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), Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center; Indianapolis, IN is proposing to negotiate a contract with Rapid Creek Research, on a sole source basis. This requirement is for the purchase 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 products/services that will satisfy the agency's requirement.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center; Indianapolis, IN 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 must be capable of operating with either grid power or only solar 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. The instrument can be used with various telemetry options including cellular data modem and transmission to satellite communication systems. 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.

The following salient characteristics are provided:

Specifications/Description

medium: fresh, sea, or polluted water
measurement principle: heat pulse with measurement of thermal plume response
measure temperature of probe thermistors: excitation and 24 bit A:D measurement on board within probe (n=8)
temperature measurement accuracy and resolution: 0.1°C accuracy and 0.001°C resolution
range of calibrated flow s: 0.2 ft/day to 100 ft/day (0.1 m/day to 30 m/day)
velocity accuracy: ±10%
direction accuracy: ±10 degrees
maintain heater setpoint amps: digital input using digital potentiometer under remote program control
measure heater amps: analog output to datalogger
heater control: digital port switched from datalogger
topside board communication: communicate with CR1000(X) over RS485
topside board temperature: digital temperature
fault reporting: open or short thermistor, ADC out of range, bad ADC external noise
probe memory: serial number, calibration coefficients and date
probe board temperature, relative humidity: digital sensor
digital compass on probe board: optional
cable and connectors: marine grade 12 conductor
communication: Campbell Scientific Loggernet, SDI-12, Modbus RS485
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
Controller Box: 20 in (50.8 cm) x 18 in (45.7 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) fiberglass reinforces polyester, NEMA 12/13
Power: 12-26 VDC, typically with 84 amp-hr AGM battery and 90 watt solar panel, depending on solar availability

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.