STATEMENT OF NEED - N0017325Q5634.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED (SON)

TITLE: AYB for NRL multi-hull research vessel Document Title: NRL multi-hull research vessel

I. Purpose/Object The NRL Autonomous Coastal Color Environmental Surveyor (ACCESS) multi-hull research vessel represents a significant investment by the Remote Sensing Division into next generation coastal surveying capabilities. The system contains a suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation to characterize shallow-water coastal environments. ACCESS was a CIP purchase, but experienced significant complications during development and delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it met its design requirements to the letter, the built-in navigation capabilities are extremely poor and potentially hazardous since the vessel is prone to acting unpredictably. Significant labor hours were spent on the system to correct the navigation deficiencies, which were ultimately not successful. A proven and robust navigation system which is compatible with our existing hardware is required in order to make this unique system safely operational.

II. Scope AYB system should provide a complete mission planning and autonomous navigation solution for the NRL Autonomous Coastal Color Environmental Surveyor (ACCESS) multi-hull research vessel. It should enable the robust execution and updating of pre-planned navigation missions, provide collision avoidance, 360 degree real-time situational awareness for the mission overseer/operator, an AIS transponder, single beam echosounder and grounding risk monitoring, and be compatible with the power-source (12V marine batteries), propulsion system (4x Blue Robotics T200 thrusters), and ship-to-shore data link of the current platform. It should provide a shore-based computer system/tablet for real-time mission execution, planning, and monitoring. Any required hardware and software to run the navigation software in an offline mode (without internet connection) in perpetuity, and without license restriction, should be included. Bug fixes and security updates should be provided for 3 years from the site acceptance test. The vendor should provide remote support for initial vessel integration, tuning of control parameters, and the site acceptance test, as well as provide one day of online training in the care and use of the system. Full documentation of the system is expected.

IV. Delivery Location Shipment of deliverable items specified in the Scope of Work shall be delivered to the following address:

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Code 7231 4555 Overlook Ave., SW Washington, DC 20375

V. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria The items and labor listed in the scope of this document must be received and in full working order to be accepted as final by NRL. The vendor shall provide documentation from the factory acceptance test. Upon receipt, NRL will inspect and physically integrate the AYB system into ACCESS, with remote support . One day of online training in the care/use/operation of the system must be given. Once physically integrated and trained, the system will be transported to a body of water, and will provide remote support for a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) of the integrated system. The SAT must demonstrate all features and functions of the integrated system and tune all control parameters. Once the vessel is fully navigable and operational under the AYB system, including all features, failsafe mechanisms, manual operation, collision and grounding avoidance systems, the system may be accepted as final by NRL.