Sole Source to Wilcoxon for VS-101 Underwater Acoustic Vector Sensor Hardware

Underwater Acoustic Vector Sensor Hardware Background/Introduction: This Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has a requirement for an advanced underwater acoustic vector sensor. This sensor is necessary to collect acoustic vector data and conduct technology demonstrations for NPS sponsoring agencies. NPS has several different platforms (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, drifting buoys, and others) that utilize common data acquisition systems which are designed to incorporate such sensors in their payload for real-time monitoring of the acoustic environment. Minimal Technical Requirements/Salient Characteristics: Must be a small form-factor acoustic vector sensor, approximately 7.5 inches long and 3 inch diameter Must be nearly neutrally buoyant in sea water Must be powered by approximately 9 volts Direct Current, Must provide 4 channels of calibrated analog acoustic data corresponding to pressure and 3 orthogonally oriented accelerometers The accelerometer channels should be appropriately phase-matched with the pressure channel over the frequency band of approximately 10 - 2000 Hz Must include one serial channel providing status information on the sensor as well as gravitational and magnetic heading orientation data Must have a preamplifier and differential output of analog data All data should transmit from the sensor through thin, compliant wires terminating in a water-proof connector All sensor cables and connectors should be waterproof to a minimum depth of 200 meters