Marine Scales for NMFS
This Request for Information (RFI) and Sources Sought is for Planning Purposes Only
The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of the RFI/Sources Sough notice or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a quote.
This request is issued for the purpose of exchanging information to improve the understanding of industry capabilities, thereby allowing potential offerors to judge whether or how they can satisfy the Government's requirements, and enhancing the Government's ability to obtain services, at reasonable cost and price, and increase efficiency in proposal preparation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
The Eastern Acquisition Division (EAD) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Norfolk, VA is soliciting information, on behalf of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for Marine Scales with built-in motion compensation for use on board vessels. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement 333997, Scale and Balance Manufacturing with a size standard of 500 Employees. This RFI/Sources Sought will be used solely for market research and does not constitute a solicitation.
BACKGROUND
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) has a requirement for the collection of data by the Fisheries Sampling Branch's (FSB), Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) as required by the Northeast Region's Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) and as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the Sustainable Fisheries Act. Many FMPs include quota monitoring and discard rates are estimated from observer data, increasing the importance of collecting accurate and precise catch weight data. The digital motion-compensating scales have helped achieve this objective of improved weight collection in a more efficient and safe manner.
SCOPE
The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) intends to purchase a total of 50 scales and 50, 5kg stainless steel calibration weights with the following features:
SPECIFICATIONS FOR PLATFORM SCALES
1. Compact and portable consisting of a single piece of equipment whose total dimensions are 12"W X 13.5"L X 7"H (+/-0.5") and weight does not exceed 20 lbs. Platform size 11.5" X 9.5" (+/-0.5").
2. All exposed surfaces must be constructed of AISI 316 stainless steel.
3. Must meet or exceed EPA IEC 529-IP69K waterproof standards
4. Utilizes a stainless steel single point 50kg load cell with static overload stop for damage prevention from weight overload and a separate motion compensation load cell of accurate weight determination at sea.
5. Variable/programmable capacity with a maximum 30kg capacity with 10 gram resolution and accurate to the 100th place (2 decimals).
6. Capable of reading in Kg or Lbs.
7. Powered by 8 AA-cell batteries or equivalent; must be easily replaceable in a marine environment without the use of tools.
8. Current draw of .16 amps during use to achieve long battery life.
9. Bluetooth LTE enabled.
10. Equipped with power saving features such as auto hibernation and auto shut off.
11. Hardwired RS232 bi-directional communication and a sealed port for future upgrade to wired or wireless communication with a laptop. The data string should be composed of a minimum of:
a. Unique scale identifier (scale ID, the serial number of the scale)
b. weight value
c. weight unit
d. tare value
e. tare unit
12. Can be calibrated with a 5kg stainless steel or equivalent standard weight.
13. Must fit in a standard Pelican protective case model 1550 with proprietary laser cut foam insert.
14. The display must be attached directly to the scale platform with a 6, touch sensitive, key interface capable of use with heavily gloved hands. All functions must be accessible through the interface. The interface should clearly display the weight value in at least 6 digits, stored tare value, whether or not the reading is stable, and if the scale is zeroed.
15. Open construction to allow water to run out of load cell area.
16. Removable weighting pan for battery access and cleaning of inside of scale.
17. Integrated carrying handles.
The DOC/NOAA is seeking the following information:
Potential Respondents shall describe how they would propose to successfully deliver these supplies, assuming that all supplies provided by Respondent would be accomplished in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Potential Respondents supplies shall be comparable to the deliverables described herein. Potential Respondents shall respond to this RFI with a price sheet and a description of the supplies that may be provided. Respondents shall not be obligated to provide the services described herein and it is understood by the United States Government that the cost estimates provided as a result of this request are "best" estimates only. In addition, please provide company size status for the NAICS Code stated above (small business concern per 13 CFR, educational institution, federal, local or state entity, commercial entity, nonprofit organization, etc.); and socio-economic status for NAICS Code stated above (8(a), hubzone, small disadvantaged business, service-disabled/veteran owned, women owned, etc.).
NOTE: This RFI is being issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotations (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice will not be returned. In submitting a response, you are solely responsible and accountable for all of the expenses associated with your response. Responses to this RFI are due no later than May 1, 2018 at 12:00 PM, EST. Responses shall be sent via e-mail in to Roberta.H.Smith@noaa.gov. The electronic copy of your response must be in ".pdf format" and readable by the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Questions pertaining to this notice may be emailed to Roberta.H.Smith@noaa.gov.
Roberta Smith, Contract Specialist, Phone 757-441-6528, Email roberta.h.smith@noaa.gov - Jana Kolb, Contracting Officer, Phone 757-441-3344, Fax 757-664-3636, Email Jana.Kolb@noaa.gov
