PWS - AUV Operations - 143041-25-0127 (1).pdf

July 29, 2025

Performance Work Statement National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC)

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Operation and Maintenance

BACKGROUND

The Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) provides scientific and technical support to the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) for the management, conservation, and wise use of the West Coast marine and anadromous resources. We are using advanced optical technology deployed from an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to more efficiently collect information on fish and biogenic habitats to modernize data collections and thereby improve the responsiveness of fisheries management to real-time ocean conditions.

These operations require attendance and assistance in operations at sea. Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor, and material (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for scientific and technical support in operating Seabed type AUVs and maintenance of data collected. Particular requirements include managing and assisting with maintenance of the AUV and collection of optical imagery at sea on the West Coast. Activities include conducting camera calibration, review of photos and data collected from imagery and other data collected by the AUV, modernizing data workflow, archiving of data in database, assisting with moving archived data onto the cloud and making updates to database. Requires knowledge and experience in using cameras on a Seabed type Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, experience in conducting underwater optical surveys and using Long Baseline (LBL) and Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) navigation systems.

OBJECTIVE

Contractor shall provide assistance in maintaining and operating a SeaBed type AUV and other similar bottom tracking AUVs as needed and analyzing and archiving the imagery and resulting data collected.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS/TASKS

Performance requirements are outlined as follows:

• Professional experience in electrical engineering

• Minimum certification of a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

• Documented experience in operating a SeaBed type AUV

• Experience in using underwater navigational systems including both USBL and LBL positioning systems

• Experience in Postgres relational database use, management and development

• Experience working with diverse research teams at sea

Required tasks are outlined as follows:

Task 1. The contractor shall assist in maintenance of AUVs on site at NOAA Facilities in Newport, Oregon. Requirements of task 1 include;

a. Contractor shall conduct maintenance of vehicle on site in NOAA Facilities in Newport, Oregon.

b. Conduct laboratory tests of all functional systems and document success of tests.

c. Conduct visual examination of all high-pressure housings, note and report any problems.

d. Conduct tests of the integrity of all high-pressure housings by conducting vacuum tests and provide documentation of the results of those tests.

e. Examine all thrusters for excessive wear and provide documentation of any excessive wear.

Deliverables associated with Task 1 are as follows;

1.1 The contractor shall provide notes in provided logbook which documents maintenance conducted.

1.2 The contractor shall provide an update on any and all current maintenance issues and those that need to be addressed in the future.

Task 2. Contractor shall assist in conducting pre and post field work camera calibrations of uncrewed systems. Requirements of task 2 include;

a. Collection of in-water images or calibration target in local pool.

b. Analysis of images of calibration target.

Deliverables associated with Task 2 are as follows;

2.1 The contractor shall provide copies of images collected during camera calibrations.

2.2 The contractor shall provide electronic copies of calibration results.

Task 3. Contractor shall assist in analysis and organization of data. Requirements of task 3 include;

a. Review of image quality at sea.

b. Attendance of routine AUV organizational meetings.

c. Assistance in conducting Quality Analysis/Quality Control of data in database and analysis of images.

d. Provide summaries of dive-by-dive data using agreed upon graphics routines.

Deliverables associated with Task 3 are as follows;

3.1 The contractor shall provide notes on image quality and quantity at sea.

3.2 The contractor shall provide oral and email updates on analysis conducting at routine AUV meetings.

3.3 The contractor shall provide final electronic copies of all analyses.

3.4 The contractor shall provide electronic documentation of all software and database changes.

3.5 The contractor shall provide summary electronic copies of graphics.

Task 4. Contract shall assist in archiving data and databases. Requirements of task 4 include;

a. Participation in testing of new technology and procedures for archiving data.

b. Assistance in documenting procedures and protocols for archiving and presenting data, including data stored in the cloud.

Deliverables associated with Task 4 are as follows;

4.1 The contractor shall provide written summaries of all data archived.

4.2 The contractor shall provide electronic copies of any new procedures implemented.

Task 5. Contractor shall participate in at sea operations of bottom tracking AUVs.

Requirements of task 5 include;

a. Management of navigational information received from AUVs

b. Management of acoustic communications with AUV program mission plans using SeaBed type software.

c. Creation of mission plans or provision of documented secondary reviews of mission plans developed by others.

d. Assistance in launching AUVs.

e. Assistance in loading and unloading equipment for transport.

