Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Hydrus 300m Depth Autonomous Underwater Vehichle
ID: 1333MG25Q0086Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONUS

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

PSC

NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS (6605)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/dc5ad1032925466fb3116f6155b69960/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), intends to negotiate a sole-source contract with Advanced Navigation for the procurement of a Hydrus 300m depth-rated Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). This AUV is essential for collecting georeferenced optical imagery of the seabed at depths of less than 300 meters, featuring advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence-assisted navigation and a lightweight design under 16 pounds. The acquisition is critical for ensuring operational redundancy and compatibility with NOAA's existing Hydrus AUV, thereby enhancing efficiency in underwater data collection. Interested parties who believe they can meet the specified requirements may submit documentation by September 23, 2025, to Scott Beliveau at scott.beliveau@noaa.gov, with the estimated contract value being $175,000.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Scott Beliveau
    scott.beliveau@noaa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Intent to Sole Source (1).pdf
    NOAA's Eastern Acquisition Division intends to award a sole-source contract to Advanced Navigation for a HYDRUS 300m depth-rated Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV). This AUV is essential for collecting georeferenced optical imagery of the seabed at depths less than 300m. The justification for a sole-source procurement is that the Hydrus 300m AUV is the only model on the market that meets NOAA's specific requirements, including depth rating, weight, AI-assisted navigation, and flight-safe batteries. Furthermore, NOAA NCCOS already owns a Hydrus 300m AUV, and acquiring a different model would lead to incompatibility issues and hinder operational efficiency. This notice is not a solicitation for competitive quotes, but interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements may submit substantiating documentation by September 23, 2025. All contractors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).
    Sole Source - Signed - Redacted.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO), NOS/NCCOS, Business Management Division, is seeking to purchase a Hydrus 300m Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) from Advanced Navigation. This brand-name/single-source determination is made using simplified acquisition procedures, citing FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). The AUV, valued at an estimated $175,000, is required for efficient, cost-effective, high-precision underwater video and photograph collection at depths up to 300m. The justification for a single source is based on compatibility with NOAA NCCOS's existing Hydrus 300m AUV, ensuring operational redundancy and seamless integration with current data management, power, and communication systems. Additionally, market research confirmed that the Hydrus 300m AUV is the only model meeting all minimum specifications, including a 300m depth rating, weight under 16 lbs, AI-assisted navigation, and a UN38.3 approved lithium-ion battery for commercial flight transport. This determination ensures the government's minimum needs are met, and an approved, redacted copy will be posted to SAM.gov.
    Lifecycle
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    Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Hydrus 300m Depth Autonomous Underwater Vehichle
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