Inactive
Notice ID:NRMAH0002100119
The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking sources capable of providing Deep Argo Floats. NOAA is not seeking vendors to design, develop, and t...
The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking sources capable of providing Deep Argo Floats. NOAA is not seeking vendors to design, develop, and then produce this requirement; we are seeking vendors already capable of providing a working solution. This purchase is required to determine the mean state of temperature and salinity in the full-depth ocean and their variations from monthly to secular time-scales. The goal is to expand the highly successful Argo Program (http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/phod/argo/) which currently globally samples profiles of temperature and salinity on 10-day cycles from 0-2000 dbar to full depth (0-6000 dbar). This purchase will allow regional pilot array deployments towards that goal. Required Technical Specifications: Deep Argo floats (hereafter floats) must be capable of profiling from the ocean surface to pressures of at least 6000 dbar with one cycle nominally every 10 days. The floats must be equipped with conductivity-temperature-depth instruments (hereafter CTDs) capable of reporting at least at 500 distinct pressures spaced throughout each full-depth profile. The floats must be capable of taking CTD samples from within 2 m of the surface or closer to within 3 m of the bottom or closer. The floats should be capable of parking below the ocean surface at a programmable, set pressure for much of each cycle, with descent and ascent taking no more than 24-hours each for a 0-6000 dbar cycle. The floats must be able to determine their position to within a few meters accuracy using GPS with a backup lower quality Iridium position fix. The floats must be able determine their position and transmit their scientific, engineering, and other data for each profile via the Iridium system within a short (< 30 minutes) surface time. The floats must have sufficient energy to perform at least 200 10-day cycles from 0-6000 dbar including CTD sampling and data transmission. The CTD must measure and report temperature to an accuracy of ±0.002 °C, salinity to an accuracy of ±0.005 ppt, and pressure to within an accuracy of ±6 dbar. The CTD sampling pressures and mode of operation (continuous or spot sampling) must be programmable. The floats must be capable of detecting and avoiding sea ice, and of storing at least 36 profiles for transmission when they next encounter ice-free conditions. The floats must be capable of being reprogrammed remotely via Iridium communications with simple commands to reset their mission (e.g., sampling protocols, parking pressure, profiling pressure, cycle time, and so on). The floats must be capable of testing their subsystems upon command and reporting their test results within a 2-hour or shorter window. The floats must be easily deployed from a research vessel by two people plus a crane operator. The floats must be delivered well-packed in durable shipping crates that can be legally shipped internationally. The vendor should submit evidence that the floats can (and have, including performance in the ocean) met these requirements. Details on the float energy storage (MJ in float batteries) and the energy budget (KJ per 0-6000 dbar cycle including CTD operation and data transmission) should be provided. The floats must be delivered by the vendor within 12 months of receipt of order to NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way Bld.g 3, Seattle WA 98115 More Favorable Specifications: Beyond meeting the above technical specifications, there are a number of criteria which would make the floats a better value for the government. Those follow, approximately in order of importance: Number of 10-day cycles from 0-6000 dbar including CTD sampling and data transmission which the float has the capability of making (more cycles is more desirable). Past field performance of the float (more cycles per float on average and more floats deployed in the ocean is more desirable). Sampling capability of the float (more and more accurate CTD samples getting closer to the surface and the bottom are more desirable). Size and weight of the float (lighter and smaller is more desirable). Float packaging (more durable packaging is desirable). Delivery Schedule: The floats must be delivered by the vendor no more than 12 months after receipt of order. The NAICS code for this requirement is 334519 and the small-business size standard is 500 employees. The Government anticipates awarding a fixed-price contract for the Deep Argo Floats. This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractor's information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Please submit information to include: Your firm's DUNS number & CAGE code; Your firm's SBA certified small business concern status. Specifically identify if your firm is HUBZone-certified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, or SBA 8(a) program certified; A brief description of your firm’s ability to provide Deep Argo Floats required for this procurement. Include any recent past performance experience. Identify any major work components that your firm would likely subcontract. Information must be received by the Contract Specialist, Mark Caban, at mark.caban@noaa.gov by close-of-business on January 22, 2021. Do not call regarding this sources sought notice. Responses regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to address listed above.
