Scientific Research into Bathymetric Radar and the Variational Assimilation Algorithm

This is a Sources Sought Notice for a commercial acquisition. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this Notice or reimburse the costs incurred by potential offerors in providing the information requested herein. Accordingly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Coast Survey, Navigation Services Division, and Eastern Acquisition Division is conducting market research to determine potential sources capable of scientific research into bathymetric radar and the Variational Assimilation Algorithm as detailed herein: The intent of this announcement and the information provided in response to this notice will assist the Government in identify ALL potential sources to include small businesses and socio-economic sources that are capable and qualified to furnish the required boats identified in the Requirements section of this announcement. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 541712, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The small business size standard for this NAICS code is 500 employees or less. Please include your company's size classification in any response to this notice. NOAA is trying to understand the potential for its mission of the Variational Assimilation Algorithm approach to X-Band bathymetric radar. Contractor is to investigate the physics and mathematics of the algorithm using analysis and/or experimentation as appropriate in order to assess its performance as a means of determining water depth from X-Band radar data for use in nautical charting. In order to thoroughly investigate the Varitation Assimilation algorithm potential contractors must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to accomplish the following: 1. Compare the performance of the variational assimilation algorithm with existing, bathymetric radar data extraction algorithms for depth and position. 2. Determine the actual performance of the variational assimilation algorithm using bathymetric radar data depth and position algorithms over a range of algorithm parameters, e.g. signal-to-noise ratio, environmental, and radar parameters. 3. Determine the theoretical and practical limits of horizontal resolution and accuracy of bathymetric radar retrievals assuming linear wave dispersion and compare it to that of the variational assimilation algorithm. 4. Determine the suitability of exploiting time-averaged radar backscatter intensity fields to identify the location of obstructions and shallow bathymetric features, e.g. shoals. 5. Characterize the depth and position measuring performance of bathymetric radar for long dwell times. 6. Hypothesize, develop and characterize additional depth and position measuring algorithms and models for using X-Band radar as a hydrographic surveying tool as indicated from the research performed here. Firms who believe they have the capabilities to provide the required research, MUST furnish detailed information concerning their capabilities. Submitted Capability Statements shall include the following: (1) Company name and address (2) DUNS number (3) Type of business (e.g., large business, small business, 8(a), veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and/or women owned small business, as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM)) (4) Company point of contact - name, phone and email address (5) Demonstration of the capabilities for providing the required research as detailed herein. Standard brochures will not be considered a sufficient response to this notice. Interested sources shall submit an electronic copy of their Capability Statement to Robin Resweber, Contract Specialist, via email at Robin.Resweber@noaa.gov, no later than 10:00 AM. Eastern Standard Time (EST) July 28, 2014. Responses will not be returned. Any questions or responses to this Sources Sought announcement shall be directed to Robin Resweber via the email address provided. No feedback will be provided regarding individual Capability Statements. Information received will be considered solely to make informed decisions regarding a potential procurement. Responses to the Sources Sought announcement are not offers and cannot be accepted by NOAA to form a binding contract. No reimbursement for costs will be made associated with providing information in response to this Sources Sought announcement or follow-up information requests, if applicable.