Sole Source Procurement for Apex Electrofishing Unit

Clemson University intends to enter into a sole source contract with Smith-Root for the purchase of an Apex electrofishing unit. The unit is required for a research project studying stream fish in Pisgah National Forest, NC, as part of the Hurricane Helene Recovery grant. The Apex electrofisher is the only backpack-style electrofisher that meets the project's requirements, including highly customizable settings and the ability to record relevant data. The key features of the Apex electrofisher include: * Highly customizable settings that can easily be changed as the researchers move between waterways with differing characteristics * Ability to record GPS, electrical inputs and outputs, warning codes, and performance information on board the unit * USB port for easy downloading of data in the field * Programmable output waveform concept that provides access to the most effective and least damaging output waveforms available * Ability to easily switch between waveforms to prevent injuries to sensitive species