Multibeam Sonar System for Fisheries Research

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the purchase of a marine-grade multibeam echosounder and integrated navigation and positioning system for fisheries research purposes. The procurement encompasses a complete sonar system designed to gather bathymetry data for seafloor mapping, collect backscatter to identify seafloor features, and visualize acoustic scattering objects within the water column off Florida's eastern and western coasts in water depths between 10 and 200 meters. The system must operate at frequencies between 200-400 kHz with 512-1024 beams, a beam width of 1 degree or less in both directions, and a swath width of 130 degrees or greater, and must include an integrated inertial navigation system with inertial measurement unit, sound velocity probe, processing unit, top-side transceiver, pole-mounting capability, 20-30 meter cables, power supply cables, operator manuals, tools, spares kit, and shipping containers. Bidders must submit sealed bids by April 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET to the FWC Purchasing office in Tallahassee, with questions due by April 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET and anticipated award on April 22, 2026. Required bid submission documents include a completed ITB Acknowledgement Form, Price Sheet, minimum three references for similar projects, Mandatory Responsive Requirements, List of Subcontractors, and Forced Labor Certification. The award will be made to the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the lowest total bid price with delivery on a FOB destination basis to St. Petersburg, Florida, and the contractor must provide a minimum one-year warranty on manufacturer parts and labor. Liquidated damages of $100 per calendar day apply for failure to meet the completion date unless delay results from circumstances beyond the contractor's control.

All bidders must be registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace and SunBiz prior to bid opening, and subcontracting is permitted with submission of subcontractor information and a Subcontractor Minority Status Report with each invoice. The procurement document does not explicitly designate set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or restrict participation to specific organization types, though the submission requirements indicate standard responsive and responsible bidder criteria will be applied. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available procurement materials, and the solicititation does not reference integration requirements with existing infrastructure or technology systems. The Commission reserves the right to request supplemental information, inspect materials, reject any and all bids, and conduct interviews before award. While a specific budget or award value range is not stated in the available documentation, vendors should anticipate the award amount will reflect the lowest total bid price for a complete, fully functional multibeam sonar system meeting all technical specifications. The contract term is one year from the issuance of the Purchase Order.