Updated Abundance and Genetic Diversity of Black Bears in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced its intention to award a single source contract to Wildlife Genetics International for genetic analysis services related to black bears in Florida. This contract aims to genotypically analyze hair samples to identify individual bears, assess genetic diversity, and monitor immigration between subpopulations, contributing valuable data for wildlife management and conservation efforts. The contract is valued at approximately $300,000 and is justified on the basis of the vendor’s specialized expertise and its ability to seamlessly integrate with over 25 years of existing genetic data collected by the agency. The procurement process is not a solicitation for bids or proposals, and the notice emphasizes that the vendor must demonstrate the capability and integrity to fulfill the contract requirements fully. The contract details specify that the project will be conducted within Florida, with a response deadline set for October 28, 2025. The procurement falls under the NAICS code 541715, which pertains to research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The notice also provides contact information for Matthew Carroll, the primary point of contact, and includes instructions for filing protests within 72 hours, as prescribed by state law. This procurement underscores the agency’s reliance on Wildlife Genetics International’s unique expertise to ensure accurate and consistent genetic data collection, critical for ongoing conservation initiatives.