Hydrodynamic Design and Balancing Services

The contract seeks specialized engineering services focused on hydrodynamic balancing for telemetry tags used in marine wildlife research, specifically to ensure these devices remain securely attached and stable during the dynamic movements of whales. The primary objective is to design and optimize tag geometry and attachment mechanisms to minimize drag forces and prevent detachment under real-world oceanic conditions, leveraging fluid dynamics expertise to enhance data collection reliability and animal welfare. The work involves computational modeling, prototype development, and iterative testing to achieve performance standards that support long-term deployment in challenging underwater environments. This subcontract under the Department of Commerce, NOAA, is solicited with a NAICS code of 541330 for engineering services and has a place of performance in Hawaii with a zip code of 96753. The opportunity was posted on August 4, 2026, and responses are due by August 19, 2026. While details on set-aside status and point of contact are not provided, the emphasis is clearly on technical proficiency in hydrodynamics and proven experience in marine bio-logging systems. Contractors are expected to deliver solutions that meet operational durability requirements while preserving the natural behavior of tagged marine mammals.