Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Hydrus 300m Depth Autonomous Underwater Vehichle

The US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division, Simplified Acquisition Branch intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Advanced Navigation, 1420 Kettner Blvd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 using the procedures in FAR Part 13, to procure a HYDRUS 300 meters (m), depth rated Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV) with Artificial Intelligence assisted navigation, Integrated camera and light system, Doppler Velocity log, Ultra-short baseline positioning, and a wireless charging and flight safe batteries for collecting georeferenced, optical imagery of the seabed to depths <300m. The statutory authority for other than full and open competition is FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), Only one responsible source.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this acquisition is 334511, Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing, with a business size standard of 1,350 employees.

The Hydrus 300 m AUV (manufactured by Advanced Navigation) is the only AUV on the market capable of meeting the minimum specifications of the requirement; vehicle dimensions, software, communications, positioning, navigation, payload, and onboard computer.  There is no other AUV on the market that is 300m depth rated, weighs less than 16lbs, has artificial intelligence assisted navigation, and an UN38.3 approved lithium-ion battery that can be carried on a commercial flight. Additionally, NOAA NCCOS currently owns a Hydrus 300m AUV, and purchasing a different type of AUV would not be practical due to incompatibility between USBL and operating systems, making them unsuitable for interchangeable use. Since AUVs often experience field failures, having two redundant systems would enhance operational efficiency and help reduce overall costs. Ensuring the new equipment can seamlessly integrate with the existing data management, power, and communication systems is critical for successful missions.

This special notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, nor will one be posted on Contract Opportunities.  However, if an interested party believes that it is capable of meeting the requirements and be in compliance with the above justification, they may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice.  Responses can be sent via e-mail to scott.beliveau@noaa.gov.  Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.

All responsible sources may submit a Capability Statement in accordance with the solicitation, which shall be considered by the agency if received on or before 11:00 AM EDT on September 23, 2025.  The Capability Statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements.