Surface Velocity Profile Drifter System (Ice Tracker)

Naval Supply Systems Command is soliciting Surface Velocity Profile Drifter System (Ice Tracker) buoys for the U.S. Interagency Arctic Buoy Program, with proposals due September 11, 2026. The procurement is designated as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside with unrestricted acquisition status, though the Navy intends to award sole source to Pacific Gyre under FAR 12.102(a); responsive quotes from all sources will be considered per the government's discretion. An amendment to the solicitation was issued September 10, 2026.

The requirement is 55 total buoys: 40 air-deployable SVP Ice Tracker units (Line Item 0001) and 15 surface-deployable units (Line Item 0002), with firm fixed pricing for each line item. Delivery is required 90 calendar days after contract award. Place of performance is Seattle, Washington; delivery is to Fleet Weather Center Norfolk under management of Dr. Ignatius Rigor, Polar Science Center, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington.

Buoys must survive annual freeze-thaw cycles and harsh sea ice conditions in Arctic and Southern Oceans. Technical specifications include GPS positioning with DOD-activated Iridium satellite telemetry, 12V 112Ah alkaline battery packs with 1-2 year operational capability, surface temperature and air pressure monitoring, wind velocity and conductivity/temperature sensors, and standardized 15-meter holey sock drogues with greater than 40:1 drag area ratio. The 40 air-deployed units must support deployment from C-130 and C-17 aircraft at 300-1,000 feet and 140 knots; 15 units must support ice-based deployment. Buoys must be packaged in crates specifically designed to withstand multiple transports, with the contractor responsible for damage from crate failure. NAICS code is 334513; PSC code is 2050. Evaluation is based solely on price reasonableness using DFARS 212.204(a) procedures. Quote validity must extend 120 days following solicitation close.