Agency Natural Resources Dept

Contractor Wildlife Genetics International

SWIFT Contract Number 62845

Project Name Bear hair genetics

Project Number (if applicable) {Empty}

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: Hair samples were collected from Minnesota black bears for a population estimate. The samples had to be distinguished to individual bear by their DNA. This company has the greatest experience and expertise doing this work. No labs in Minnesota could do this work with the required rigor.

Project Duration

Start Date Tue, 06/04/2013 - 00:00

Original end date Sun, 06/30/2013 - 00:00

Actual end date Sun, 06/30/2013 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $48500

Amendments $0

Contract total $48177.19

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Natural Resources

Is this a sole source contract? Yes

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) (1) This is the only commercial company in North America that can do this work.
(2) If this work was done by a university lab, they would require a closer tie to the results (e.g., collaboration on a paper)
(3) This lab has extensive experience with this sort of work, including >400 previous projects involving analysis of DNA from bear hair. A large number of other states (23) have employed this lab to do bear hair DNA analysis.
(4) We have used this lab in the past (late 1990s) for a similar project in Voyageurs National Park. Thus, they have a profile of the DNA of Minnesota bears. This is very useful for knowing how many and which genes to examine in the analysis.
(5) This lab is accepted within the profession as producing top quality results. The president of the lab is professional scientist with impeccable credentials and a long publication record. He uses the most modern techniques to extract the most from the samples.

Evaluator Name David Garshelis

Evaluator Email Address dave.garshelis@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Very timely under a short deadline.

Evaluate the contractor's quality Exceptional quality. We had close contact with the lab throughout so they knew exactly what we wanted done. The project involved not only the genetic analysis, but choosing a sample of envelopes with hair from a large box of numbered envelopes, visually evaluating the quality of the hair in the envelope, and then if inadequate, following rather precise instructions on choosing an alternate envelope. They followed these instructions exactly.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Lower than any other commercial lab.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Exceptional in every respect. Provided a very clear computer file of results.

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): none

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied