The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for the purchase of up to 100 GPS radio collars for elk calves, meeting the below specifications: Globalstar (or equivalent economical) GPS satellite system available (Globalstar or similar) 13-hour GPS fix rate with locations uploaded to internet-based database immediately after each fix. Collar fix rate (lat/long received) failure must not exceed 20%. Transmission of GPS signal independent of adult collar, nonpaired. 12-hour daily VHF signal, ideally 6:00-18:00 LMT. Frequencies will be provided upon winning bid. Typical range will include 150.000-155.999mhz. Minimum one year battery life based on 13-hour fix rate with locations uploaded at each fix and 12-hour daily VHF signal Lightest unit possible that meets the battery life and data collection requirements. Need to include a maximum calf collar weight, shall not exceed 381g. Internet-accessible user interface for uploading/viewing locations. Interface must be capable of loading an unlimited number of collar locations at a single time, be able to visually display an associated animal ID/name in addition to the collar ID and be able to place collars into user-defined groups for viewing with google earth display or equivalent. Interface must include the ability to download locations for users, including .CSV form and be compatible with mobile/smartphone capabilities. The collar belt must be able to expand from 35-75cm matching the growth of the animal and be durable enough to stay on the animal until the battery life is exhausted. Drop off mechanism not required, but a cotton breakaway is required. A (cordura material is preferred) sheath covering (high visibility orange preferred) should be used to protect the expandable belt. Please include additional sheath color options and additional cost in your bid if High Visibility Orange cannot be met. Mortality indicator switch (after 4-hours of immobility) with email and/or text alert. Up to 100 collars will be ordered through the two-year contract. Anticipated 50 calf collars in spring in 2025, and up to 50 collars in spring 2026 to be delivered on or before May 1st each year. Metadata for GPS locations: The data entry for each location recorded will contain (at minimum): Collar Serial Number, Date (MM/DD/YYYY), Date (Julian), Time, Latitude (decimal degrees), Longitude (decimal degrees), Horizontal Dilution of Position, Number of Satellites. Collar ID: Every collar supplied will be preprogrammed before delivery to WDNR staff. An external label containing the unique collar serial number and unique frequency must be affixed to each transmitter. Desired frequencies will be provided to manufacturer upon collar order.
