Statement of Need_Redacted.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED

Wireless sonar calibration system BACKGROUND / SCOPE / MISSION: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is the research arm of NOAA Fisheries in the region. The Center plans, develops, and manages a multidisciplinary program of basic and applied research. The requirement will support acquisition of high-quality active acoustic data that are used in fisheries stock assessment and ecosystem-based management. Active acoustic data that are used for management purposes must be calibrated to an absolute standard. Acoustic calibration ensures that the acoustic system (e.g., echosounder, multibeam echosounder, sonar) is operating properly (no components are damaged or defective, data are recorded to storage media, and required data streams are being input); data can be quantitatively compared among surveys and among different systems; data can be reliably used in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and advanced analytical models; and the data meet the stringent requirements for management purposes.

Calibration to an absolute standard requires positioning a calibration sphere with precisely-known material properties in the acoustic beam. Much like a flashlight beam, the acoustic beam is more sensitive in the middle of the beam than at the edges, and we must map that sensitivity. For sonars with transducers mounted to the hull of a ship, this requires a configuration of multiple downriggers that are connected via fishing line to the sphere and can move the sphere around in the acoustic beam to map the acoustic sensitivity. We maneuver the sphere in the beam by controlling the downriggers and in the past the downriggers have been controlled manually and with wired systems. Manual control requires at least four personnel and wired systems require special cabling throughout the vessel.

Over decades of calibrations, we have found that a system of downriggers that are controlled wirelessly reduces the number of personnel required to calibrate, makes the calibration process much more efficient, and the system can be used on different ships. Our current wireless system was custom built at the NEFSC and is suited for large ships with components that are big and “beefy”. The Advanced Technology Group at the NEFSC is calibrating more fishing vessels and uncrewed platforms more frequently than in the past and because of the size, the NEFSC system is not suitable for these vessels and platforms. The Advanced Technology Group no longer has engineering expertise with which to build another calibration system and thus must rely on other sources.

INTENDED USE / PURPOSE:

The contractor shall provide two (2) winch systems for vessel-based calibration of echosounders, sonars, etc. Lightweight, battery- powered controller with physical button/dial-based interface. Integrated electric winch/pole system suitable for mounting to most vessel railings. Wireless communication between the controller and winches. Android app to show winch status.

The system is a robust and versatile wireless winch system designed for various applications, including both indoor/urban and outdoor environments. The system prioritizes reliable wireless communication, flexible control, efficient winch operation, and convenient storage and transit.

The core of the system relies on wireless communication between a hand controller and multiple winch units. This communication operates within the ISM 2.4 GHz frequency band, offering an approximate range of 60 meters in indoor or urban settings and extending to about 200 meters in outdoor, line-of-sight conditions. For enhanced reliability and coverage, all units are designed to automatically form an ad-hoc mesh network, ensuring robust and uninterrupted communication across the operational area.

The hand controller unit is highly versatile, capable of functioning as both a primary controller and a range extender. It features individual raise/lower switches for each winch, a continuously variable speed control dial, an on/off switch, and a mode switch to toggle between controller and range extender functions. LED indicators provide clear feedback on the selected mode and battery charge status. This controller is designed to operate all winches simultaneously at the same raise/lower speed and offers approximately 20 hours of operation on its internal rechargeable battery. Furthermore, an accompanying Android application will provide real-time data, including line out, line speed, battery voltages, and internal winch temperature, enhancing operational awareness and control.

Each winch unit is integrated with its motor and designed for high performance and durability. They are powered by Hikoki/Metabo HPT MultiVolt batteries (one per winch), providing approximately 5 hours of typical use with a BSL36A18 (108 Wh) battery. The winch drum features a 70 mm inside diameter and 100 mm outside diameter, with a capacity for at least 100 meters of 0.6 mm diameter line. Each winch is capable of a working line lift of 3 kg and a maximum holding weight of 6 kg. Constructed from rust-resistant materials such as plastic, fiberglass, and stainless steel, these winches are built to withstand challenging environments. They offer continuously variable line speed, ranging from a precise 0.02 m/s to a rapid 1.0 m/s. Complementing the winches are telescopic carbon fiber poles, including one 6-meter pole (extending from 1.5 m retracted) and two 3-meter poles (extending from 1.2 m retracted), providing flexible deployment options.

For ease of storage and transit, the system includes specialized hard cases. A Nanuk 960 wheeled hard case with fitted foam is designated for the secure storage and transport of the winches and controllers. A separate Nanuk 945 non-wheeled hard case, also with fitted foam, is provided for batteries, chargers, and miscellaneous calibration equipment such as spheres, rope, lead weights, and spare parts. The telescopic poles are stored and transported in a dedicated PVC tube, ensuring their protection and organization.

DELIVERY LOCATION: NOAA NMFS, 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: Six (6) weeks after receipt of award