Notice of Intent to negotiate sole source contract to InnovaSea
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with InnovaSea for VEMCO acoustic releases and associated accessories. This procurement supports critical cetacean passive acoustic monitoring research by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) in Key Biscayne, FL, focusing on endangered species like Rice's whales and North Atlantic right whales. Firms believing they can meet the government's requirements must submit documentation by April 22, 2026.
Purpose and Scope
NOAA's Acquisition & Grants Office (AGO), NMFS Field Delegates, requires specific acoustic equipment for field research projects in 2026. The objective is to procure:
- Five (5) VR2AR-69kHz Acoustic Releases
- Sixteen (16) VR2AR-X-69kHz Acoustic Releases (Extended Life)
- One (1) VR100 Transponding Hydrophone with a 50-meter cable
- Ten (10) redeployment part kits
This equipment is essential for the remote retrieval of moored underwater acoustic recorders, which continuously record ocean acoustics and marine animal sounds. The units must be capable of logging coded acoustic tag transmissions, retrieving recorders from depths up to 500m, and communicating with existing SEFSC Vemco VR100 systems.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Notice of Intent to negotiate a sole source contract.
- Product Service Code: 2090 (Miscellaneous Ship And Marine Equipment).
- Delivery Date: Required by June 1, 2026, to NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, FL 33149.
- Published Date: April 7, 2026.
- Response Due: April 22, 2026 (15 days after publication).
Sole Source Justification
NOAA's determination to procure from InnovaSea (VEMCO) on a sole source basis is due to the unique capabilities and compatibility of their products. Key factors include:
- Reliability: Proven reliability when used with the SoundTrap 600 recorder.
- Compatibility: Ability to receive, decode, and log acoustic transmissions from VEMCO tags, and compatibility with SEFSC's existing Vemco VR100 - 8 Channel DSP Manual Tracking Acoustic Receiver transmitting deck box and VHTx 69kHz Transponding Hydrophone.
- Functionality: The VEMCO VR2AR is the only acoustic release jointly capable of receiving valuable transmissions from VEMCO acoustic Tags and performing double duty by also recording tag transmissions from acoustically tagged fish.
- Market Research: Extensive market research indicates no alternative vendors offer combined acoustic releases and receivers with these specific capabilities and compatibility requirements.
Action for Interested Parties
This notice is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Such documentation will be evaluated to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible.
Contact: Amy Gilliland (amy.gilliland@noaa.gov, 240-997-5870).