Q&A #1_ BPM056983_Final.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- BPM056983
- Issued by
- Maryland
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. BPM056983, which concerns the procurement of one Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and associated components for the Maryland Geological Survey. The procurement was posted publicly on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) for open competition. The Q&A document, issued on July 16, 2026, addresses seven key inquiries from prospective bidders regarding technical specifications, bidding eligibility, and operational requirements. The ROV must be equipped with GPS or alternative marine positioning capability to support geospatial data collection, including photography, videography, bottom sediment sampling, and water sensor monitoring. The document clarifies that the State will accept equivalent integrated control and communication software in place of proprietary BRIDGE software, provided it delivers the same functionality. Regarding sediment sampling capacity, the State indicated flexibility on sampler size while maintaining sediment sampling as a priority alongside location accuracy, photography, and videography capabilities.
The Q&A document establishes that out-of-state companies must register as foreign entities with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, maintain a resident agent in Maryland for service of process, and adhere to Maryland procurement regulations; however, the resident agent need not be an individual employee but may be an authorized in-state registered agent corporation. The State clarified that a direct/shore power tether capability should be added to the bid sheet as an optional line item comparable in length to standard data cables. For operational specifications, the document indicates that while many Chesapeake Bay and Maryland Coastal Bays operations may function with platforms rated for 1.5 knots current capacity, stronger current conditions of 2 to 3.5 knots at peak tidal flow are common in narrows and inlets, suggesting bidders should propose configurations capable of handling these conditions.
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Tawes State Office Building – 580 Taylor Avenue – Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-260-8DNR or toll free in Maryland 877-620-8DNR – dnr.maryland.gov – TTY Users Call via the Maryland
Relay
Remotely Operated Vehicle
Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. BPM056983 Q&A No. 1
Issued: July 16, 2026
This list of questions and responses is being issued to clarify certain information contained in the above-referenced IFB. The Department’s responses are italicized and in blue.
1. Question (Oda Ryggen): IFB 2.3.A.1.k / Bid Sheet line 14 / R12 - The specification requires 'BRIDGE software.' BRIDGE is a proprietary product of a specific ROV manufacturer. Will the State accept equivalent integrated control and communication software that provides the same functionality (integration and data communication between the ROV and its payloads), consistent with 'or equal' procurement principles?
Response: Yes. The critical requirement is system integration and communication capability. We will accept equivalent software that provides the same functionality and integration between the ROV and its payloads.
2. Question (Oda Ryggen): IFB 4.15 / Contract §25 / §3.1 - For an original equipment manufacturer based outside the United States, is it acceptable to bid directly as a foreign entity?
Response: Before a business entity can do business in the State of Maryland, foreign or domestic, it must be registered and in good standing with the State. You register to obtain a business entity number with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). For registration information, visit https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/. Out of State companies must register as foreign entities with SDAT, have a resident agent in Maryland for purposes of service of process, and adhere to Maryland’s procurement regulations.
3. Question (Oda Ryggen): IFB 2.3.A / R7 - Can the tenderer be more flexible on the size of the sediment sampler to allow for a broader spectrum of alternatives?
Response: Yes. We are aware that sediment sampling capacities with ROVs are an aspect of the technology that is rapidly evolving. While our preference is for larger capacity samplers for sediment, not only a grabber arm, but this will also be assessed with respect to the broader https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/
Q&A No. 1 - BPM056983 Issued: July 16, 2026
Tawes State Office Building – 580 Taylor Avenue – Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-260-8DNR or toll free in Maryland 877-620-8DNR – dnr.maryland.gov – TTY Users Call via the Maryland
Relay goals of the entire system. The sediment sampling capacity is one of the needs, with location accuracy, photography and videography also high on our priority needs list
4. Question (Deep Trekker) In the IFB document under section 2.3 - A (1), the product specification list mentions "Shore (direct) power capability", however, the pricing sheet provided has no line item to quote this feature. Can this be clarified or added to the Bid Sheet?
Response: Yes. An addendum will be issued to clarify the bid sheet, allowing vendors to quote a direct/shore power tether. This tether should be comparable in length to the data cables provided for the equipment
5. Question (Deep Trekker) Was this solicitation issued as an invitation-only procurement, or was it posted publicly on eMMA for open competition?
Response: This solicitation was posted publicly on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) for open competition.
6. Question (Deep Trekker) The IFB does not appear to specify a minimum water current rating for the ROV. Could you clarify what current rating (in knots) the Maryland Geological Survey requires for operations in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays? We ask because our available platforms differ in this capability (e.g., one model rated to handle approximately 3 knots, another to approximately 1.5 knots), and knowing the operational requirement will help us propose the right configuration.
Response: While many situations in Chesapeake Bay and the Maryland Coastal Bays may allow platforms that can manage 1.5 knots, it is better to be prepared for stronger current conditions, such as in narrows or inlets. Both situations/locations may experience currents around 2-3.5 knots at peak tidal flow.
7. Question (Deep Trekker) Section 4.15 (and related bidder requirements) note that out-of-state companies must maintain a resident agent in Maryland. Could you clarify what satisfies this requirement? Specifically, does the State require an individual employee based in Maryland?
Response: No, an employee does not have to serve as the resident agent. The agent simply needs to be an individual physically residing in Maryland or an authorized in-state registered agent corporation. Out of State companies must have a resident agent in Maryland as a requirement to do business in the State of Maryland. More information can be found here:
https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/plan/register-your-business.
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