Maritime Vessel Noise Module Analytics Research and Innovation

The Department of Transportation's Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, MA is procuring specialized acoustic source level data analysis services to support the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) in developing the maritime vessel noise module for the Maritime Analytics for Research and Innovation on Noise and Energy Tool (MARINE-T). The work involves analyzing vessel noise data from monitoring stations in the Santa Barbara Channel and Gulf Coast to enhance the accuracy of the Volpe model for interpreting vessel noise and fuel consumption levels. The contractor must possess unique capabilities in acoustic data analysis and access to archival acoustic databases to evaluate compatibility with existing JOMOPANS-ECHO source level models and identify variations in vessel noise across different ship types and operational conditions. Based on market research conducted in January 2025, the government has determined that only the University of California San Diego - Scripps Institute of Oceanography possesses the necessary technical expertise and data access to meet these specialized requirements. The pre-solicitation notice was posted on June 12, 2025, with a response deadline of June 20, 2025.

This procurement is structured as a sole source award with no set-aside designation, meaning the government intends to award directly to UCSD - Scripps Institute of Oceanography without competitive bidding due to their unique qualifications and exclusive access to required data. The period of performance extends from the date of award through September 30, 2025, providing approximately four months for completion of the work. The project will be executed through three distinct tasks over the four-month timeline, with deliverables including monthly progress reports and a comprehensive final report analyzing the compatibility and variations in vessel source level data. While specific contract values are not disclosed in the pre-solicitation documents, the procurement falls under the NAICS code 611310 for Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools and PSC code B529 for Special Studies/Analysis - Scientific Data. The work directly supports national maritime environmental objectives and regulatory assessment capabilities under federal maritime administration authorities.