NRMAH0002300361KAW Statement of Need_021723.pdf

STATEMENT OF NEED

NR-MAH000-23-00361

PURPOSE: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) in Seattle, Washington, has the need for the fabrication of welded pop-up float assemblies. These assemblies will be used to support the assembly of 22 pop-up floats for the Ecosystems and Fisheries-Oceanography Coordinated Investigations (Eco/FOCI) Engineering Development Division (EDD) programs.

SCOPE OR MISSION: The pop-up floats are one of several new technologies in development by the Innovative Technology for Arctic Exploration (ITAE) program and PMEL EDD program.

They are compact instruments housed in low-cost and biodegradable floats, and optimized for use in the relatively shallow waters of the Arctic continental shelf. The floats are expendable and capable of providing approximately 18 months of data transmitted via Iridium short-burst-data messages; designed to be sunk with an anchor and a timed burn-wire release at sea during late summer to early fall in ice- free conditions. At a pre-programmed release date, the motor turns the release rod, dropping its steel weight discs, allowing the float to rise. The sensors will capture a single water column profile as it rises and gets trapped under the ice. In this phase the pop-up collects oceanographic data on conditions directly under Arctic sea ice during spring and early summer. Once the Arctic sea ice retreats and the float is freed the pop-up begins transmitting stored data and location until battery life is fully drained.

BACKGROUND: Pop-up floats (PUFs) are compact oceanographic instruments, designed for easy deployment. The PUFs sink to the seafloor and remain in place for a year, continuously recording bottom temperatures and other parameters. At a pre-programmed date, the float "pops up" to the surface, collecting data as it rises. Once at the surface, the float transmits all stored data via satellite back to the PMEL lab in Seattle. These instruments enable researchers to understand the cold pool extent and other oceanographic features that influence fish, shellfish, and other parts of the Bering Sea shelf ecosystem.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Fabrication of welded pop-up float assembly in accordance with the drawings in Attachment A.

Quantity to be fabricated: 22

Main float body is modified from a standard 20 lb. propane cylinder top and bottom rings removed and welds dressed off, top and bottom holes cut for machined components, all fittings, handles and rolled base cylinder fully welded.

Unit to be blasted and painted with 93% zinc cold galvanized paint.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: As soon as possible