Opportunity: Satellite Radiocollars for Polar Bears

Satellite Radiocollars for Polar Bears This is a notice of intent to solicit from a single source. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), intends to award a purchase order to Telonics, Mesa, Arizona, for GPS Satellite collars as described in the attached Salient Characteristics. Award will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) and the procedures at FAR Part 12 entitled, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 entitled, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Telonics is, to the USGS' knowledge, the only source who can manufacture GPS Satellite collars that meet the government's requirements. The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart 5.2. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible parties may submit a quotation by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this action based upon responses received is in the sole discretion of the Government. The NAICS code for this action is 334220, Radio & Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications. Responses or inquiries shall only be accepted through electronic mail addressed to dallan-loucks@usgs.gov and must be uploaded and received in their entirety no later than 22 August 2019/1500 ET. Responses submitted by hardcopy or the FedConnect web portal or the FedConnect Message Center shall not be accepted or considered. GPS collar Specifications 1. Satellite radiocollars must be proven for a period not less than 12 months to function correctly on polar bears in Arctic field conditions. 2. Satellite radiocollars must collect GPS positions and transfer the positions and other data through the Iridium satellite system. 3. Satellite radiocollars must include a VHF transmitter. 4. Satellite radiocollars must have a salt water switch that synchronizes with PGS attempts and allows detection of contact with seawater. 5. Satellite radiocollars must be programmable. 6. Satellite radiocollars must be capable of collecting activity and temperature data that are then transmitted via Iridium. 7. Satellite radiocollars must be sized to fit polar bears with a neck circumference up to 32 inches. 8. Battery life of satellite radiocollars must be proven for a period of not less than 15 months to continuously work without failure on polar bears in Arctic field conditions. 9. Collar release units must be proven for a period not less than 12 months to function on polar bears in Arctic field conditions.