NOTICE_OF_INTENT_2.pdf

NOTICE OF INTENT

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) intends to negotiate a purchase order with Solarcraft, Inc. for six (6) engineered solar-powered enclosure systems for autonomous seismic monitoring stations, as described in the attached Statement of Work.

Award will be made in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), and procedures under FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Solarcraft is, to the best of the Government’s knowledge, the only vendor that can provide the identical make and model of Compact and VSAT systems currently deployed in the USGS ShakeAlert® network. Their systems match all existing specifications—including conduit placement, DIN rail spacing for Quanterra Q8 equipment, pole-mounting configuration, autonomy, and Victron-based monitoring— ensuring full compatibility without redesign or revalidation.

Market research included a Sources Sought notice (140G0325Q0208) posted to SAM.gov from August 5–9, 2025. Three responses were received; none could provide the identical make/model in current use, and all would require design changes, integration modifications, and revalidation, creating configuration inconsistencies.

The purpose of this notice is to satisfy the posting requirements of FAR Subpart 5.2. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement by the closing date of this announcement which shall be considered by the agency. No solicitation will be issued. A determination not to compete this proposed action is solely at the discretion of the Government.

NAICS Code: 335999 – All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (Size Standard: 600 Employees) PSC Code: 6117 – Solar Electric Power Systems

Responses or inquiries must be submitted electronically to Joel Berberena at jberberena@usgs.gov no later than 18 August 2025, 5AM PST mailto:jberberena@usgs.gov

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Solar Enclosures Scope of Work United States Geological Survey, Pasadena

The USGS is requesting solar-powered enclosures for autonomous seismic monitoring stations.

The total quantity is 6 systems, divided into two groups: 4 compact systems, and 2 VSAT systems. The requirements are listed below; first the requirements common to both groups, then the requirements specific to each group.

Common Requirements (all 6 systems)

• Each system shall include solar panels, charge controllers, power wiring/distribution, circuit breakers, and grounding, for electrical loads described in the “compact” and “VSAT” sections later in this document.

• Each system shall be powder-coated Bureau of Land Management “Carlsbad Canyon –

PC02”

• Each system shall operate on and provide a nominal voltage of 24 volts DC. Daily voltage fluctuations due to solar charging are acceptable (i.e. a constant 24.0 V output is not required).

• Each system shall include a monitoring device with Ethernet connectivity for remote monitoring of solar charge controller, battery voltage, and inverter (V-SAT only) via the Internet or private network connection. Each monitoring device shall be a Victron Energy Cerbo GX or equivalent. Each system shall connect to a GX Touch display mounted to the backplane.

• Each system shall include a Low Voltage Disconnect to disconnect the battery from non-essential loads before it is discharged below a programmable threshold. Each Low Voltage Disconnect shall be a Victron Energy BatteryProtect.

• Each system shall be able to mount to the side of, and be fully supported by, a 3.500 inch outer diameter vertical pole (nominal pipe size 3). Multiple mount points for individual components may be used (e.g. solar panels and enclosure boxes may mount separately to the pole). The top of the pole must not be used for mounting.

o Note for clarity: The pole itself is not part of this request.

• Each system shall include an interior electronics compartment that is resistant to incursion by water, dust, insects, and animals.

• Each system shall operate correctly in outdoor ambient temperatures of at least 130°F.

• Each system shall include two DIN rails with at least 16 linear inches of available space each. One DIN rail shall be mounted to the backplane. One DIN rail shall be mounted directly on the shelf above the batteries and should have clearance to mount a Quanterra Qantix Q8 seismic data acquisition system; the Q8 has a footprint of 7.5” x 5.5” and height of 3.5”, and an additional 4” of clearance is required at each end for cable connections – so the total effective dimensions are 15.5” x 5.5” x 3.5”.

• Each system shall include two coaxial N-type RF lightning arrestors suitable for at least 0–2.4 GHz and 25W output installed on the backplane inside the interior electronics compartment. Each lightning arrestor shall be a Citel P8AX09-N/FF or equivalent.

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• Each system shall include a 2.5” diameter circular opening on the right side of the electronics compartment (when facing front of cabinet), suitable for USGS to install a 2” trade size electrical conduit fitting/cable entrance. The 2.5’’ diameter circular opening shall be 23’’ from the bottom of the cabinet for “Compact Systems”, and 31’’ from the bottom of the cabinet for “V-SAT Systems”. See Fig. 1 of enclosure references.

• Each system shall include three 3/4” diameter circular openings on the left side of the electronics compartment (when facing cabinet), suitable for USGS to install 3/4” trade size electrical conduit fittings. Two of the three 3/4’’ diameter circular openings shall be on the same horizontal plane, 6’’ apart, and 16’’ above the lower 3/4’’ diameter circular opening. One of the three 3/4’’ diameter circular openings shall be 13’’ from the bottom of the cabinet for “Compact Systems”, and 21’’ from the bottom of the cabinet for “V- SAT Systems”. See Fig. 2 of enclosure references.

• Each system shall include an exterior grounding lug, suitable for USGS to attach a 1/0 AWG solid copper grounding wire.

• Each system shall have solar panels angled appropriately for Southern California (32.5°– 36.5° latitude).

• Each system shall include metal draw latches of the style shown in Fig. 3. Do not include lock hasps.

• All systems shall be bulk-packed in order to minimize total shipping costs and total storage space.

Additional requirements for enclosure order

• USGS requires TWO Rohn brand or similar 25G 20ft Freestanding Tower Kits.

• All systems shall be shipped to:

Pasadena, CA 91106

Requirements for Compact Systems (4 systems)

• Each system shall be designed for a continuous load of 12W and at least 5 days of autonomy (cloudy weather), using Los Angeles, CA as the reference location for historical solar data.

• Each system shall include a solar array of ~380W.

• Each system shall include storage for 2 group 31 or similar sized AGM batteries.

Requirements for VSAT Systems (2 systems)

• Each system shall be designed for a continuous load of 60W and at least 2 days of autonomy (cloudy weather), using Daggett, CA as the reference location for historical solar data.

• Each system shall include a solar array of ~800W.

• Each system shall include battery storage for 4 group 31 or similar size sealed lead acid batteries (AGM cell).

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• Each system shall include a pure sine wave inverter to supply 120V AC at 45W (constant) / 250W (peak).

Enclosure References (Fig. 1) RIGHT SIDE OF “COMPACT SYSTEMS” (when facing front of cabinet)

(Fig. 2) LEFT SIDE OF “COMPACT SYSTEMS” (when facing front of cabinet)

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(Fig. 3) Draw latch.

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