SOURCES SOUGHT: This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE. The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a MARKET SURVEY to determine the interest and capability of any firm eligible to compete under NAICS code 334519 with a Small Business Size Standard <600 employees for an upcoming requirement to purchase a fully automated/robotic declination/inclination fluxgate magnetometer (DIFM) theodolite.
THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. ALL COST ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING INFORMATION AS REQUESTED BY THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTRACTOR. Submission is voluntary.
General Description
A fully automated/robotic declination/inclination fluxgate magnetometer (DIFM) theodolite, providing automatic absolute measurements of geomagnetic declination & inclination. As a fully automated/robotic instrument, the DIFM theodolite must continuously work without any human support. The measurement sequence must follow the same protocol as a conventional ¿manual¿ DIFM theodolite measurement sequence:
¿ Horizontal direction Referencing: 2 target pointing (sensor up and sensor down)
¿ 4 declination measurements: east-up, west-down, east-down and west-up.
¿ Horizontal direction Referencing: 2 target measurement (to check the mechanical stability)
¿ 4 inclination measurements: south-up, north-down, south-down and north-up
Combined with a scalar instrument (e.g., proton precession magnetometer), the DIFM theodolite must absolutely measure the geomagnetic field vector in orientation and in strength and determine variometer baselines (e.g., X0, Y0 & Z0).
The mechanical part of the instrument must consist of a non-magnetic platform having two major degrees-of-freedom in rotation (a vertical and a horizontal axis). The motion is ensured by non-magnetic ultrasonic motors. Each axis is equipped with non-magnetic angular encoders providing angle readings with 1arcsec (1/3600°) resolution. A single axis magnetic sensor (fluxgate sensor) is mounted on the horizontal axis in order to determine the different positions perpendicular to the magnetic field. Levelling the instrument can be performed by turning the three foot-screws and checking the electrolytic level (electronic version of the usual bubble level).
Referencing uses a laser beam and a corner cube (retroreflector) as target. The center of the corner cube corresponds to the center of the target. The reflected beam is detected by a couple of photocells mounted on the instrument.
The signal from the DIFM theodolite is transmitted to its electronic box through an 8m cable and data from the electronic box to a laptop through USB cable.
Main Characteristics
Angle reading resolution: Better than 1¿¿
Angle absolute accuracy (ISO 17-123): Better than 6¿
Motor resolution: 0.001°
Fluxgate sensor resolution: 0.1nT
Electrolytic level resolution: <0.2¿¿
Vertical Index level compensation range (by software): +/- 2¿
Clock: From local time server or by internet
Target pointing resolution: < 1¿¿
Laser beam wavelength: 650 nm (visible red)
Power requirement: AC 100-230V 50/60Hz 2A
Electronic box cable length: 8m
Electronic box magnetic signature: < 1nT at 1m
Measurement duration: < 10min
Max measurement rate: > 6 sequences/hour
Dimensions: 230mm (external diameter) x 350mm (height)
Foot screws spacing: 120° on 24 cm diameter underplate
Computer reference: Compulab fitlet 2 or similar
Remote desktop connection: Through LAN or wireless router (reference TPlink TL-MR3020 or similar)
Target (corner cube) reference: Geo Fennel prism set A4 or similar
Battery reference: YUASA REC 10-12 (12V, 10.0 Ah) cyclic application (or similar)
File Format
Data recorded in text files. There should be one file per day. All data are written in the daily file. The first line of a measurement specifies if the sequence is complete or magnetic only (without target). Then the lines correspond to a step of measurement.
Installation Requirements
On-site installation by manufacturer or manufacturer trained technician.
This is an indoor instrument requiring a dedicated pillar in an absolute house.
Temperature & humidity operating range:10 ¿ 30 °C & 20 ¿ 80% relative humidity
Recommended target distance: 50-100m (line of sight must be within 10 degrees to horizontal and free from any obstacle)
Distance to electronic box: Minimum 3m - Note: Minimum cable bend radius is 50cm
Recommended Pillar layout: Non-magnetic Indoor pillar
Top Surface: 25cm x 25cm
Height: 0.5 m to 1.5 m
Recommended target support: Outdoor dedicated pillar with 5/8¿ screw
Power availability: AC 100-230V 50/60Hz 2A (2 plugs)
Internet availability: Internet availability is needed for remote troubleshooting assistance and data control.
Training Requirements
Training by manufacturer or manufacturer trained technicians in the use of a fully automated/robotic declination/inclination fluxgate magnetometer (DIFM) theodolite. Training shall cover, operation of the equipment, best practices, management and interpretation of data.
Warranty Requirements
A minimum 2-year warranty for labor and parts.
In response to this announcement, please indicate your firm's socioeconomic status (e.g. ISBEE, small business, service-disabled veteran-owned, women owned, HUBZone, etc.) This information will assist the Government in determining how small businesses can fit into the acquisition strategy.
A firm is considered small under NAICS code 334519 with a Small Business Size Standard <600 employees. Any information submitted is voluntary. If sufficient interest and capability is not received from firms in categories (1) through (4) above, any solicitation may be issued as unrestricted without further consideration.
Interested small business firms shall submit (1) NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE NUMBER OF THE FIRM (including SAM UEI NUMBER); (2) a CAPABILITY STATEMENT including (a) RECENT (within the last three fiscal years) RELEVANT (similar projects to this requirement) performance history (identify the name of the owner and their point(s) of contact with telephone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses; and (b) in what capacity (e.g., prime, subcontractor etc.) they performed the work; and (3) their SIZE STATUS.
Your company must have a SAM Unique Identifier number and be registered on-line at the System for Award Management (SAM).
All responses must be submitted NLT August 6, 2025 at 12:00pm MST via e-mail to: kkeuma@usgs.gov.
This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Invitation for Bid (IFB) and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. Responses to this sources sought notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to this market survey. Any solicitation that may be issued will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website and no paper copies will be provided.
