Acoustic releases & equipment

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), part of the Department of the Interior, is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing acoustic releases and acoustic equipment for marine research applications. This Pre-Solicitation Notice (Sources Sought) requests capability statements from interested vendors detailing their ability to meet stringent technical specifications and ensure full compatibility with existing USGS equipment, including the Innovasea VR100, VHTx 69kHz Transponding Hydrophone, and associated mooring lugs. Key requirements include waterproof ratings to at least 400 meters, user-changeable lithium battery packs with minimum two-year battery life, real-time communication capabilities regarding battery status, tilt, temperature, and depth, and operation at 81 kHz communication frequency. Responses must be submitted as capability statements limited to five pages and should include detailed product information and technical specifications demonstrating compliance with all stated requirements. The critical deadline for submission is Friday, February 27, 2026 at Noon Pacific Time via email to jongjoco@usgs.gov, with no late submissions accepted.

This announcement applies No Set-Aside and represents a market research initiative rather than a binding procurement, meaning the government is not committed to awarding any contract or purchase order based on responses received. The solicitation requires seven acoustic releases, one surface transponder with 12 to 307 kHz receive frequency capability and dual AC/DC power sources, one 69kHz transponding hydrophone, and eighty expendable release lugs with copper exterior shaft material for mooring attachment. No specific award value or budget information is disclosed in this Pre-Solicitation Notice. The NAICS code 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing) applies with a size standard of 1,350 employees, and all responsible sources are eligible to participate. The primary objective of this market research is to inform the government's acquisition strategy and planning purposes rather than to solicit formal proposals or quotes.