Heatpulse flowmeters

HEATPULSE FLOWMETERS

Special Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Procurement THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE. THIS IS A NOTICE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE AWARD. This Notice is to announce that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Central Midwest Water Science Center, IA is proposing to negotiate a contract with Rapid Creek Research, on a sole source basis. This requirement is for
the lease of Two (2) Cypress Heat Pulse Horizontal Groundwater Flowmeter System, installation, support, and monitoring for 12 months.

The proposed action is for products/services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The reason justifying this sole source procurement is that the Government believes only one responsible source can provide the services that will satisfy the agency's requirement.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Central Midwest Water Science Center, IA requires the Rapid Creek Research (RCR) heat-pulse flowmeter (HPFM) as it is the only technology capable of making high-frequency measurement of groundwater flow rate and direction using solar-only power.

The heat-pulse flowmeters that measure groundwater velocity and direction in a horizontal plane. The flowmeters must be capable of operating with solar (only) power, interfacing with Campbell data loggers, and be accurate and durable for long-term deployment in a standard monitoring well. The flowmeter system shall allow for recording of raw and processed data that can be transmitted by telemetry to a database that displays and allows access to high frequency data in real time. In the event of interruptions in telemetry the instrument should be capable of storing data internally for up to 30 days. The instrument shall display current data being collected on a laptop computer and allow downloading of stored data. Groundwater flow data will be used at a USGS research site in southern Illinois.

The following salient characteristics are provided:

Specifications Description

Medium: Fresh, sea, or polluted water
Thermistors: 8 each at 45 degree radial spacing, 304 Stainless Steel sheath, ±0.1°C
Heater: 0.25 in (6.3 mm diam) 316 Stainless Steel, teflon encapsulated, 18 Watt
Probe Material: White Delrin with 304 Stainless Steel fasteners, noncorrosive and nonreactive
Probe Diameter: 1.75 in (4.45 cm); polyester packer allows use in screened monitoring wells 2 in to 4 in (5.1 cm to 10.2 cm)
Probe Length: 19.7 in (50 cm) including packer
Weight: 2 lb (0.9 kg)
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +60°C
Operating Temperature: +5°C to +40°C, non-condensing environment
Well Depth: Maximum 200 ft (61 m)
Suspension in Well: Aluminum interlocking rods 0.5 in (12.2 mm) x 7.5 ft (2.5 m) with Stainless Steel snap fasteners that maintain north orientation or
Carbon Fiber/Delrin rod system available for corrosive water
Velocity Range: 0.2 ft/day to 100 ft/day (0.1 m/day to 30 m/day)
Velocity Accuracy: ±10%
Direction Accuracy: ±10 degrees
Connectors: Marine grade, 16 conductor
Cable: Polyurethane jacket, 0.5 in (12 mm) diameter, length to 300 ft (91.5 m)
Controller Box: 20 in (50.8 cm) x 18 in (45.7 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) Fiberglass reinforced polyester, NEMA 12/13
Microprocessor: Campbell Scientific CR1000, CR1000X
Power: 12-26 VDC, typically with 84 Amp-Hr AGM battery and 90 watt solar panel, depending on solar availability
Communications: Campbell Scientific LoggerNet, SDI-12, Modbus RS485

This is a sole source notice published for informational purposes only and not a request for competitive quotes. Therefore, no solicitation document exists for this requirement. However, all responsible parties interested in responding to this notice are invited to submit a capability statement by the time and date specified in this notice that provides sufficient details for consideration by the Government, via email to: ldwilliams@usgs.gov.

The determination not to compete the contract based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Phone calls will not be accepted in response to this notice. All information submitted should support the offeror's capability to provide the services required and shall be furnished at no cost or obligation to the Government. Responses must be in writing and must provide clear and concise documentation indicating an offeror's bona fide capability to provide these services. Verbal responses are not acceptable and will not be considered. The Government reserves the right to cancel this requirement.