NOAA Laser Ablation System

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION.  This is a Sources Sought for planning purposes only and is issued in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (OCT 1997) provided at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.215-3

No solicitation document exists at this time. Issuance of this notice does not constitute any obligation on the part of the Government to procure these items or services or to issue a solicitation. In addition, the Government is under no obligation to pay for information submitted in response to this Sources Sought Notice, and responses to this notice cannot be accepted as offers. Any information that the vendor considers proprietary should be clearly marked as such. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.

In preparation for an upcoming procurement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division, Norfolk, VA on behalf of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is conducting market research to determine potential sources for a laser ablation system.  The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 423610 "ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, WIRING SUPPLIES, AND RELATED EQUIPMENT MERCHANT WHOLESALERS".  The small business size standard for this NAICS code is 200 employees.  Businesses are encouraged to submit a brief, typed Capability Statement in response to this source sought announcement.

Portable Laser Ablation System for Shipboard Preservation Work

NOAA OMAO, seeks information from qualified vendors for the supply, training, and support of a portable laser ablation system for use aboard NOAA vessels. This system will be deployed in shipboard environments to support rust removal and marine coating preparation efforts. It must be optimized for ease of use, durability, and effectiveness under shipboard operational conditions. 

Technical Specifications

Laser Type: Pulsed fiber laser

Tuning Capabilities:

Pulse Duration

Pulse Frequency

Power level

Programable Presets for Different Applications

Minimum of a 20 ft umbilical from the Main unit to the Laser Head.

Power Output: 300–500 watts

Air Cooled

Scan Pattern: Scan Patterns beyond a simple line pattern need to be available, circular pattern at a minimum.

Capable of providing cleanliness for coating application equivalent to SPCC-SP-10, capability of establishing a surface profile of up to 4 mils on mild carbon steel.

Portability: Portable by a single person through all shipboard spaces, including stairways, vertical ladders, passageways, and watertight doors.  NOAA Ships reach up to 280 ft in length with multiple decks, the laser cleaning head must be able to reach all external and internal areas of the ship. 

Power Compatibility: Operable on either ~120V or ~220V AC

Compressed Air: Compatible with ship’s service air systems

Environmental Conditions:

Operation at sea and alongside pier

 Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Fume Extraction System:

Flow Rate: Minimum of 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow to ensure sufficient capture of particulates and vapor-phase emissions at a distance of up to 6 inches from the laser ablation site.

Filtration:

Multi-stage filtration system including:

Pre-filter for large particulates

HEPA filter for fine particulate matter (≥99.97% at 0.3 microns)

Activated carbon filter for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors

Portability:

Entire fume extraction system must be:

Easily hand-portable by one person

Weight not to exceed 60 lbs

Capable of being moved through shipboard spaces such as ladders, hatches, and watertight doors

Noise:

Maximum operational noise level of <70 dB(A) to accommodate use in enclosed or acoustically sensitive compartments

Power:

Compatible with 120V AC power input

Accessories:

Flexible extraction hose or arm with a minimum length of 6 feet

Nozzle or hood designed for localized capture near the ablation site

Visual or audible filter replacement indicators

Usage Environment:

Suitable for both pier-side and underway operations

Ruggedized or enclosed for protection against vibration and salt air exposure

Compliance:

The fume extraction system shall comply with applicable OSHA workplace safety requirements (29 CFR 1910), follow American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)-recommended ventilation capture velocities, and support ANSI Z136.1-2022 laser safety practices for control of laser-generated airborne contaminants (LGACs). The system must be equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters, and deliver a minimum capture velocity of 150 ft/min at a working distance of 6 inches.

Performance Requirements

Ablation Capability:

Removal of heavy marine rust with minimal pre- or post-treatment

Removal of epoxy-based marine coatings (Non-Mastic)

Capability to treat non-skid surfaces

Material Compatibility: Effective on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other common shipboard metals

Debris Management:

Portable fume extraction system must be included with the proposal and compatible with the proposed system. Integrated or compatible vacuum/fume control system to reduce airborne particulates

Training and Certification

User Training:

On-site operational training for initial users

Industry Standard Certification for safe operation and maintenance

Train-the-Trainer Program:

Instruction and certification for designated personnel to qualify future users in-house

Provide training materials, procedures, and documentation

Deliverables

One complete laser ablation unit meeting the specifications above that meets all applicable industry standard including (ANSI Z136.1 – 2022)

Delivered to: Honolulu, HI 96813

Standard brochures will not be considered a sufficient response to this notice.  Submitted Capability Statements shall include the following:

1. Company name and address
2. SAM UEI number
3. Type of business (e.g. large business, small business, 8(a),veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and/or women owned small business) as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM)
4. Company point of contact – name, phone, and e-mail address
5. Demonstrate capabilities for meeting the requirements listed above. 

Responses are requested by July 1, 2024 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time.  Please submitted responses to Contracting Specialist Christopher Meconnahey at chris.meconnahey@noaa.gov