140G0325Q0199_SOW_1.pdf

Statement of Objectives (SOO) For Wave Glider Piloting Services

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The wave glider is an autonomous ocean surface vessel capable of executing a variety of tasks over mission lengths up to six months or longer. Navigation and operational control of the wave glider is performed remotely through a web-based Wave Glider Management System command interface by pilots on shore.

While carrying out complex mission tasks, the wave glider at sea is exposed to risks such as adverse environmental conditions, vessel traffic, or entanglement, and inherent to the wave glider design are specific operational limitations related to maneuverability, power, and communication.

Successful completion of mission tasks requires that experienced and certified personnel with an understanding of the operational risks and limitations of the system maintain awareness of the wave glider situational state 24 hours a day and seven days a week while it is at sea.

2. SCOPE

The required Wave Glider piloting services will support USGS personnel by maintaining situational awareness of the USGS SV3 Wave Glider (SV3-1126) 24 hours a day for the duration of its mission. The mission is expected to last between 6 and 8 weeks but may be shortened or extended as need arises.

Wave Glider piloting services include pre- and post-launch support during the deployment of the Wave Glider, in-water operations and risk mitigation during the mission, and Wave Glider recovery support at the end of the mission.

3. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

None

4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1. Operational Risk Assessment

Assess the expected risks within the operational area during the mission time window and determine as appropriate the operational parameters for mitigation of those risks. Completion of this task will result in a report provided detailing the operational risks and identifying guidelines for avoidance and mitigation of those risks that can be used for mission planning.

4.2. Piloting Services

Provide 24-hour remote command and control of the SV3-1126 Wave Glider through the Wave Glider Management System. Piloting services include:

4.2.1. Mission Planning

A mission plan outlining specific operational tasks and responsibilities will be developed prior to the mission in cooperation with and agreed upon by the pilots.

4.2.2. Wave Glider launch pre-mission system checks

Pilots will communicate and coordinate with the field team during vessel mobilization and launch of the wave glider. Pilots will assume command and control of the wave glider in the water and perform system navigational, instrumental, and communication checkouts while the deployment vessel remains in the area. Pilots will inform the vessel of the need to recover the Wave Glider to address any concerns and upon successful completion of these checks the pilots will inform the deployment vessel is clear to leave the area.

4.2.3. Wave Glider navigation through operational mission tasks Pilots will maintain navigation control after post-launch checks and proceed through operational tasks as outlined in a Mission Plan. These tasks will include waypoint navigation and establishing new waypoints and courses as required by situations and in response to scientific goals. Upon completion of mission tasks, the pilots will continue to the next mission task and communicate completion of mission tasks to the USGS POC.

4.2.4. Operational awareness, response, and communication

Pilots will maintain situational awareness with respect to operational and navigational performance of the wave glider systems, environmental conditions, other potential issues such as ship traffic that may affect mission tasks.

Pilots will take necessary actions to respond to situations and minimize risks to the wave glider and communicate those actions to the USGS POC. Throughout the mission pilots will be available and respond to USGS team members as needed.

5. DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide deliverables in accordance with the Reporting Requirements Checklist.