Statement_of_Need_ROV.docx

STATEMENT OF NEED

Oscar Dyson ROV Purchase Request Number: [Insert Number]

PURPOSE:

NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson requires a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for hull and propeller inspections when dive teams are unavailable or conditions are unsafe for diving. The ROV will be used to:

• Inspect the hull, propeller, rudder, and sensors mounted within the hull.

• Remove debris (typically kelp) from the propeller.

• Aid in the search for missing or damaged shallow moorings (<300m).

The Dyson operates in Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where strong currents, poor visibility, and freezing water temperatures in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska present challenging conditions.

The current 2-thruster ROV onboard is inadequate due to poor control, inability to maintain depth, weak lighting, and limited camera angles. Past incidents of entanglement in the ship’s propeller required dive team intervention and restricted operational readiness. Training with a 6-thruster ROV demonstrated significantly improved control and usability, indicating that a 6-thruster system is necessary to meet operational needs safely.

For these reasons, the Dyson requests procurement of an American-made ROV meeting the specifications below.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS NEEDED:

• Thrusters: Magnetically coupled brushless; minimum of 4 vectored horizontal and 2 vectored vertical.

• Thrust: Forward >100 lbs; Lateral >50 lbs; Vertical >50 lbs.

• Speed & Station Holding: Capable of 3.0 knots; must hold station in currents up to 2.0 knots.

• Depth Rating: >300m.

• Tether/Umbilical: Fiber-optic, neutrally buoyant in freshwater/slightly buoyant in saltwater, breaking strength 2,100 lbs, minimum bend radius 4.5", length >300m (500m preferred).

• Flotation: Neutrally buoyant; configurable flotation and ballast.

• Frame: Open frame design to accommodate auxiliary sensors.

• Lighting: ≥2 lights, ≥15,000 lumens total, with options to add more.

• Camera: 30x optical zoom, 12x digital zoom, image stabilization, 65° horizontal FOV, low-light (≤1.4 lux), white balance, advanced image adjustments.

• Camera Tilt: ≥90° tilt range.

• Integration: Open architecture for additional sensors (e.g., sonar, fiber-optic gyro, altimeter).

• Manipulator Arm: Multifunction grabber/reach arm with interchangeable attachments.

• Navigation: GPS controller and positioning system (ship-integrated) requested or optional.

• Recording Capability: High-resolution video recording.

• Portability: Standalone system including ROV, tether, control console, and power supply.

• Weight: Preferably <200 lbs for ease of deployment.

• Environmental Conditions: Capable of operation in sub-zero air and freezing water temperatures.

QUANTITY NEEDED:

1 (one) ROV unit.

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE:

Delivery NLT 12/01/2025 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE or DELIVERY ADDRESS:

NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson 2002 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365