12mm Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for the procurement of Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags. The acquisition is set aside 100.00% for Small Business. The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334220 with a size standard of 1,250 employees.

• The primary deliverable is Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags.

• The period of performance is from 06/15/2026 to 08/14/2026.

• The solicitation issue date is 05/21/2026.

• The offer due date is 05/27/2026 at 1000 Eastern Daylight Time.

• The solicitation method is Request for Quote (RFQ).

• This acquisition is a 100.00% set-aside for Small Business.

• The solicitation incorporates by reference FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-3. Addenda to FAR 52.212-5 are attached.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial product (PIT Tags) prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6. It is a Request For Quote (RFQ) and constitutes the only solicitation; no written solicitation will be issued. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334220 with a size standard of 1,250 employees. This requirement is a Small Business set-aside.

• Procurement of 12mm Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags.

• Tags must be compatible with existing PIT infrastructure in the Columbia River Basin (dams, hatcheries, instream arrays) as per specifications in the Comprehensive PIT Tag Evaluation (CPTE) standard.

• Pre-loaded PIT tags (12mm approximate length, 134.2 kHz ISO FDX-B) must be compatible and injectable with USFWS existing equipment, or vendor may provide injection devices. Tags shall be packaged in trays of 100.

• Manufacturer must have an International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) code for tag coding.

• Vendor must provide 3rd party testing results before delivery.

• Contract Type: One (1) Firm Fixed Price Commercial Products Contract.

• Period of Performance: Delivery by August 14, 2026.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code suggests a significant procurement.

• Quotes are requested.

• Evaluation will be based on Best Value (considering preferred specifications, past performance, and cost).

• Technical Capability (including past performance) and Price are evaluation factors.

• Technical Capability and past performance are significantly more important than price.

• Proposals will be evaluated for acceptability, not ranked, using non-cost/price factors.

• Tradeoffs are not permitted.

• Vendors with non-compliant PIT tags in the past 5 years may be removed from consideration.

• Submission Instructions: Electronic quotations via email to Robert_Sung@fws.gov with solicitation number "140F0S26Q0038 – PIT tags" in the subject line. No hard copies accepted.

• Requests for Information due 3 days prior to solicitation closing.

• Small Business set-aside.

• Delivery locations specified for three different sites within the Columbia River Basin.

• Vendor must provide 3rd party testing results before delivery.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR clauses related to commercial items, representations, certifications, and contract administration.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the comprehensive procedure for testing candidate PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tags to determine if they can be acceptably detected by the PIT-Tag systems installed throughout the Columbia River Basin. It details the steps and tests that will be conducted as part of a Request for Proposal (RFP) evaluation process.

• Standard Size PIT Tag Evaluation: Includes multiple steps such as hit-rate tests in a corner-collector detection system, physical dimension (length, diameter, weight) tests, preliminary reading-efficiency tests, and various laboratory tests (electrical parameters, read ranges under noise, maximum read speed, grouping/proximity tests, drop test, pressure test).
• Specialty Tag Evaluation: Outlines modified testing procedures for specialty tags, which may include length/diameter/weight measurements, preliminary reading-efficiency tests, and specific electronic parameter and read range tests depending on tag length.
• Performance Criteria: Establishes minimum performance requirements for candidate tags to pass each test. Tags must perform as well as or better than the currently approved APT12 tag model.
• Testing Agencies: Tests are conducted by NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC).

This document is crucial for manufacturers of PIT tags who are considering responding to an RFP for PIT tags. It clearly defines the rigorous testing protocols, performance benchmarks, and evaluation criteria that will be used to assess their products. Bidders must understand these procedures to ensure their tags meet the specified requirements for successful detection within the Columbia River Basin's PIT-Tag systems.