Coastal Monitoring Buoys, Solar Towers, and Battery Harness, etc

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is conducting a sole source procurement for coastal monitoring equipment through Invitation for Bid (IFB) Reference No. 580-25-IFB-3936, specifically seeking two sets of NexSens coastal monitoring buoy systems. The procurement includes comprehensive scientific monitoring equipment such as CB-650 scientific buoys, solar towers, data buoy hulls, pass-through data well lids, battery harnesses, and radar reflectors. These specialized buoys are designed for environmental monitoring in Texas estuaries and reservoirs, with specific technical requirements including 650 lbs. buoyancy, 40" tower height, and solar panel configurations. The bid is posted on June 18, 2025, with bids due on July 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm Central Time, and must be submitted via email to Bid-Room@twdb.texas.gov. A designated question and answer period will occur from June 23-25, 2025, during which potential bidders can seek clarification. Bidders must provide comprehensive documentation and strictly comply with the specified NexSens equipment specifications under Section 2155.067 of the Texas Government Code.

The procurement is a proprietary purchase limited to Fondriest Environmental, Inc. as the exclusive distributor for NexSens integrated systems in the United States. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the documentation. The TWDB currently owns 10 NexSens CB-650 buoys and is seeking backup and replacement equipment to maintain consistent environmental monitoring capabilities. The organization relies on In-Situ's proprietary software and telemetry service, with water quality sondes from other manufacturers being incompatible. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement is justified as essential for maintaining equipment compatibility, ensuring data quality, and avoiding increased maintenance costs. The shipping destination for all items is 1903 Hydro Drive, Austin, TX 78728, with freight terms set as FOB Destination and payment terms of Net30.