A04_Statement_of_Need_and_Salient_Characteristics.docx

Statement of Need and Salient Characteristics Project: OKB Bathymetry Project – Field Operations Support Requirement: Purchase of a 22‑foot aluminum work boat with forward‑mounted cabin, installed outboard motor, onboard power systems, and dual‑axle galvanized trailer.

Background & Mission Need The Oklahoma–Texas Water Science Center (Gulf Coast Branch Office) conducts bathymetric and water‑quality investigations across rivers, bays, and near‑shore coastal waters. These operations require a safe, stable, and highly functional platform capable of transporting personnel and scientific equipment in variable weather and water conditions. To meet mission objectives—accurate data collection, crew safety, and reliable operation—the Center requires a purpose‑built work boat with an enclosed cabin, robust hull construction, integrated electrical power, and over‑the‑road transport capability.

Operational Use Case

· Primary tasks: Bathymetric surveys, instrument deployment/maintenance, water‑quality sampling, and navigation in shallow to moderate‑depth environments.

· Operating conditions: Exposure to heat, humidity, rain, and occasional rough water; frequent launches at varied sites; day‑long duty cycles requiring continuous electrical power for sensors, computers, and communications.

· Personnel & equipment: Crew of up to four, survey instruments, laptops, power distribution, and safety gear.

Required Capabilities (Summary)

1. Safe, stable hull suitable for survey work, with durable construction for frequent launches and contact with structures.

2. Enclosed forward cabin with high visibility, weather protection, and workspace for instrument control and data logging.

3. Integrated electrical power (inverter, generator, batteries) to support survey electronics and climate control.

4. Reliable propulsion and controls with hydraulic steering for precise maneuvering.

5. Trailed mobility using a galvanized dual‑axle trailer with appropriate tie‑downs and lighting.

Salient Characteristics (Minimum Requirements) Hull & Structure

· 22’ length aluminum boat with 8‑degree V‑bottom for stability and efficient survey speeds.

· 30” side height for crew safety and dry operation.

· .190" thick marine‑grade aluminum bottom and sides for durability.

· Rubber bumpers, rear sponsons, cleats and lifting eyes for docking, towing, and secure handling.

· Deck and floor suitable for equipment staging; bilge pump installed.

· Forward‑mounted cabin: 8’ long x full boat width; 6’6” headroom.

· Front & aft watertight, lockable doors centered in cabin.

· Roof‑mounted handrails for safety.

Cabin, Ergonomics & Visibility

· Large windows on all sides for maximum visibility; side sliding windows with screens.

· Motorized front windshield wipers.

· Interior lighting and exterior lighting for low‑light operations.

· Navigation lighting compliant with marine norms.

· Workstation table (approx. 4’ L x 2’ W) for data collection.

· Interior storage box, swivel seats, fire extinguisher with bracket.

· Air conditioner with heat to maintain electronics reliability and crew safety.

Propulsion & Fuel

· 150 hp or greater outboard motor, installed with: side‑mount control & harness, control cables, digital tach & speed kits, J‑Box, speed/temp sensor, fuel/speed harness, trim limit switch kit, fuel filter kit, stainless steel prop.

· Hydraulic steering for precise vessel control.

· 30‑gallon permanent EPA‑compliant aluminum fuel tank with strap‑down.

Electrical Power & Distribution

· 2000W pure‑sine power inverter for sensitive electronics.

· GFCI outlets (with covers and wiring) and 12V accessory plugs.

· Two batteries (boxes, trays, strap‑downs) supporting engine/inverter; battery charger and selector switches with heavy‑duty wiring.

· Generator mount and mounted 5000W+ generator with fuel injection, sound‑dampening, inverter with monitor, electric start with battery, and mounting attachments.

Trailer Requirements

· Dual‑axle galvanized trailer suitable for over‑the‑road transport.

· Spare tire and mounting bracket.

· Retractable transom straps for securement.

· Electric brakes, LED marine lights.

· 6,000 lb axles (capacity appropriate to vessel and equipment).

Rationale for Key Specifications

· Robust aluminum construction (.190") and protective bumpers/sponsons reduce lifecycle maintenance and protect hull during frequent launches and close‑quarters maneuvering.

· Forward‑mounted enclosed cabin and all‑around windows deliver weather protection with unobstructed operator sight lines critical for bathymetry transects and instrument handling.

· Integrated 2000W inverter and 5000W+ generator provide clean, continuous power to laptops, GNSS receivers, echo sounders, radios, and environmental sensors without relying solely on the engine alternator.

· Air conditioning/heat maintains equipment performance and crew safety in Gulf Coast extremes, reducing data‑quality risk from overheating or condensation.

· Hydraulic steering with 150+ hp outboard supports precise station‑keeping and controlled speeds necessary for high‑quality survey lines.

· Galvanized dual‑axle trailer with electric brakes and LED lighting ensures safe transport between varied launch sites, increasing operational readiness and reducing downtime.

Compliance & Acceptance

· All doors designated watertight; navigation and exterior lighting suitable for low‑light operations.

· Electrical systems and fuel components shall be installed to applicable marine standards and EPA compliance (as specified for the fuel tank).

· The fully assembled boat, motor, power systems, and trailer shall be delivered ready for operation and inspected for functional performance.

Deliverables

· One (1) 22’ aluminum work boat with forward‑mounted cabin, installed outboard motor, hydraulic steering, and specified accessories.

· One (1) mounted 5000W+ generator and 2000W pure‑sine inverter with associated wiring, outlets, batteries, charger, and selector switches.

· One (1) dual‑axle galvanized trailer with spare tire, transom straps, electric brakes, and LED lighting.

Conclusion This configuration is the minimum necessary to safely and efficiently execute the OKB Bathymetry Project’s field operations. The specified hull, cabin, power systems, and trailer directly support mission‑critical tasks—precision data collection, crew safety, equipment reliability, and rapid deployment—across diverse Gulf Coast environments.