Satelite Transmitters

F11PX0498 This is a notice of intent to go Sol Source in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 for the following items: Two, 5g Solar PTT-100 Satellite TransmitterSix, 9.5g Solar PTT-100 Satellite Transmitter Vendor:Microwave Telemetry, Inc.8835 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suites K & LColumbia, MD 21045 USA Microwave Telemetry is the only manufacturer creates transmitters that are small enough to fit on the birds we intend to track (Hawaiian Coot). The maximum allowable weight for transmitter to bird weight is 3% (transmitter cannot weigh more than 3 % of the birds weight). Since adults weigh approximately 300 grams and juveniles weigh approximately 150 grams, to meet the weight requirement transmitters must be close to 10 grams and 5 grams depending on the age class of the bird. Microwave Technology is the only company that makes a 5 gram PTT transmitter. The development of PTT transmitters this small has taken years of manufacturing refinement, therefore it is unlikely that any other manufacturer could develop a similar size PTT transmitter in the timeframe that we need for this project. Second, we need the transmitters for a fall 2011 project initiation. Microwave Telemetry has committed to build the transmitters in this timeframe. Third, the goal of the study is to track the birds over multiple years. We need a transmitter that can last the duration the study. Most transmitters have a battery that only lasts for several months at the most. We would have to recapture the birds, recharge the battery and put it back on the birds; this is not feasible as birds cannot be recaptured as they become trap wary. So, we need a battery that can recharge itself. Only two manufacturers make transmitters that can recharge themselves via solar panels and only Microwave Technology has adapted this technology to the smallest PTT transmitters available (5 gram units). Fourth, another goal of the study is to track birds around the clock. Solar units from Microwave Technology are capable of transmitting throughout the entire diurnal cycle, whereas units from other manufacturers are not capable of that yet. Only Microwave Telemetry has the combination of size, battery life, duty cycle, and production timeline to satisfy the needs of the project. As shown below by comparing Microwave Telemetry and North Star Science & Technology LLC prices, the price per unit that Microwave Telemetry charges is fair and reasonable. In addition, Microwave Technology has been a leader in Argos-compatible (satellite) bird tracking transmitters for >15 years. They have extensive experience in manufacture of satellite transmitters that have only recently been made small enough to be used on waterbirds such as the coot. Microwave Telemetry's satellite transmitters have proven reliable for studies of waterbirds whereas transmitters from other sources have not yet been tested at any large scale on waterbirds. Finally, Microwave Telemetry has demonstrated excellent service and provided quality products to USGS in the past and was recommended to us by USGS Alaska Science Center.