Long Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Background
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking alternative technologies to enhance survey data collection and observe ecosystem changes within wind energy installations. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) currently employs a standardized dredge and a towed optical system known as HabCam for scallop surveys, which produce precise and accurate data. The goal of this contract is to develop an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) that can match HabCam’s imaging and sensing capabilities, thereby mitigating impacts of wind development on surveys and expanding data collection for fishery management.

Work Details
The contractor is required to deliver a Long Range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with the following specifications:
- The AUV must collect stereo images and accompanying metadata at least every 10 meters along a designated track line.
- Images should ideally be captured within 1-2.5 meters of the seabed, with a tolerance for some images taken up to 5 meters above the seabed for navigation purposes.

Deliverables include:
1. Communications schedule (due 1 month after contract award)
2. Management plan with milestones (due 1 month after contract award)
3. Monthly records of communications (due monthly)
4. Milestones related to testing and verification per manufacturer’s submitted plan (due per milestone)
5. Completed vehicle with all supporting documentation, software, and accessories (due no later than March 5, 2027).

Period of Performance
The period of performance includes various deliverables due at specified intervals, culminating in the completed vehicle due no later than March 5, 2027.

Place of Performance
The work will be performed at locations specified by the NEFSC, primarily in Seattle, WA.