66 -- TEMPERATURE RECORDER WITH INDUCTIVE MODEM

The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, plans to exclusively negotiate a contract with Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc., based in Bellevue, Washington, for the procurement of specific oceanographic equipment. The purchase includes 12 Surface Inductive Modems, 12 Inductive Cable Couplers, and 68 Temperature Recorders integrated with inductive modems (part number SBE-39IM). These inductive modems facilitate underwater communication by using the mooring cable as the transmission link, enabling device placement at depths of up to 600 meters without requiring cable connectors, which enhances reliability and reduces maintenance complexities. The contract falls under NAICS code 334519, which relates to instruments and related products manufacturing, with a size standard of 500 employees. This acquisition supports the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the National Data Buoy Center, highlighting the continued investment in ocean data collection technology. The solicitation was posted on June 10, 2005, and the contract is managed through the Department of Commerce office located in Kansas City, Missouri. The exclusive negotiation underscores the specialized nature of the equipment and Sea-Bird Electronics’ unique capability to fulfill the technical requirements.