Sole Source - Signed - Redacted.pdf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Eastern Acquisition Division Norfolk Federal Building 200 Granby Street, Room 815 Norfolk, VA 23510

BRAND NAME/SINGLE SOURCE DETERMINATION USING

SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES (SAP)

FOR AN ACTION NOT EXCEEDING THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(AUTHORITY: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1))

1. Agency and contracting activity. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), NOS/NCCOS, Business Management Division

2. Description of supplies or services required to meet agency needs (including the estimated value). This purchase request is for a 300 m depth rated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with doppler velocity log (DVL) assisted navigation and a UN38.3 approved lithium-ion battery that can be carried on a commercial flight. This unique technology will enhance NCCOS’s ability to efficiently, cost effectively, and with high spatial precision, collect underwater videos and photographs in depths up to 300 m. Additional specifications for the Hydrus are here:

https://www.advancednavigation.com/robotics/micro-auv/hydrus/#About.

3. Identification of the single source or the brand name to be solicited. Advanced Navigation, Level 12, 255 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

4. Supporting rationale. Only one source or brand name is reasonably available as detailed below:

Compatibility to existing systems or equipment - Describe the current system or equipment and the manner in which the new item/service must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system or equipment. Describe how other companies’ similar product(s) do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs.

NOAA NCCOS currently owns a Hydrus 300m AUV, and purchasing a different type of AUV would not be practical due to incompatibility between USBL and operating systems, making them unsuitable for interchangeable use. Since AUVs often experience field failures, having two redundant systems would enhance operational efficiency and help reduce overall costs. Ensuring the new equipment can seamlessly integrate with the existing data management, power, and communication systems is critical for successful missions.

Based on the above information, it is not in the Government’s best interest to purchase a different type of AUV.

Other - Only one source is capable – Hydrus 300 m AUV (manufactured by Advanced Navigation) is the only AUV on the market capable of meeting the minimum specifications of the requirement; vehicle dimensions, software, communications, positioning, navigation, payload, and onboard computer. There is no other AUV on the market that is 300m depth rated, weighs less than 16lbs, has artificial intelligence assisted navigation, and an UN38.3 approved lithium-ion battery that can be carried on a commercial flight.

5. Market Research.

Market research revealed that the Hydrus 300 m AUV (manufactured by Advanced Navigation) is the only AUV on the market capable of meeting the required minimum specifications (see 2025- BIOGEO-100018 - IGCE Equipment.xlsx). Research was conducted by conversations with the client’s technical experts, review of previous purchases for similar items, NCCOS technical expert’s conversations with industry, and internet research to include GSA and Google. Research revealed the Hydrus manufactured and sold by Advanced Navigation is the only AUV on the market capable of meeting the required minimum specification of being 300 m depth rated, weighing less than 16 lbs, having doppler velocity log (DVL) assisted navigation and a UN38.3 approved lithium-ion battery that can be carried on a commercial flight. This requirement can only be procured through a single source, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), therefore; as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 Synopsis of Proposed Contract Actions, an approved and redacted copy of this SSJ will be posted to the Government Point of Entry (GPE), SAM.gov, at time of solicitation.

**Signatures shall remain on the final page.

6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification

I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

_____________________________________ 5/15/2025_________ Bryan Costa Date Research Ecologist

Determination

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this action deem only one source is reasonably available. This determination is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

________________ _7/8/25________

Contracting Officer Date