AUV Survey Support Services

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

To support scallop fisheries-independent surveys by deploying Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to collect optical data for the Atlantic sea scallop stock assessment. The goal is to acquire a target of 200nm or more of optical AUV data within the Mid-Atlantic Bight between April 1 and August 31, 2026, to provide vital data for science and management.

This is a Non-Personal Service contract. The contractor will provide all necessary plant, trained labor, equipment, materials, AUV supervision, transportation, permits, insurance, and data quality control for AUV optical survey data. The contractor must be knowledgeable of contract requirements and ensure work is performed safely and professionally. The contractor is responsible for all logistical components of conducting the survey.

• Payload Integration: AUVs must be capable of using the NEFSC's Autonomous Benthic Imaging System (ABIS) for optical data collection, compatible with HabCam vehicle data integration. Long-Range AUVs are required.

• ABIS Calibration: Contractor leads ABIS camera calibrations, with NEFSC assistance.

• Autonomy: AUVs must navigate independently for the survey objectives.

• Tracklines: Collectively collect a minimum of 200nm of optical scallop data. Final tracklines determined by NEFSC post-award.

• Speed: Maintain a consistent survey speed of 1-2 kts.

• Endurance: Capable of operating for 3 days or longer on one battery charge.

• Depth: Maintain a stable distance of 2 meters or less from the sea bed and operate up to 200m water depth.

• Emergency Behaviors: AUVs should have emergency behaviors for recovery; equipped with emergency recovery beacons/pingers is preferred.

• Deployments: AUVs should be deployable and recoverable from a ship's crane without large handling equipment.

• Communications: AUVs must communicate with the contractor (satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi) for operational status. A dashboard for contractor and NEFSC viewership is preferred.

• Deployment and Recovery System: A safe and efficient system for deploying and recovering AUVs from dockside facilities.

• Insurance: Contractor is responsible for loss of equipment.

• Data Delivery: Within one week of mission completion, provide metadata, oceanographic data, and imagery data to NEFSC. Images do not require annotation by the contractor.

• Final Report: Due within two months of work completion, summarizing the AUV mission(s) with maps, plots, and mission statistics.

• Period: Expected to occur between April 1 and August 31, 2026.

• Place: Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Woods Hole, MA 02543 or Vendor's Location, Mid-Atlantic Bight.

• Provide overall scientific guidance, survey design, trackline waypoints, survey timing, and location.

• Provide encrypted portable hard drives for data transfer.

• Provide up to two optical payloads (Autonomous Benthic Imaging Systems).

• Assist in identifying resources for emergency situations.

• Provide all necessary equipment, labor, and services not provided by the government.

• Ensure all personnel are trained and experienced.

• Notify COR of discrepancies or schedule issues.

• Maintain an adequate workforce.

• Ensure employees and subcontractors are experienced and familiar with contract specifications.

• Responsible for damage caused by contractor personnel.

• Contractor must have demonstrated experience with AUVs and knowledge of NEFSC AUV-scallop efforts.

• All required skill sets and permits must be obtained and maintained.

• Quality Control is the contractor's responsibility.

• Adherence to all safety, security, fire protection, environmental controls, and compliance with laws and regulations.