20--ACOUSTIC RELEASES & EQUIPMENT
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified businesses capable of providing acoustic releases and associated equipment. The required items must be fully compatible and interoperable with existing USGS equipment, specifically the Innovasea VR100, VHTx 69kHz Transponding Hydrophone, and associated mooring lugs. This is for planning purposes only and is not a request for quote.
Scope of Work
The USGS requires specific acoustic equipment, including:
- Acoustic Releases (7): Waterproof to 400m, 2-year lithium battery, 200 lbs safe workload, real-time communication (battery, tilt, temp, depth), Bluetooth, built-in temperature/depth sensors, 81 kHz frequency, mooring bracket, 1-year warranty.
- Surface Transponder (1): Compatible with acoustic releases/hydrophone, 12-307 kHz receive frequency, AC/DC power, 0-30°C operation, USB communication, splash-resistant.
- 69kHz Transponding Hydrophone (1): Communicates with acoustic release/deployed transponding receiver, listens for tagged animals, 51-84kHz operating frequency.
- Release Lugs (80): Expendable mooring attachment, easily replaceable, mooring hole, copper exterior for biofouling reduction. Bidders must ensure their products meet the detailed technical specifications and salient characteristics provided.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: February 27, 2026, at Noon Pacific Time
- Published: February 23, 2026
Evaluation
Responses will be used for planning purposes to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy. This market research will help identify potential qualified businesses and assess industry capabilities.
Additional Notes
This announcement is not a request for quote or proposal. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in preparing responses. The applicable NAICS code is 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1350 employees. Capability statements, including product technical specifications, are limited to 5 pages and must be submitted via email to jongjoco@usgs.gov.