3rd Generation (3G) Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) Integration and Support Services

Notice of Intent

This notice indicates the government's intent to award a noncompetitive contract for 3rd Generation (3G) Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) integration and support services. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to procure these services for the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL).

• Support for the deployment, calibration, embedding, and use of a 3G ESP with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) into an Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV).

• Assessment of USV capability to monitor harmful algal blooms (HABs).

• Understanding of phytoplankton community dynamics.

• Assistance with public health related to phycotoxins in Great Lakes and Alaska.

• Integration of a water capture sampling system for the 3G ESP onto the USV.

• Support for the system during mission deployments.

• Intended Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).

• Contract Type: Sole source purchase order.

• Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1901, using simplified procedures up to $9 million (FAR 12.102).

• Period of Performance: 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029.

• This is a notice of intent, not a request for competitive proposals.

• Interested firms believing they can meet the requirement must submit a written notification to the Contracting Officer.

• Responses must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, include proof of permits, and a written narrative statement of capability with detailed technical information.

• The due date for affirmative written responses is the same as the due date for this notice.

• Information received will be used to determine if a competitive procurement will be conducted.

• Set-aside: Not applicable. The procurement is not intended for a small business program.

• NAICS Code: 541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.

• PSC Code: N019 – Installation of Equipment - Ships, Small Craft, Pontoons, and Floating Docks.

• NOAA states that MBARI is the only source with the available technology, resources, knowledge, and infrastructure to provide the required 3G ESP support without unacceptable delays.

• Point of Contact: Anthony Eubanks (Contract Specialist), anthony.eubanks@noaa.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for integrating and supporting a 3rd Generation (3G) Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) with a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) analytical module. The primary goal is to collect eDNA samples and determine phycotoxin concentrations in situ, contributing to the monitoring and prediction of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Great Lakes and Alaska.

• Design, fabricate, and deliver a water capture sampling system capable of collecting at least 1000 ml of water, which will be integrated into an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) platform.

• Install the water capture sampling system into the SeaTrac platform for the 3G ESP system, fully embedded by June 2026.

• Deliver the 3G ESP-SPR system and auxiliary parts, including cartridges with 5 µm Durapore membrane filters.

• Integrate the SPR system into the 3G ESP, including necessary calibrations for environmental conditions and phycotoxin analysis.

• Complete full installation and calibration of the 3G ESP-SPR system, ensuring it is functional and ready for deployment at least 24 hours prior to field missions.

• Provide SPR operation coding, standard curve data, and training as needed.

• Provide mission support services, including troubleshooting, sample recovery, post-operation calibration, and ensuring the system is returned to MBARI.

• Produce a final data set with comprehensive metadata for submission to NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) for public access and archiving.

• Water capture sampling system fully embedded into the USV platform by June 2026.

• 3G ESP-SPR system fully functional and calibrated 24 hours prior to field missions.

• Coding errors and hardware-software interface issues resolved within one hour of detection during active missions.

• Successful recovery of samples and cartridge removal at the end of field missions.

• Successful recovery and post-operation calibration of the 3G ESP-SPR system.

• Successful return of the 3G ESP-SPR system to MBARI.

• Performance will be evaluated with incentives for favorable Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) and disincentives for corrective action plans.

• Work will be performed at GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI for Great Lakes missions.

• Work will be performed at Nome, AK for Alaska missions.

• Non-personal services: The government will not supervise contractor employees or control their methods.

• Contractor shall have a single point of contact for government communication.

• Contractor shall attend coordination and project meetings, including involvement of MBARI.

• Travel to government or contractor facilities may be required and will be pre-approved and reimbursed on a time-and-materials basis.

• Data will be submitted to NOAA NCEI and made publicly available on a NOAA website.