Technical Support of Seabed Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

IAW FAR 19.502-2 this is a Sources Sought Notice to assist in the determination of Small Business interest and capability to fulfill this requirement. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED AS A RESULT OF THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE. The United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Acquisition and Grants is requesting information from qualified sources; the results of this announcement will be evaluated to determine if there are small businesses capable of fulfilling this requirement.

The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) has a requirement for attendance and assistance in operations at sea. Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor, and material (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for scientific and technical support in operating a Seabed Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) owned by NOAA NMFS. Particular requirements include managing and assisting with maintenance of the AUV, collection of optical imagery at sea on the West Coast including conducting camera calibration and review of photos and data collected from imagery and other data collected by the AUV including archiving of data in database and making updates to database.

Requires knowledge and experience in using cameras on a Seabed type Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, experience in conducting underwater optical surveys and using LBL and USBL navigation systems. Professional experience in electrical engineering (at a minimum a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering) is required. This service will require participation on research cruises with minimal notice. The exact location of cruises is not known at this time, but will include as many as 4 cruises from West Coast ports. Cruises will generally be from 10 days to two weeks. The time at sea will be no greater than 40 days in total. The following tasks are required: 

• Contractor will provide support for operation and maintenance of SeaBed AUV and assist in analyzing images and other data collected by AUV

• Contractor shall conduct maintenance of vehicle on site in NOAA Facilities in Newport, Oregon including: 

  • Conduct laboratory tests of all functional systems and document success of tests

  • Conduct visual examination of all high-pressure housings and note any problems

  • Conduct tests of the integrity of high-pressure housings by conducting vacuum tests and document the results of test

  • Examine all thrusters for excessive wear and document any excessive wear

  • Provide notes in provided logbook which documents maintenance conducted 

• Contractor shall conduct pre and post field work camera calibrations. 

• Contractors shall assist in analysis, organization and archiving of Seabed collected data including: 

  • Review image quality at sea

  • Provide notes on image quality and quantity at sea. 

  • Attend and provide oral and email updates on analysis during routine AUV meetings.

  • Provide final electronic copies of all analyses.

  • Provide electronic documentation of all software and database changes.

• Contractor shall assist in transitioning to new or updated software or technology including: 

  • Participate in testing of new or updated software or technology

  • Document all new recommended procedures and protocols and provide electronic copies of that documentation

• Contractor shall participate in at sea operations of AUV including:

  •  Have experience in using underwater navigational systems including both Ultra Short Baseline (USBL) and Long Baseline (LBL) positioning systems
  • Manage navigational information received from AUV
  • Manage acoustic communications with AUV
  • Program mission plans using SeaBed based software
  • Validate missions plans by providing a documenting secondary review of mission plans developed by others
  • Maintain and document pre-launch check lists prior to launching AUV
  • Assist in loading and unloading equipment for transport

Interested parties may submit a brief capability statement, no more than three (3) single-sided pages, demonstrating how they are capable of meeting this requirement. Capability statements should include the following: (1) Name of business. (2) Contact information (address, telephone, e-mail, website address) (3) Business size and classification e.g., Small business, 8(a), HUBZone, Small Disadvantaged business, Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned business, and Women Owned small business; or Large Business. (4) Technical description of ability to meet the requirement.

Companies shall submit electronic copies of their respective capability statements to:
Sandra Caswell at sandra.caswell@noaa.gov