REQUIREMENTS-25-3825 JOFOC V5.1 FE_Redacted.pdf

The new Seaglider SGX units must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing systems in the following ways:

● Payloads: PIFSC requires hardware prepared for the integration with WISPR3 passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) systems, Aanderaa 4831 optode, and RBRtridente 3-channel backscatter and fluorescence sensor.

● Software/Piloting: They must be compatible with PIFSC's existing piloting and data management infrastructure, which is optimized for the Seaglider architecture.

● Support: They must be compatible with the standardized support equipment (e.g. field cradles, shipping cases, and wing assemblies) used for the current fleet. If the new vehicle is not compatible with the standardized supporting equipment, the mission would be impacted by duplicating supporting equipment costs for field surveying.

● Collaboration: The platform is required for inter-agency collaboration with Oregon State University (OSU), Hatfield Marine Science Center, which exclusively uses the Seaglider platform, allowing for shared parts and mutual piloting support during large-scale Pacific surveys. NOAA’s Cooperative Institutes includes over 80 universities, of which, OSU has been collaborating with NOAA for 42 years to support the science-based stewardship of ocean resources. If a new Seaglider was not purchased, the mission would be directly impacted by eliminating the ability to share parts and satellite piloting during large-scale surveys. Documentation of NOAA and OSU collaboration, and Cooperative Institutes, can be found in the contract file.

If the requirement is not solicited from UW APL it would be debilitating to the mission. The purchase of a different vehicle to fulfill this requirement would be extremely time consuming and costly to the Government and its Cooperative Institutes. The Government would have to consider millions of dollars in monetary reinvestment of a new vehicle equipped with integrated sensors, prepared hardware for passive acoustic monitoring payloads, compatible communication and navigation subsystems with the current Seaglider fleet, separate pilot training and management of the additional management operating system. This would create an unnecessary barrier of ‘starting from scratch’ for all stakeholders, while risking the loss of critical marine data. Since NOAA has previously purchased a fleet of the Seagliders with existing piloting and data management infrastructure, introducing a new vehicle would not be in the Government's best interest.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as possible, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by RFO Part 5 and, if not, which exception under RFO Part 5 applies.

On June 4, 2026, a Notice of Intent to Sole Source was posted on the Government Point of Entry, SAM.gov. The notice closed on June 19, 2026, and did not receive any public responses. At this time, no other known vehicle provides the specific internal payload volume and compatibility for the PIFSC’s technical requirement.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

The contracting officer determines that the anticipated price will be fair and reasonable based on the Independent Government Estimate (IGE). A comparison of previous purchase prices for identical units was utilized to determine the pricing for the IGE.

Prior to award of the proposed contract, price information shall be obtained from the contractor and a price analysis will be performed and documented to sufficiently determine that the cost to the Government of the proposed acquisition will be fair and reasonable.

8. The market research conducted (see RFO Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted.

Market research was conducted by PIFSC and WAD to identify available sources and to evaluate the availability of the marketplace to meet the requirement of 1) providing equipment that satisfies the technical form, fit and function to expand the existing fleet and 2) provide a versatile, multi-sensor platform for Center-wide research priorities. Both factors are necessary to ensure data continuity, enable the use of existing piloting expertise, and allow for the integration of proprietary passive acoustic payloads. The detailed market research report can be found in the contract file.

Based on the results of market research, the Government determined UW APL is the only source capable of delivering the required supplies.

9. Any other facts supporting using other than full and open competition.

All facts have been documented herein. There are no additional facts to be reported in this section.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in the acquisition in writing.

No sources indicated an interest after 15 days as a result of the Notice of Intent to Sole Source posted to Sam.gov on June 4, 2026.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required.

The Government will conduct market research annually to gauge any changes to the marketplace regarding capabilities for future requirements. This requirement is for repeat purchases and is expected to be recompeted in three (3) years. If additional sources become available during that time, the Government will seek competition for future acquisitions for these products.