Closed-Loop Algae Controller

Solicitation Number: NFFM7820-23-01673JRW

Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis

Title: Closed-Loop Algae Controller

Response Date: 08/25/2023

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and is not a pre-solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Market Research and Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified U.S. Domestic businesses, which could include Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned Small Business firms and even Large Businesses. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis will be used by the Government in making appropriate acquisition decisions.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and The NEFSC Milford Laboratory has entered into a cooperative agreement with the USDA and the Northeast shellfish industry to build a hatchery to support the Northeast Oyster Breeding Center (NOBC) in Milford. New hatchery and nursery systems are being designed and installed to produce a large number of oyster family crosses and high numbers of seed in a small footprint.  Cultured microalgae to feed the oysters are being produced in Industrial Plankton™ bioreactors already installed on site.   This Closed-Loop Algae Controller was designed to work alongside the already installed algal bioreactors to supply microalgae grown in the bioreactors to high-density oyster growing systems.   Identical sensor and interface features in the bioreactors and Closed-Loop Algae Controller are essential for accurate and coordinated function).

INTENDED USE/PURPOSE:

The Closed-Loop Algae Controller will monitor and control provision of microalgal biomass from the Industrial Plankton bioreactors to the high-density, flow-through larval system.  The Closed-Loop Algae Controller will provide a precise, continuous ration of microalgal food to the flow-through larval hatchery system, thereby providing multiple batches of larvae with intended, identical nutritional support.  Microalgal monitoring data from the Closed-Loop Algae Controller must be consistent with data from the bioreactors, applying the same sensors and data-logging routines.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIAL SALIENT FEATURES:

Touchscreen control system with PLC & proprietary software.

Real-time density sensor.

Manual water inlet needle valve.

In-tank volume sensor.

Biosecure algae dosing pumps.

pH probe & transmitter.

Automated pH buffer pump for closed loop pH control.

Temperature sensing & logging

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: Deliver by September 30, 2023

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516 with a size standard of 1000 Employees.

Interested firms shall provide, in writing, a brief narrative (no more than 3 pages in length) and documentation to support your firm’s capability and experience meeting the requirements herein and include your firm’s name, address, point of contact, telephone number, UEID Number, CCR CAGE Number, business type and size (i.e., small, large, non-profit, educational, etc.). Any response that does not include this information will not be considered. The Government will review your response to determine if your firm has the experience, knowledge and capability to provide the items as specified above.

This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. Nor does this request for information constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that any procurement action may be issued for the Government’s requirements.

No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise because of the submission of contractor’s information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.

All contractors doing business with the Government are required to be registered and active with the System for Award Management (SAM) website.

NOTE: THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. No solicitation document is available. No contract will be awarded based on responses received to this notice.