Surface Velocity Profile Drifter System (Ice Tracker)

This federal solicitation (RFQ N0018926QL391), issued by the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, seeks quotes for Surface Velocity Profile (SVP) Drifter System (Ice Tracker) Buoys. The procurement supports the U.S. Interagency Arctic Buoy Program (USIABP) under the scientific management of the Polar Science Center at the University of Washington. The requirement is divided into two contract line items (CLINs) for a total of 55 buoys: - CLIN 0001: 40 Air-Deployed SVP Ice Tracker Buoys - CLIN 0002: 15 Surface-Deployed SVP Ice Tracker Buoys These rugged, drifting buoys must be designed to withstand annual freeze/thaw cycles and harsh sea ice conditions in the Seasonal Ice Zone of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Key technical requirements include GPS positioning, real-time satellite telemetry, a 15-meter holey sock drogue system, sea surface temperature and air pressure sensors, and a minimum battery life of 1 to 2 years. This is a sole-source procurement matching the products of Pacific Gyre. The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract based on the initial quote, evaluating total price and reasonableness without non-price factors. The required delivery timeline is 90 calendar days after contract award, with shipment made to the Fleet Weather Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Standard FAR, DFARS, and Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) payment clauses apply.

This federal solicitation amendment (Amendment 0001 to Solicitation N0018926QL391) is issued by the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk to update the Statement of Work for a Surface Velocity Profile Drifter System (Ice Tracker). The U.S. Interagency Arctic Buoy Program requires rugged drifting buoys designed to withstand the harsh freeze/thaw cycles and sea ice conditions of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. Key technical requirements include GPS positioning, real-time DOD-activated Iridium satellite telemetry, drift velocity and direction tracking, a minimum 12V 112Ah alkaline battery pack for a 1-to-2-year operational lifespan, and sensors for surface temperature and air pressure. The procurement consists of 55 total units: 40 units configured for air-deployment from C-130 and C-17 cargo aircraft, and 15 units configured for ice-based deployments. All units must be delivered within 90 days of contract award to the Polar Science Center at the Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington. The contractor is also responsible for supplying the buoys in durable, transport-resistant crates to prevent damage during transit. All other original terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged.

This document is a federal Request for Quote (RFQ) issued by the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk. Under solicitation number N0018926QL3910001, the agency intends to award a firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract to Pacific Gyre for the procurement of Surface Velocity Profile Drifter System (Ice Tracker) buoys. The acquisition supports the U.S. Interagency Arctic Buoy Program (USIABP) and requires drifting buoys designed to withstand harsh polar environments and annual freeze/thaw cycles. The solicitation specifies two distinct line items: 40 air-deployed buoys (suitable for C-130 and C-17 aircraft operations) and 15 surface-deployed buoys (suitable for ice-based operations). Key technical requirements include GPS positioning, Iridium satellite telemetry, drift velocity and direction tracking, and environmental monitoring sensors. All 55 units must be delivered to Fleet Weather Center Norfolk within 90 days of contract award. Offers are due by September 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM Local Time. Because the contract is being awarded on a sole-source basis under FAR part 12, the government will evaluate the quote based on total price and reasonableness, and non-price factors will not be evaluated.