JaiaBOT Micro-Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV), Multi-Vehicle Pods

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a Sole Source acquisition by the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Department of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences to Jaia Robotics Inc. for JaiaBOT Micro-Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and associated control systems, training, and engineering support. The purpose is to acquire equipment capable of autonomously collecting high-resolution biogeochemical, hydrographic survey, and passive acoustic data for academic and research purposes. The acquisition, under RFQ number N0018926QL009, will result in a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order. Quotes must be submitted via email by February 9, 2026, 10:00 AM EST, to Claudette Jones, and only new items are acceptable. The delivery is required within 60 days after award to Annapolis, MD. Evaluation will be based on price, with award to Jaia Robotics Inc. if their quote conforms to the solicitation and is most advantageous.

This government file details contract clauses for federal acquisitions, incorporating both FAR and DFARS clauses by reference and full text. Key clauses include those related to System for Award Management, Commercial and Government Entity Code, Contract Terms and Conditions, and specific prohibitions regarding subcontracting with state sponsors of terrorism or acquiring certain telecommunications equipment. A significant portion defines the "Item Unique Identification and Valuation" clause (252.211-7003), outlining requirements for unique item identifiers, marking, data syntax, reporting procedures, and flow-down to subcontracts. The document also covers "Wide Area WorkFlow Payment Instructions" (252.232-7006), detailing electronic payment and receiving report submission via WAWF, including definitions, access, training, submission methods, and routing data. Additionally, it addresses other FAR and DFARS clauses concerning prohibitions on contracting with inverted domestic corporations, foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems, restrictions on certain foreign purchases, and various socio-economic and labor standards, such as equal opportunity and combating human trafficking. The document concludes with instructions for offerors regarding evaluation criteria for commercial products and services, emphasizing a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order award based on initial quotes, with the government reserving the right to award without further communications and to consider factors beyond the lowest price.

The United States Naval Academy's Department of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences requires a sole source procurement of JaiaBot Micro-Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Multi-Vehicle Pods from Jaia Robotics, Inc. This sole source action, justified under 41 U.S.C. 1901 and FAR 13.501(a), is due to JaiaBot being the only system readily available that meets USNA's specific requirements for autonomous high-resolution data collection. The UUVs must be lightweight, deployable by a single person, remotely controllable, programmable for autonomous missions, and capable of surface travel with downward 'casts' for data collection. They need to operate independently or in groups, with open-source software for multi-vehicle mission planning and customization without proprietary restrictions. The package includes on-site training and engineering support, with delivery within 60 days of contract award. Market research found limited alternatives meeting these unique operational and customization needs. The contracting officer has determined the price to be fair and reasonable, with no current plans for future competition given the unique nature of the product.