140G0326R0001_Q_A_pre-solicitation.pdf
PDF 39 KB Posted
- Attached to
- earthquake and volcano monitoring systems
- Solicitation number
- 140G0326R0002
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) document responding to vendor inquiries regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx and SeismicRequirements2026_1.pdf for a federal contracting opportunity. The USGS is procuring broadband seismic sensors and data acquisition units (DAU) through a single-vendor award.
For broadband sensor testing, magnetic response will be evaluated using a sinusoidal voltage function generator and Helmholtz coil methodology, validated against field-deployed instruments. Maximum incoherent noise testing will be conducted in ASL's underground vault using the Sleeman et al. (2006) standard method and USGS SensorTestSuite software. A+ class sensors must perform at least 3 dB below the New Low Noise Model (NLNM) across specified frequency bands; the NLNM functions as a frequency-dependent reference for self-noise estimates rather than a natural occurrence threshold. For DAU specifications, reference weather stations require serial communications (SDI-12 or RS standards). Regarding VPN services, WireGuard 0.5.3 is approved for use, and other proprietary protocols will be considered if software is provided at no additional cost with US Government-compatible security features. The VDAP requirement for lightweight integrated sensors is separate from the A+ performance requirement; Grade B sensors would satisfy VDAP needs. Testing procedures are documented in Rembold et al. (2021). Post-award debriefs will be provided if requested, but written testing reports will not be released due to evaluator non-disclosure agreements. Developmental testing results conducted outside the procurement process may be discussed with vendors.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Sol_140G0326R0002_Amd_0002.pdf | ||
| Sol_140G0326R0002_Amd_0001.pdf | ||
| Evaluation_Criteria_0001.pdf | ||
| Sol_140G0326R0002.pdf | ||
| FAR_52_204-24_and_FAR_52_204-26.pdf | ||
| SeismicRequirements2026.pdf | ||
| TestingSpec2026.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet |
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Questions regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx a.Broadband i.Item 3: Please explain how the magnetic response will be tested?
ANSWER: We generate a sinusoidal voltage with a function generator which we then amplify and inject into a Helmholtz coil. This generates a known magnetic field variation. We then place the seismometer in the center of the coil and record the output. We take the ratio of the induced magnetic field to the output of the sensor to get the magnetic sensitivity of the instrument. This method has been validated through comparison with field-deployed instruments at high latitudes and with other instrument laboratories and is broadly described in Rembold et al. (2021).
Questions regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx a.Broadband
ii. Item 3: Please provide a reference document on how the maximum incoherent noise will be tested?
ANSWER: Sensors will be tested in ASL's underground vault for noise performance. We then use the standard method of Sleeman et al. (2006) to find the incoherent noise.
Please see Ringler and Hutt (2010) for examples of this method performed on several types of instrumentation. The analysis is performed in a USGS software package (SensorTestSuite; Kearns et al., 2018), that is freely available to the public.
Questions regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx a.Broadband
iii. Item 3: Please explain why A+ sensors are required to be at least 3 dB below the NLNM across the specified frequency band? The NLNM is defined as the lowest reference noise naturally occurring so it is unclear why A+ and A class sensors need to be separated?
ANSWER: The NLNM is not defined as the "lowest reference noise that is naturally occurring." The NLNM was defined as the envelope of spectral estimates for a collection of stations mostly operated by ASL in the early 90s. There have been many examples of stations that have time periods whose spectral content is below the NLNM in various bands (often around 3 mHz). For example, Ringler, et al.
(2020), Improvements in seismic resolution and current limitations in the Global Seismographic Network, provides examples. The NLNM should be viewed as simply a functional reference, with the independent variable being frequency, for self-noise estimates and not anything beyond.
Questions regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx b.DAU
i. Item 3: Please provide additional information on the data format and connection type of the reference weather station.
ANSWER: Serial communications such as SDI-12 or the various RS standards.
Questions regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx b.DAU
ii. Item 21: Would other VPN services such as Wireguard be acceptable?
ANSWER: Yes, at the date of this posting WireGuard 0.5.3 is approved for use.
Questions regarding TestingSpecs2026_1.xlsx b.DAU
iii. Item 21: You specify a proprietary protocol in Q330 POC, please confirm that other proprietary mechanisms will be considered?
ANSWER: Yes, if the software is provided at no additional cost and has security features compatible with US Government networks.
2.Questions regarding SeismicRequirements2026_1 (2).pdf a.You reference that the VDAP requires lightweight sensors with integrated broadband and strong motion sensors. Please provide more information on the maximum incoherent noise requirements for this application as sensors with A+ performance are generally larger?
ANSWER: The VDAP requirement is separate from the "A+" requirement. Grade "B" would meet the VDAP need.
3.General Questions regarding Solicitation
a. Please confirm if this opportunity will be awarded to a single vendor or if multiple vendors will be awarded?
ANSWER: Single Vendor.
3.General Questions regarding Solicitation
b. Please provide an up to date reference document detailing how the testing phase will be carried out, including methods and equipment used. This is essential to allow vendors to understand how the equipment will be tested and will allow for suitable preparation.
ANSWER: Procedures and equipment necessary to perform seismometer evaluation are documented in Rembold et al. (2021).
3.General Questions regarding Solicitation
c. Please confirm if feedback will be provided after testing? Feedback is essential for vendors understanding the merits of their offering and also areas of improvement for future contracting opportunities.
ANSWER: Feedback will be provided in the form a post-award debrief if requested. A written report of the testing results will not be provided.
3. General Questions regarding Solicitation
d. Is the USGS able to provide additional information on broadband sensors that have previously passed testing and the classification that they passed at?
ANSWER: No, the evaluators signed non-disclosure agreements (NDA) before performing procurement testing. These agreements explicitly prohibit the public release of information related to products tested for procurement. Equipment testing outside of the procurement process (often called development testing), which is not subject to an NDA, is when open communication can occur between equipment vendors and the USGS regarding developmental testing results.
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