Vendor Q_& A.pdf

Division of the State Guard

2601 South Blair Stone Rd Tallahassee, FL 32301

UNDERWATER DRONE(S) – REMOTE

OPERATED VEHICLE

SOLICITATION NO.: FSG-RFP-24/25-

1016 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Date: February 28, 2025

Note: All written questions are reproduced in the same format as submitted by the Respondent.

NO. RFP

Sectio n

RFP

Page #

Question Answer

1 2.1

What is meant by "...M2 Underwater Drones"?

"M2 Underwater Drones" is our term for ROVs designed to meet the operational needs in the RFP, especially Attachment A. Vendors should propose systems that support underwater missions like search, recovery, and inspection, detailing how they align with these requirements.

2 Att. A.2

Att A.

If more than one ROV is purchased, are all purchased ROVs required to be delivered within 30 days after contract award date?

The RFP prefers quick delivery of all ROV units after the contract award. Vendors should propose their fastest realistic timeline based on production and availability, noting any factors that could affect delivery for multiple units.

3 Att.

A.3.C.1.

Att.A

Max temperature: Recommend lowering to 60 degrees Celsius, ~140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mission Specialist Defender is the U.S. Navy program of record solution for Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR), the next generation inspection class ROV system for the U.S. Navy. Mission Specialist Defender has been independently tested and verified to 60 degrees Celsius.

The RFP seeks ROVs that operate reliably in various underwater conditions. Vendors should specify their system’s temperature range and provide real-world testing data to show it meets typical submerged environment needs.

4 Att.

A.3.D.3

Are there any required resolutions, image sizes, etc. to go with the camera imagery specifications?

Yes. Video: minimum 4K (3840x2160). Stills: 12 megapixels or better.

5 Att.

A.3.D.5

What is the required resolution? 640x480?

More?

No. 4K video and high-res stills are required—640x480 doesn’t meet specs.

6 Att.

A.3.D.8

Assuming this means 1500 lumens?

The RFP calls for strong illumination in low-light underwater settings. Vendors should describe their lighting system’s performance, confirming whether it meets or exceeds this level of brightness for effective operation.

7 Att.

A.3.E.1

Are other materials allowable (plastics, syntactic foam, etc.)

Yes, if they withstand 1000 ft depth and pressure. Explain any deviations in your proposal.

8 Att.

A.3.F.1

Are there any additional specifications for "Cut" and "Grab"? What is the min/max diameter that needs to be cut? What grip strength is required?

The RFP desires attachment arms that can cut, grab, and manipulate objects underwater. Vendors should provide real-world tested capabilities (e.g., maximum cutting size, grip strength) based on practical use, showing how they handle tasks like debris removal or sample collection.

9 Att.

A.3.G.1

Do you have requirements for the sidescan-sonar? Range, resolution, power, etc.

The RFP includes side-scan sonar for mapping and search tasks.

Vendors should describe their sonar’s features and performance in underwater environments up to 1000 ft depth, highlighting its effectiveness for broad-area coverage.

10 Att.

A.3.G.2

What does "downward sonar" mean specifically? What range & resolution specifications?

"Downward sonar" aids in seafloor imaging and navigation. Vendors should outline their downward sonar capabilities, explaining how they perform at depths up to 1000 ft for visualizing underwater terrain or objects.

11 Att.

A.3.G.3

What does "forward-facing sonar" mean specifically? Is this intended to be an object avoidance sonar or an imaging sonar? Do you have a specific sensor in mind?

The RFP seeks forward-facing sonar for navigation and awareness. Vendors should detail how their sonar supports obstacle avoidance and imaging ahead of the ROV in underwater conditions up to 1000 ft depth.

12 Att.

A.3.G.4

What are the performance specifications for the multibeam imaging sonar?

The RFP values multibeam sonar for detailed underwater imaging.

Vendors should describe their multibeam sonar’s capabilities, focusing on its performance at depths up to 1000 ft for high-quality data collection.

13 Att.

A.3.H.1

What are the accuracy requirements when submerged? GPS for positioning on the surface. DVL? USBL?

The RFP desires reliable positioning for surface and underwater operations. Vendors should propose their positioning solutions (e.g., GPS for surface, additional systems for submerged use), explaining how they ensure effective navigation and tracking.

14 Att.

A.3.H.2

Is this a hand-held controller for the vehicle that displays GPS? Can you provide more information here?

The RFP prefers a controller that fully operates the ROV and displays key data, like positioning when surfaced. Vendors should describe their controller’s design and features, noting how it integrates with the system’s capabilities.

multibeam sonar’s capabilities, focusing on its performance at depths up to 1000 ft for high-quality data collection.

15 Att.

A.3.H.3

Do you need underwater localization such as LBL, USBL, etc. or is the position estimate aboard the vehicle sufficient?

The RFP encourages advanced localization for underwater reliability. Vendors should present their submerged positioning options, detailing how they enhance operational effectiveness below the surface.

16 Att.

A.3.I.1

Assume this means the vehicle, sonars, cameras, grippers, and GPS, with freshwater ballast, in air, correct? Also assuming this does not include tether, tether reel, topside controller, topside power supplies, etc.

Yes, the 65 lbs limit applies to the ROV itself, including integrated components like cameras and sonar, but not the tether or topside gear. Vendors should confirm their system’s weight within this scope.

FSG-RFP-24/25-1016

Underwater Drone(s) – Remove Operated Vehicle - Q&A