BIOSONICS ACOUSTIC EQUIPMENT

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (Request for Quote - RFQ) for commercial services. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) requires Brand Name BioSonics equipment, specifically an autonomous echo sounder surface unit, two digital transducers, and a mechanical rotator. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• Brand Name Equipment:

  • BioSonics DT-X Extreme autonomous echo sounder surface unit (x1)
  • BioSonics 200 kHz 6° DT-X Extreme split-beam digital transducers (x2)
  • BioSonics Dual-axis mechanical rotator (ROS PT25 – Pan & Tilt Positioner) (x1)
  • Additional transducer port for autonomous echo sounder surface unit (x1)

• Compatibility: All components must be compatible with the BioSonics DT-X Extreme system.

• Technical Specifications: Detailed specifications for each item are provided in the attached solicitation.

• Section 508 Requirements: All Information and Communication Technology (ICT) items must conform to Revised 508 Standards.

• FISMA Requirements: Information Technology Security Requirements Summary is included.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Delivery is required by 07/31/2026 for all items.

• Estimated Value: Not specified in this document.

• Submission Deadline: Quotes must be received by 5:00 PM EDT on June 5, 2026.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be emailed to Mary “Beth” Wilson at beth_wilson@ios.doi.gov. Mail submissions will not be accepted.

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be emailed to Mary “Beth” Wilson at beth_wilson@ios.doi.gov no later than 2:00 PM EDT on June 3, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. Technical acceptability requires the submission of technical brochures or specifications, complete configuration details (quantity, part numbers, descriptions) for each line item, and proof of authentic, manufacturer-certified/warranted products.

• Set-Aside: This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing).

• Size Standard: 1,350 Employees.

• SAM Requirement: Offerors must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov.

• Manufacturer Authorization: Sellers must be manufacturers or federally authorized distributors/resellers.

• This is a combined synopsis/solicitation.

• Offerors must provide NEW equipment.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Brand Name Justification for a sole source purchase of a BioSonics DT-X Extreme Echo Sounder Surface unit. The Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS) Denver Acquisitions plans to award a new firm-fixed price purchase order for this equipment.

This justification explains why the USGS intends to procure a specific brand name (BioSonics) and model (DT-X Extreme Echo Sounder Surface unit) on a limited source basis, rather than through full and open competition. The primary reasons cited are:

• Compatibility: The BioSonics system is stated to be the only hydroacoustic transducer system fully compatible with the existing hardware and software suite used by the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) and its partners (including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). This compatibility is crucial for maintaining data continuity and comparability with long-term datasets.
• Integration: The BioSonics ROS rotator requires proprietary motor-control hardware and software for full integration with BioSonics transducer systems. Procuring a non-BioSonics rotator would necessitate separate service contracts, incur additional costs, and cause downtime for calibration and integration.

The document specifies the required components: one BioSonics dual-axis mechanical rotator, one autonomous echo sounder surface unit with two transducer ports, and two 200 kHz 6° split-beam transducers.

The statutory authority cited for this sole source acquisition is FAR 6.103-1, "Only One Source Reasonable and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements."