The Department of the Interior's United States Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking approval for a fixed-price contract with Teledyne RESON to repair a malfunctioning multibeam echo sounder, an essential component of their WHCMSC equipment. The justification for this brand name acquisition is grounded in the finding that repair parts and services are only available from Teledyne RESON, making it the sole source for necessary repairs. The system upgrade, valued at approximately $260,000, is critical for USGS’s ability to conduct ongoing field programs that rely on bathymetric and backscatter data essential for research into coastal dynamics and sediment transport. Market research supports the decision, indicating no alternative vendors can supply compatible parts and services. The document concludes with endorsements from relevant officials recommending approval and assuring compliance with procurement guidelines while stressing the potential for future competitive bidding on similar requirements. This acquisition reflects a strategic approach to ensure operational continuity for essential governmental research activities.
The document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the maintenance, repair, and rebuilding of multibeam sonar units. The RFQ, identified as 140G0125Q0078, requests suppliers to furnish quotations by March 12, 2025, for services needed between March 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025. The document outlines the delivery terms, destination, and contact information for inquiries, detailing the specific requirements for service delivery to USGS facilities in Woods Hole, MA. It emphasizes that responses are not binding contracts but rather informational, and includes several contractual clauses that govern the performance of the services, including clauses related to Equal Opportunity and labor standards. The RFQ is particularly significant as it underscores the government's commitment to sourcing from small businesses, as indicated by its small business set-aside designation. Additionally, it highlights compliance with federal regulations, ensuring all potential contractors understand their obligations regarding invoicing and contract management. Overall, this RFQ is a step in receiving competitive bids to facilitate necessary equipment repairs, fostering governmental efficiency and effectiveness in operations.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center requires repairs for their multibeam sonar system, instrumental for digital acoustic mapping of coastal areas and inland waterways. These repairs are essential to maintain data collection capabilities for USGS research related to coastal erosion, sediment transport, and storm response, among other applications. The refurbishment is deemed more cost-effective than purchasing a new system.
The repair process must meet specific technical specifications, including a lightweight sonar head under 8 kg, a frequency range of 190-420 kHz, and the ability to operate at various beam widths and depths, among other performance metrics. Increased capabilities such as normalization of backscatter and integration with existing sonar hardware are also stipulated. This initiative underscores the USGS's commitment to sustaining vital data collection services for environmental monitoring and research in U.S. coastal regions.