Sources_Sought_-_Saildrone.pdf

Posting Type: Sources Sought Notice

Posting Date: April 19, 2016

Response Date: April 26, 2016

Solicitation Number: NRMAH000-16-00521

Title: Contractor Chartered Unmanned Sailing Vessels for Scientific Research

Contract Specialist: Julia Hamilton - Affiliate

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) makes critical observations and conducts groundbreaking research advancing knowledge of the global ocean and its interactions with the earth, atmosphere, ecosystems, and climate. Key research areas at PMEL include ocean acidification, tsunami detection and forecasting, hydrothermal vent systems, fisheries oceanography, and long term climate monitoring and analysis. Unmanned Sailing Vessels (USV) equipped for oceanographic research will be deployed for research missions. These services, summarized above, may include charter data missions and vessel research and development (R&D).

The vendor is required to have expertise with USVs equipped for oceanographic research. The USVs must be capable of surviving in the open ocean, with a demonstrated mission endurance of at least three months.

Missions will require that USVs be piloted on specified courses, or to specific locations. Chosen courses and locations may be adapted during the mission. Piloting will be done remotely by the vendor, ensuring the USVs do not interfere with other vessel traffic, or endanger human life or environment, while also meeting the science goals of the mission, and protecting the project equipment.

The vendor must be able to configure the USV data acquisition system to communicate with chosen instrumentation. Instrument data must be logged onboard the vessel at desired sampling intervals. The USV must also be capable of transmitting data back to shore throughout the mission. The required data delivery will be in a Network Common Data Form (netCDF) Climate and Forecast (CF) compliant format.

The following NAICS code and small business size standards apply to this requirement:

541712 – Oceanographic R&D Laboratory or Services (1,000 employees)

The Government anticipates awarding an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Firm Fixed Price task orders.

This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractor's information.

The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.

Standard brochures will not be considered a sufficient response to this notice. Submitted Capability Statements shall include the following:

1. Company name and address.

2. DUNS number.

3. Type of business (e.g., large business, small business, 8(a), veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and/or women owned small business) as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM).

4. Company point of contact- name, phone, and e-mail address.

5. In a capability statement demonstrate the firm’s capabilities for meeting the proposed contract requirements demonstrating your firm’s ability to provide the services described herein. Include any recent past performance experience.

6. Identify any major work components that your firm would likely subcontract out.

Information must be received by the Contract Specialist, Julia Hamilton, at julia.l.hamilton@noaa.gov by close-of-business (MST) on April 26, 2016. Do not call regarding this sources sought notice. Any questions or responses regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to address listed above.

mailto:julia.l.hamilton@noaa.gov