Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensors IAW Salients

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (RFQ) for the procurement of "Questa, Sensor B-E1-3 (moderated, standard)" and "Questa, Sensor B-E1-3 (moderated, SWE)" moderated cosmic ray sensors. These are classified under Product/Service Code 6665, HAZARD-DETECTING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.

• Two types of moderated cosmic ray sensors are required: standard and SWE versions.

• Delivery is specified as 60 days after receipt of order.

• The document references "SALIENTS" for shipping/delivery instructions, which are not provided in this excerpt.

• Bidders are instructed to "PLEASE PROVIDE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ITEMS YOU ARE QUOTING WITH YOUR SUBMISSION".

• The solicitation number is 140G012600168.

• The solicitation issue date is 06/08/2026.

• The offer due date is 06/11/2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 334519, with a size standard of 600 employees.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• Offers are to be submitted on SF 1449 or letterhead stationery.

• Offers must include solicitation number, receipt time, offeror's contact information, technical description of items, warranty terms, price, discount terms, remit-to address, representations and certifications (FAR 52.212-3), and acknowledgment of amendments.

• The evaluation criteria is "lowest priced technically acceptable quote".

• The government intends to award without discussions.

• This acquisition is 100% set aside for Small Business.

• Several FAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference, including those related to System for Award Management (SAM), Buy American, and small business representations.

• Electronic invoicing via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is required.

• Contact for questions: Cynthia Nicanor at cynthia_nicanor@ios.doi.gov.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the ICT Accessibility Requirements Statement per the Revised Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. It details technical criteria and standards that software and electronic content must meet to ensure accessibility.

• General Exceptions: Outlines exceptions to the accessibility requirements.
• Technical Criteria for Software (E207):
  • Conformance to WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA Success Criteria.
  • Specific word substitutions for non-web software.
  • Requirements for complete processes in non-web software.
• Technical Criteria for Electronic Content (E205):
  • Compliance with E205 standards.
  • Accessibility requirements for non-public facing official agency communications.
  • Specific word substitutions for non-web documents.
  • Applicable standards including WCAG A & AA, Support Documentation, Support Services, and Functional Performance Criteria.
• Technical Criteria for Software (E501.1, E502, E503):
  • Interoperability with assistive technology.
  • Documented accessibility features.
  • Non-disruption of platform features.
  • Programmatically determinable object information, modification of information, row/column/header structure, current value, and modification of values.
  • Label relationships, hierarchical relationships, text, modification of text, list of actions, actions on objects, focus cursor, modification of focus cursor, and event notifications.
  • Conformance to 503 and user preferences.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the accessibility standards that must be incorporated into any software or electronic content developed or provided as part of a contract. It specifies compliance requirements with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG 2.0, impacting design, development, and delivery of ICT products and services. Bidders should ensure their proposals and solutions address these accessibility requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensors, detailing specific technical requirements for both above-ground and underground units. It serves as a specification for potential bidders to understand the essential features and capabilities of the sensors being procured.

Above Ground Sensor (1 unit):

• Stationary sensor for soil moisture and general neutron radiation monitoring.
• Includes moderated Neutron Detection Sensor with neutron proportional counter and digital pulse monitor.
• Size: 7" x 7" x 40".
• Housing: Marine grade (UV stabilized), corrosion-resistant, sealed enclosure.
• Sensitivity ratio: At least 3.1 times a standard neutron detector.
• Connector: IP67 or better waterproof feed-through, RJ45 for power/communication.
• Communication: SDI-12 capable.
• Operating Temperature: -40 to 70° C.
• Includes mounting bracket(s), worm clamps, PUR waterproof interface cable(s).
• Warranty: 2-year with technical support.

Underground Sensor (2 units):

• Stationary sensor for Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)/snow depth measurements.

• Includes moderated Neutron Detection Sensor with neutron proportional counter and digital pulse monitor.

• Size: 7" x 7" x 40".

• Housing: Marine grade (UV stabilized), corrosion-resistant, sealed enclosure.

• Sensitivity ratio: At least 4 times a standard neutron detector.

• Connector: Military style plug/receptacle rated at IP68 or better, fully potted.

• Communication: SDI-12 capable.

• Operating Temperature: -40 to 70° C.

• Includes gel-filled 10-m cable with military style connector and rugged jacket.

• Warranty: 2-year with technical support.

• 1 Underground (SWE) Sensor to: USGS Denver Federal Center, Bldg. 810, Entrance E-11, MS415, Denver, CO 80225 (Attn: Tyler Lampard).

• 1 Underground (SWE) Sensor and 1 Above Ground Sensor to: USGS, 2730 N Deer Run Rd., Suite 3, Carson City, NV 89701 (Attn: Gwen Davies).

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical specifications and quantities required for the sensors. It directly informs product design, manufacturing, and pricing strategies. The delivery instructions are also essential for logistical planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "FISMA 18-Point Checklist – IT Security Guidelines," outlines specific IT security requirements that are incorporated into the Statement of Work/Performance Work Statement for this opportunity. It serves as a checklist to ensure compliance with various security standards and clauses.

• Background Investigations: Requirement for contractors to perform background checks.
• Non-disclosure Agreements: Mandates signing NDAs and system security agreements.
• Privacy Act: Details requirements for handling personal information protected by the Privacy Act.
• Training: Contractor employees must complete DOI's end-user computer security awareness training.
• Personnel Changes: Requirement to notify the COR of employee reassignments or departures.
• Contractor Location: Specifies that services cannot be performed outside the U.S. without permission.
• Applicable Standards: Adherence to DOI SDLC, NIST SP 800-64, and DOI SDLC Security Integration Guide.
• Asset Valuation-Security Categorization: Requirements for determining security categorization of USGS systems.
• Property Rights: Outlines government rights in software acquired.
• Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V): Details government responsibility for IV&V or contractor responsibilities.
• Certification & Accreditation (C&A): Specifies C&A requirements for applications and systems.
• Internet Logon Banner: Requirement for a USGS approved logon banner.
• Incident Reporting: Contractor must report computer security incidents.
• Quality Control: Software and hardware must be free of malicious code.
• Self-Assessment: Contractor must conduct annual self-assessments.
• Vulnerability Analysis: Government will conduct vulnerability analysis.
• Logon Banner: Employees must acknowledge a government-approved warning banner.
• Security Controls: Compliance with NIST SP 800-53, Rev.1, FIPS 199, and NIST SP 800-60.
• Contingency Plan: Requirement for IT Support Services to submit a contingency plan.

This checklist is critical for bidders as it defines the mandatory IT security protocols and compliance measures that will be part of the contract. Understanding these requirements is essential for developing a compliant proposal and for successful contract performance. Bidders should pay close attention to the specific clauses referenced (e.g., FAR, NIST, DOI) and the responsibilities assigned to the contractor versus the government.