NexSens Buoy-Based Lake Water Temperature Profile Systems

This is a Sources Sought and Request for Information (RFI) only. This is not a solicitation announcement, nor is it a Request for Proposal (RFP). This request does not obligate the Government in any contact award. The Government will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any respondents for the development of such information. Response to this notice is strictly voluntary and will not affect any firm's ability to submit a proposal if and when a solicitation is issued. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Pittsburgh District is conducting market research to identify potential sources to provide maintenance services for existing NexSens, buoy-based, lake water temperature profile systems. Description of Requirement: The NexSens buoy-based water temperature profile systems include a floating buoy platform, a data logging and telemetry system, a waterproof marine enclosure, and a string of temperature thermistors. Lake water temperature buoys are located at 12 District reservoirs: Allegheny Reservoir, East Branch Clarion River Lake, Tionesta Lake, Woodcock Creek Lake, Mahoning Creek Lake, Shenango Lake, Loyalhanna Lake, Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir, Berlin Lake, Youghiogheny River Lake, Tygart Lake, and Stonewall Jackson Lake. Water temperature data collected by the buoys are utilized to operate the District's selective withdrawal reservoirs, and to document seasonal lake stratification patterns. A maintenance contract is necessary to assure continuous operation of these 12 buoys. This is a long standing contract that has provided hourly readings of lake stratification patterns, informed reservoir operations to meet LRP's multiple missions, and has saved money by eliminating the need to have project staff take readings on the lakes. Services: Site visits, a maximum of 135 during the 3-year contract period, with a maximum of 45 visits per year: - Spring deployment of at least 11 of the 12 buoys - Winter removal of at least 11 of the 12 buoys - If necessary, a maximum of23 additional site visits during the operational season for maintenance & repairs (approximately 2 per project). Telemetry and data management for each of the 12 sites: Annual site interrogation, server interrogation of remote sites to collect and store data, providing current and historical real-time data on line (data presentation and dissemination), and providing status alerts and alarms. Parts and supplies: Replacement Electronics: circuit boards for NexSens dataloggers (estimated 2 units required); analog phone modem. Socket 33.6 (estimated 2 units required); Upgrade data loggers (estimated 4 units required); Spread spectrum radio (estimated 2 units required); Upgraded cellular data transmission (estimated 2 units required); Replacement Power supply: Batteries: 12 VDC 8.5 A-Hr (2 units): 12 VDC 26 A-Hr (2 units): and 12 VDC 55A-Hr (2 units); AC float charger & cable (I unit): and Solar Power pack (3 units) Replacement Mooring Equipment: mooring & marker buoys 18" (4 units); custom built 3/ 16"vinyl coated SS mooring line (411ft); galvanized chain I /2'" (40 ft); galvanized chain, 3/8" (8 ft): type 316 stainless steel chain 1 /4" (4 ft); stainless steel bow shackle 1/2'' (4 units); stainless steel bow shackle 3/8" (12 units); stainless steel bow shackle 5/8" (4 units); pyramid anchor 35 lbs (2 units); pyramid anchor 70 lbs (2 units); and anti chafing cable armor (20 ft). Replacement temperature string parts: T-Node connectorized water temperature sensor (62 units); Mooring clamp for NexSens sensor string fits 1/4 ss wire rope (62); underwater connectorized cable assembly (62); Signal booster for T-node temp string 0.5 m (4 units); and mooring clamp for YSI sondes (2 units). Replacement sonar for buoys (2) Buoys: Data buoy (I unit) and Desiccant kit (5 units). Interested and capable sources are requested to provide complete responses to the information below to lrp.contracting@usace.army.mil no later than 3:00 pm (EST) on October 16, 2015. Interested sources must provide the following information: (1) Company name and address (2) Company point of contact, telephone number and email address (3) Company cage code (4) Company business size, to include designation as large business, small business, HUBZone, 8(a), Services Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, or Woman-Owned Business (5) Details of the company experience and/or capability in providing NexSens, buoy-based, lake water temperature profile systems maintenance