Aftac OBS equipment

The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) is soliciting bids for Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) Equipment to support its Seismo-Hydroacoustic Data Acquisition System (SHDAS) for subsurface monitoring missions. This procurement is classified as a brand name requirement with specifications tailored to Guralp Systems Ltd.'s Orcus and Aquarius OBS systems. The equipment must meet specific technical requirements including 3T broadband triaxial seismometers, digitizers, pressure vessels rated for 6,000-meter depth, seafloor-to-surface acoustic communication capability, and associated deployment and recovery systems with 12-month battery deployment ratings. All products must comply with Trade Agreements Act (TAA) provisions and be manufactured in TAA-compliant designated countries, with deliverables including OEM pass-through warranties, 24x7 live telephone support, and worldwide maintenance and emergency support. Evaluation will be based on approximately equal weighting of technical compliance with specifications and price, and responses must be submitted by 5:00 PM EDT on February 18, 2026, to the designated government contacts.

This is a Total Small Business set-aside contract under NAICS code 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing). Guralp Systems Limited and their authorized U.S. reseller, Rift Systems Inc., are identified as the known sources capable of meeting these requirements, with the justification document noting that market research identified five potential vendors but only Guralp could provide the specific proprietary models required for comparative testing against AFTAC's existing Nanometrics equipment. The anticipated contract value is between $750,000 and $15 million, with the period of performance running from March 2, 2026, through March 1, 2027. Delivery requirements specify routine delivery within 30 calendar days to CONUS and 45 calendar days to OCONUS locations, with expedited critical delivery available within 3-5 calendar days for CONUS shipments. All equipment will be delivered FOB Destination to USAF AFTAC at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida (1020 S. Patrick Drive, Building 10989, Patrick SFB, FL 32925-3516).