66--USV for Flow Measurements and Bathymetry Surveys IAW Salients FY26 REQ# 15741 SPECIAL ORDER # S26011
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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), under the Department of the Interior, has published an Award Notice for the procurement of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) for Flow Measurements and Bathymetry Surveys. This acquisition, originally solicited as a Total Small Business Set-Aside, sought the YSI, SBD-SFS-M9 Surfbee Flow Seeker for Sontek M9 & PCM ADCP. The award was published on February 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The awarded contract covers the provision of a portable, inflatable, self-propelled, battery-powered, remote-controlled USV. Key technical requirements included:
- Interfacing: Sontek Model M9 ADCP and Power Communications Module.
- Propulsion: Built-in underwater thrusters (up to 4 m/s), capable of towed measurements.
- Navigation: Autonomous waypoint-based navigation, position hold, return-to-home, Dual GNSS with heading and RTK options.
- Power: Dewalt compatible 18v batteries, minimum 6 hours run-time.
- Camera: Built-in, front-facing, HD 1080p with live streaming.
- Dimensions & Weight: Max 1.7m x 0.8m x 0.1m; max 15 lbs (w/o batteries).
- Software: For setup, mission planning/control, autonomous transect missions, stationary measurements, and video.
- Accessories: Inflation pump, patch kit, Sontek M9 mount, PCM mount, carry bag, spare props, and interface cabling.
Contract Details
- Type: Award Notice (following an RFQ)
- Award Published: February 13, 2026
- Original Offer Due: February 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (100%)
- Product/Service Code: 6630 (Chemical Analysis Instruments)
- NAICS Code: 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, and Control Instruments Manufacturing) with a 1350-employee size standard.
Key Compliance Requirements
The contract incorporated stringent compliance requirements:
- ICT Accessibility (Section 508): Software and electronic content must conform to WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA Success Criteria.
- FISMA IT Security: Mandates background investigations, NDAs, Privacy Act adherence, DOI computer security awareness training, no OCONUS work without permission, adherence to DOI SDLC/NIST SP 800-64, Certification & Accreditation (C&A), incident reporting, annual self-assessments, and compliance with NIST SP 800-53.
Evaluation
The original solicitation evaluated offers based on technical compliance and price, with technical and past performance being of equal importance when combined.
Agency & Contact
Department: Interior Sub-Tier: US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Office: OFC OF ACQUSITION GRANTS-NATIONAL Primary Contact: Daniel Galvin (dgalvin@usgs.gov, 703-648-7397)