Deliverables associated with Task 5 are as follows;

5.1 The contractor shall provide electronic copies of navigational information.

5.2 The contractor shall provide electronic documentation of final mission plans.

5.3 The contractor shall provide electronic summaries of acoustic communications with the AUV.

5.4 The contractor shall maintain and document pre-launch checklists prior to launching the AUV.

5.5 The contractor shall provide monthly oral progress reports to include, but not limited to, accomplishments, issues encountered, travel, and recommendations, if applicable.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PRIVACY

This contract may require that services contractors have access to Privacy Information. Services contractors are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all subjects and materials and may be required to sign and adhere to a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

The Government will provide all necessary information, data and documents to the Contractor for work required under this contract.

The Contractor shall use some Government furnished facilities, property, equipment and supplies and shall be responsible for returning all Government furnished facilities, property, and equipment in good working condition, subject to normal wear and tear.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The exact location of cruises is not known at this time, but will include as many as two (2) cruises from West Coast ports. Work generally will be conducted at other than the Government facility (i.e. off-site). Work occasionally may be performed at the NOAA facility at Newport or at sea on a NOAA provided vessel in coordination with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the Project Lead.

The NOAA facility at Newport is located at;

2725 Montlake Blvd East Seattle WA, 98112

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The resultant award for this requirement is expected to be a firm-fixed-price contract for a period of twelve (12) months from the award date, 2025 – 2026. This service may require participation on research cruises with minimal notice. Cruises will generally be from ten (10) days to two (2) weeks, the time at sea shall be no greater than twenty (20) days in total.

TRAINING CONSIDERATIONS

Training is authorized for DOC/NOAA/NMFS specific systems and requirements. Completion certificates shall be submitted to both the COR and Project Lead no later than three (3) business days after the completion of the courses. The COR may authorize additional training that is necessary for this requirement that may not be commercially available.

The following training is currently required to be completed upon award;

• NOAA IT Security Training

• NOAA Safety Training

• Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Training

• Records Management 101

Additional commercial or non-purchase order specific training may be permitted under the following circumstances;

1. With prior written approval from the COR,

2. No additional cost to the Government for attendance,

3. The time is not billed to the Government, and

4. There is no relief and/or change for deliverables due date.

PRE-PERFORMANCE MEETING

The contract shall meet with the Project Lead and/or COR within seven (7) days of award. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss work plans and current status of AUV.

DELIVERABLES

ITEM REFERENCE DELIVERABLE/EVENT DUE BY DISTRIBUTION

1 PWS Task 1 Deliverable 1.1 When conducted Project Lead

2 PWS Task 1 Deliverable 1.2 When conducted Project Lead

3 PWS Task 2 Deliverable 2.1 When conducted Project Lead

4 PWS Task 2 Deliverable 2.2 When conducted Project Lead

5 PWS Task 3 Deliverable 3.1 When conducted Project Lead

6 PWS Task 3 Deliverable 3.2 At AUV meetings Project Lead

7 PWS Task 3 Deliverable 3.3 When conducted Project Lead

8 PWS Task 3 Deliverable 3.4 When conducted Project Lead

9 PWS Task 3 Deliverable 3.5 When conducted Project Lead

10 PWS Task 4 Deliverable 4.1 When conducted Project Lead

11 PWS Task 4 Deliverable 4.2 When conducted Project Lead

12 PWS Task 5 Deliverable 5.1 When conducted Project Lead

13 PWS Task 5 Deliverable 5.2 When conducted Project Lead

14 PWS Task 5 Deliverable 5.3 When conducted Project Lead

15 PWS Task 5 Deliverable 5.4 When conducted Project Lead

16 PWS Task 5 Deliverable 5.5 When conducted Project Lead

17 PWS Pre-Performance Meeting Within 7 days after award.

Project Lead and CO

18 PWS NOAA IT Security Training Within 30 days after award

Project Lead

19 PWS NOAA Safety Training Within 30 days after award

Project Lead

20 NAM 1330-

52.222-70(b)(6)

Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Training

Within 30 days after award

Project Lead and CO

21 PWS Records Management 101 Within 30 days after award

Project Lead