G
The following equipment is required:
• Underway CTD/SV Winch System
• Rewinder Power Supply
• Universal Davit and Anillaries. Arm, block, dummy probe, probe holder, and swivel base
• Training probe
• Probe and tail spool assembly
• Rapid probe and tail spool assembly
The equipment must meet the following requirements:
• Can accurately measure sound velocity profiles of the water column to a depth of 600-800 meters while underway at a vessel speed of 8 knots
• Uses reusable (non-expendable) sampling probes
• Requires no deck space footprint on the vessel
Sole Source Justification
OER requires durable scientific sampling equipment that can obtain sound velocity profiles of the water column to a depth of 600-800 meters while the ship is underway at 8 knots. Eight knots is the ship's normal ocean mapping survey speed, so OER requires an instrument that can sample the water column while continuously mapping and maintaining 8 knots. Stopping the ship to conduct a sound velocity profile measurement via a traditional CTD device is not acceptable due to the loss of several hours of mapping time that would be required for every cast. Water column sound speed characteristics vary substantially in depths less than 600 meters, so equipment is needed that can obtain sound velocity profiles to at least this depth. The ship currently obtains sound velocity profiles using expendable probes (XBTs) rated to 776 meters. Thus the ship requires a durable re-usable probe that can obtain sound velocity profiles between 600-800 meters.
XBT's are expensive consumable supplies and leave behind plastic, copper, and plastic waste in the ocean due to the one-time use of each probe. OER requires a sound velocity profile measurement device that does not use expendable probes or leave behind waste in the ocean.
The Okeanos Explorer utilizes an extremely complex and expensive two-body remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system as mission-critical ocean exploration equipment. The ROVs require all available deck space on the fantail of the Okeanos Explorer not already occupied by essential crane equipment. Due to this constraint, there is zero deck space available on the fantail to accommodate space for a sound velocity profiling piece of equipment that requires deck floor space to be occupied. Therefore, only equipment that can be mounted to the stern railing of the ship can be accommodated on the vessel.
The UnderwayCTD device is the only scientific equipment on the market that meets the program's requirements. Teledyne Oceanscience is the exclusive manufacturer and authorized source for repair and recalibration of UnderwayCTD devices and associated UCTD and SV probes.
Sources Sought
This sources sought notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the required CTD may submit substantiating documentation in writing within ten days of this notice. Responses can be faxed to Shelley Smith at (757) 664-3633 or sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
DOC, Eastern Region Acquisitions Division-Kansas City requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.