GPS Datalogger for Tortoises

F11PX02205 This is a notice of intent to go Sol Source in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 for the following items: Mode Description QuantityG2110F GPS Logger/TX Weight 65g 3616848 Logger Charger and Cable 116753 Logger Programming Cable 1 Vendor:Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS)470 First Ave N. Box 398Isanti, MN 55040 ATS is the only know source that can meet Agency requirements. The hardware items named are identical to those used by our collaborating partner agencies (USGS, and the San Diego Zoo). Use of the same hardware will allow the United State Fish and Wildlife to collect date with the same efficiency as our partner agencies and will allow data to be shared among agencies. This will allow greater sharing of resources among agencies and will eliminate the need for duplicative work among partners. The units by ATS were designed specifically for use with desert tortoises, so the size, shape, and weight of the units are made to a standard set of desert tortoise specifications. The USGS and the Zoo have had much success with these units. Last year, the Zoo use GPS data loggers made by another company, but ultimately we could not use them at all because they did not properly fit any desert tortoises. To avoid this waste of time and money, the Service would prefer to use units that have already been field-tested and are currently in use by other reputable desert tortoise researchers. In past recovery efforts where data collection was first developed for desert tortoises, many types of GPS tracking and logging was used and tested. Types ranged from telemetry collars, implants, harnessed GPS devices, and glued on units. During these years of trial and error, the ATS units proved more reliable and cost effective.