Flume Tank Facility

The NOAA Fisheries’ Alaska Fisheries Science Center seeks to modernize the bottom trawl technology utilized in various fisheries research surveys due to rising costs and difficulties in acquiring outdated materials. The RACE division aims to test new trawl prototypes in a flume tank in St. John’s, Newfoundland, to identify a standardized trawl design that meets performance criteria necessary for effective stock assessments under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The project includes the development of two reduced-scale model trawls: a modified RACE Trawl and a redesigned Poly Nor’easter, which have been refined based on previous testing results. This initiative plans for three days of flume tank testing, which will generate critical data on trawl performance metrics while facilitating improvements in cost efficiency, deployment times, and survey accuracy. The testing will also involve collaboration with NET Systems for design optimization. The period of performance is set from August 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and deliverables include comprehensive data documentation post-testing. This project underscores NOAA's commitment to enhancing fisheries management through technological advancement and rigorous research methodologies.

The Department of Commerce, NOAA Acquisition and Grants Office, Western Acquisition Division, Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) and RACE Division, is seeking to acquire updated 1/8th scale models of prototype scientific trawls and flume tank rental services. The estimated value is $51,911.40. The sole source for this acquisition is the Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University, Canada. This is justified due to the unique compatibility of their facility and models with existing systems and previous extensive testing conducted by the RACE Division. Switching to another facility would result in significant expense, extensive delays, and duplication of work, as the only other capable facility in Denmark uses different evaluation systems and model scales. The urgency of the requirement is also cited, as Memorial University is the only facility capable of producing the necessary models for their flume tank that meet current project needs and specifications. The acquisition is part of an ongoing effort to modernize scientific trawl designs for stock assessment surveys in Alaska, requiring consistency with prior testing conditions. Market research confirmed no other vendor can provide the required materials or testing facility.

NOAA Fisheries' Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) seeks a contractor to manufacture two 1/8th scale model trawls (RACE Trawl 3-bridle and redesigned Poly Nor'easter) and conduct three days of flume tank testing. This initiative aims to modernize survey trawls and standardize sampling equipment across various research surveys, replacing outdated technologies. The project addresses issues with current trawl materials, which are costly and difficult to acquire. Flume tank testing, previously conducted in January 2025, allows for evaluating trawl performance, improving gear protocols, reducing material costs, and decreasing deployment/retrieval times. The facility must produce 1 m/s continuous flow, provide HD video and digital stills, and document settings. Deliverables include digital images, unedited HD video, and data sheets, with a performance period from August 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This effort is crucial for enhancing the precision and accuracy of survey data used for Alaska fisheries stock assessment and regulatory compliance under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act.