Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) Purchasing Office is seeking bids for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Systems, Controls, and Software on behalf of the School of Freshwater Science. The procurement is specifically targeting one or more AUVs designed for monitoring, mapping, and sampling in Great Lakes and freshwater environments. Required deliverables include a complete AUV system with software, controls, a spares kit, transport case, sensors or sensor packages, optional enhanced positioning systems, extended warranty, annual service maintenance, and training packages. Bidders must submit a completed RFB Cover Sheet, Bidder Mandatory Response (Exhibit A), and Bidder Cost Sheet (Exhibit B), with all pricing in US dollars and inclusive of equipment, installation, setup, instructional materials, manuals, shipping, and insurance. Key procurement dates include a question deadline of December 28, 2021, at 2:00 PM, and a bid submission deadline of January 6, 2022, at 2:00 PM. Vendor qualifications require bidders to be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealer-authorized by the manufacturer, with the requirement to provide the latest improved models currently in production.

The procurement includes supplier diversity preferences, offering a permissive 5% price preference for certified Minority Business Enterprises and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses submitting qualified bids that are not more than 5% higher than the apparent low bid. The resulting contract may be utilized for three years from the purchase order date, with prices remaining firm for the first year, and subsequent price changes requiring documented industry-wide cost increases and approval from the UWM Purchasing Office. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the AUV system suggests a significant procurement investment. The University reserves the right to make awards to one or multiple bidders, providing flexibility in vendor selection. Bidders are expected to provide quotes for both freshwater and saltwater ballast system options, with an anticipated primary use in freshwater environments. The procurement also includes provisions for optional enhanced features and supplemental documentation, allowing vendors to present multiple configuration and pricing options.