, and 8 chargers. Key technical specifications include:
- Connectivity: Preference for cellular data connection (reliable cellular service available at deployment site). Bluetooth enabled for animal contact evaluation.
- Tracking: Real-time GPS tracking with a preference for one-minute interval data collection and accuracy less than 3-12 feet.
- Features: Virtual fence capabilities (for 0.5 to 30-acre paddocks), audio warning (<90 dB) for geofence alerts, access to a cloud-based monitoring dashboard, and exportable raw GPS data.
- Design: Adjustable collars for calves to large cows, rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries, and solar panels for remote recharging.
- Subscription: A 12-month renewable subscription service, to be included as a separate line item.
- Environment: Performance in temperatures from -4°F to +140°F.
- Delivery: F.O.B. destination within 90 days of award.
Contract Details
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) for a Firm-Fixed-Price requirements contract.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 334220, Small Business Standard 1250).
- Agency: USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
- Place of Performance: Burlington, VT.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes will be evaluated based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, considering Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance (Acceptable or Neutral). Technical acceptability requires products to meet or exceed salient characteristics, be clearly identified by brand/make/model, include descriptive literature, and be available for delivery within the specified timeframe. Offerors must submit pricing for all items and agree to hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
- Questions Due: March 13, 2026, 2:00 PM ET.
- Quotes Due: March 20, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.
Additional Notes
The government clarified that no LoRaWAN or cellular infrastructure is available at the deployment site, but cellular service is reliable, hence the preference for cellular collars. Configuration for high-frequency data collection and training support for the web dashboard/interface are required. The contract will cover the initial 12-month subscription period. Offerors should review "Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions" and "Attachment 2 - Specifications" for full details.