Custom Electrofishing Raft Sole Source Procurement

The University’s Department of Forestry & Environmental Conservation is procuring a custom‑built electrofishing raft to support fisheries research in the Carolinas, using a sole‑source acquisition under South Carolina law. The raft will be outfitted with hard‑wired electrical components and will be fully compatible with existing electrofishing control boxes and equipment, enabling interchangeable use across the department’s fleet. This purchase is intended to standardize field sampling methods, improve data quality, and enhance safety for student trainees and staff. • Sole‑source contract valued at $57,800 for a single, customized electrofishing raft. • Vendor: Midwest Lake Electrofishing Systems, selected for its specialized expertise. • The raft must integrate seamlessly with current electrofishing gear, requiring no modifications to existing equipment.