Forward looking sonar

This is a Request for Information - 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 business firms that have the technical capabilities and capacity required of the government.  Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis will be used by the Government in making appropriate acquisition decisions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) has a requirement for a forward looking sonar compatible with government owned HabCam .  The intended purpose is to be used in conjunction with the Habitat Mapping Camera System (HabCam).  The multibeam sonar uses sound frequencies to detect objects in a field of view and are reported back to the ship in real time through a fiber optic data cable.  This data is critical to help the pilot of the Habcam vehicle to “see” any obstacles that are in the direct path of the vehicle.  When something is detected then the operator can retrieve the vehicle to a safe height off the seafloor.  Having a system that can look far enough ahead is ideal to give the pilot an appropriate amount of time to take action and factor in the speed of the winch.  The intent of this purchase is to have a redundant forward looking sonar system.  We need a compatible system with the Habcam data network.  Habcam is a custom designed system that the NEFSC and Woods Hole Oceanographic created for scallop and habitat data collection.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (ESSENTIAL SALIENT FEATURES): 

Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and delivery for forward looking sonar.  The selected forward looking sonar must meet and/or exceed the following salient and functional characteristics that meet or exceed (these are critical criteria): 

• Power requirements of 24VDC
• Able to interface with Ethernet communication protocols to minimize vehicle modifications
• Contained in its own pressure rated bottle that will be mounted to the Habcam vehicle (500m min)
• Can be mounted on the front of a towed vehicle for obstacle detection
• Real-time data display
• Must integrate into the Habcam communication system with an IP address that can be configured during deployment or at manufacturing
• Manufacturer supplied software
• Preferred field of view is is greater than 120 degrees, range 100+ meters,  and 10 degrees height
• Externally controllable via laptop computer
• Raw data output files

DELIVERY LOCATION:  NOAA/NMFS/F/NEC22   166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543   ATTN:  Ecosystems Survey Branch

DESIRED DELIVERY DATE:  60 days upon receipt of order.  Delivery between normal business hours, 8:00AM – 4:00PM

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334519 with a size standard of 750 Employees.

Interested firms shall provide, in writing, a technical specification sheet for product wishing to be considered, and documentation to support your firm’s capability to deliver requirement identified above and meet the essential salient features and include your firm’s name, address, point of contact, telephone number, email address, SAM UEI Number, Cage Code Number, business type and size, i.e., small, large, non-profit, educational, governmental, and so forth.  Any response that does not include this information will not be considered.  The Government will review your response to determine if your firm and offered product meets the governments immediate requirements.   Please send all documentation to susan.faux@noaa.gov

This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued.  This request for information does not 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 as a result 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).