Sole Source to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Resilience In-Water Test Support per attachments

The U.S. Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, is awarding a sole-source firm fixed-price contract to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for in-water testing support of a REMUS 600 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle equipped with a Forward-Looking Sonar payload. This action is justified exclusively due to WHOI’s unique proprietary knowledge and technical expertise essential to the operation and testing of this specific system, with no other sources capable of performing the required work. The solicitation, numbered N61331-26-Q-KS34, was posted on June 1, 2026, with responses due by June 4, 2026, and requires submission of a capabilities statement, proof of past performance on similar work, and a valid CAGE code. Performance will occur at Panama City Beach, Florida, with testing conducted during business hours on weekdays excluding federal holidays. The award will be based on best value to the government considering price, delivery, quality, and past performance, with no fixed weights assigned, allowing for trade-offs among factors. Delivery is governed by F.O.B. Destination or F.O.B. Origin terms as applicable, and all invoicing must be submitted electronically via Wide Area Workflow with detailed cost breakdowns for labor, other direct costs, and travel. The contract includes standard FAR clauses addressing commercial item provisions, payment by electronic funds transfer, inspection of services, contract changes, termination for convenience, and default, along with mandatory representations including those related to subcontractor reporting, cybersecurity compliance, trafficking in persons, and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment and foreign purchases. The contractor is subject to oversight under the Government’s inspection authority, with acceptance determined by the Government at the designated delivery point. While no formal contract value is disclosed, the scope is limited to two specific in-water test events with associated mobilization, testing, and demobilization activities, and the contract includes optional extensions under standard clauses. All submissions must be electronic, with no physical deliveries or paper proposals accepted, and compliance with safeguarding covered defense information as defined by DFARS 252.204-7012 is required.