SOLE SOURCE: EXAIL INC. FOR SERVICES TO TEST, EVALUATE AND INTEGRATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FISHERIES ECHOSOUNDER ON A USV
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 award a sole source purchase order to Exail Inc. for services to test, evaluate, and integrate a fisheries echosounder on an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). This effort aims to increase the efficiency of acoustic-trawl surveys for the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. This is a presolicitation notice; competitive proposals are not being requested. Firms believing they can meet the government's requirements may submit substantiating documentation by April 9, 2026.
Opportunity Details
NOAA has determined Exail Inc. is the only source capable of providing the required highly specialized technical services. Exail manufactures the existing USVs, and the integration of new equipment into these vehicles can only be performed by the manufacturer. Exail has no authorized partners or resellers for these services.
Scope of Work
Services include the testing, evaluation, and integration of a fisheries echosounder onto a USV. The integrated system will be used to undertake survey activities in tandem with NOAA vessels, evaluating the viability of USVs to increase the efficiency of acoustic-trawl surveys.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Purchase Order (Presolicitation)
- Period of Performance: One (1) year from the date of award
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
- Product Service Code: 1990 (Miscellaneous Vessels)
- Set-Aside: No Set-Aside
- Response Due: April 9, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
- Published: March 24, 2026
Submission & Inquiry
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 or a request for additional information in writing to the identified point of contact within 15 days after publication. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Oral communications are not acceptable. The point of contact is Randall Chatfield at randall.chatfield@noaa.gov or 757-441-6880.