Vertical Acoustic Array (16 sensor hydrophone)

 The Naval Research Laboratory is searching for potential sources that are capable of meeting the requirements described in the below technical specifications for a quantity one (1) aquatic Vertical Acoustic Array (16 sensor hydrophone).

• Requirement technical specifications:
• Number of elements: 16 acoustic sensors
• Hydrophone spacing: 2.5 m
• Sample rate: 64 kSp/s maximum
• Adjustable to lower sample rates
• Clock: CSAC
• HPF: 1.7 Hz single pole
• LPF: ~0.97 Nyquist frequency
• Frequency band of interest:  1.7 Hz to 30 kHz
• Synchronous analog sampling
• Spectral flatness:  ±0.5 dB from 1 Hz - 10 kHz, ±2.0 dB from 10 kHz - 30 kHz
• Phase matching: ±4° in electronics and hydrophones away from poles
• Recording duration:14-day continuous recording duration
• Cable working load limit: 1500 kg
• Depth rating: 3500 m (all array components)
• Maximum current: 3 knot
• Non-Acoustic Sensors: heading, tilt, depth, temperature
• Two sensors: one near the top of the array and one near the bottom
• Dynamic range: 34-170 dB re 1 µPa

The intent of this RFI/ Sources Sought is to:

1. Determine if an adequate number of qualified, interested contractors capable of performing the work further described in the above technical specifications exist; and
2. Determine if the contractor can meet the required specifications.

NRL asks that the interested parties, at a minimum, supply the following information:

1. Name of Company and Point of Contact (POC)
2. Business Size/Socioeconomic Categories
3. Unique Entity ID (DUNS) and Cage Code
4. Capabilities Statement relevant to the attached Specifications
5. Any questions/suggestions related to the Specifications
6. Whether the proposed item would be considered a commercial item in accordance with FAR 2.101
7. If the manufacturer of the component, please confirm if Authorized Resellers are available.

Responses should be no more than 15 pages, and should be emailed to the Contract Specialist at Richard.waterstreet@nrl.navy.mil no later than 5:00pm EST on 1 May 2023.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN)/Request for Information (RFI) for planning purposes only, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Since this is a SSN/RFI, no evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents. The Government is not committed to awarding a contract or issuing a solicitation pursuant to this announcement. No solicitation package is available at this time.