Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF MAY 23, 2002 FBO #0172
SOURCES SOUGHT

70 -- HANDHELD DATA LOGGING DEVICE FOR USE AT SEA

Notice Date

5/21/2002
 

Notice Type

Sources Sought
 

Contracting Office

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Administrative Support Center, Norfolk Federal Building, 200 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA, 23510
 

ZIP Code

23510
 

Solicitation Number

EA1330-02-RI-0002
 

Response Due

6/7/2002
 

Archive Date

6/22/2002
 

Point of Contact

Teresa Watson, Contract Specialist, Phone (757) 441-6528, Fax (757) 441-3786, - Melvyn Desjarlais, Supv. Contract Specialist, Phone (757) 441-6647, Fax (757) 441-3786,
 

E-Mail Address

teresa.l.watson@noaa.gov, melvyn.a.desjarlais@noaa.gov
 

Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Woods Hole, MA, is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to assess the market for a handheld electronic data logging device for use at sea by domestic sea sampling observers to record data electronically. NEFSC is conducting a market search for hardware and software that meets performance specifications focusing on a ruggedized tablet and GPS technology as a first priority. BACKGROUND Currently, NMFS observers generally use paper log sheets and note paper to record vessel data, position data, catch data and bycatch data, as well as take records for marine mammals, turtles and sea birds. Conceptually, the cost of data entry can be reduced and data quality improved by recording the data at the first possible point in the data stream which is as the data is collected by the observer. An electronic method of data collection at the observer level would do several things: First, it would allow for error checking at the time of data collection rather than weeks afterwards; Secondly, it would eliminate data transcription errors which commonly occur; Third, it could allow for trip information to be electronically transferred to NMFS and eliminate delay and possible loss of data through handling. Overall, improvements in the quality and timeliness of observer data will better support decision making based on these data. Market research to date indicates that ruggedized tablets, combined with ruggedized global positioning system (GPS) units are the single most feasible approach for collecting complex observer data electronically under adverse conditions at sea. This RFI is a market search focusing on a ruggedized tablet and GPS system that meets program requirements, and for development/integration of software to demonstrate its application for collection of observer data. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS The minimum requirements of the device for which the Government is seeking information should be as follows: Unit and System requirements: The unit must be in a tablet format (no lap tops) Shock resistant, non-corrosive, ruggedized tablet. Able to withstand a possible drop from several feet. Scaled to prevent water (water resistant) or dirt from penetrating the unit. At least 500MHZ processor (higher preferred) 256 MB DRAM At least 1 gig memory. Durable Interface to PC's or the Internet. Display: Screen must display standard data forms (8.5 x 11 inches) for input. Touch screen capable display with at least 800 x 600 resolution (prefer 1024 x 768) Screen must be readable in direct sunlight. At least 8 MB of Video RAM Other items: Waterproof and ruggedized carrying case (such as Pelican) Battery charger and additional battery - battery must hold a charge for at least 4 hrs. of continuous use and have a sleep or battery save mode. Environmental Specifications: Temperature operating tolerance of -4 degree -+140 degree Fahrenheit. The minimum requirements of the software for which the Government is seeking information should be as follows: Programmable to emulate current data forms. Capable of auditing entered data to acceptable parameters (limits). Capable of continuous storage/backup. Communicates with PC's or internet for data transmission to program manager. Capable of having 150 pages of logs active on a trip. NOTE: Specific details should be provided which address unit's standards for temperature, humidity, altitude, shock and vibration This RFI is not a Request for Proposals (RFP), but rather, is an exploratory request to obtain pricing, market information, and capabilities for planning purposes. The Government is seeking to identify and resolve concerns regarding the acquisition strategy and the feasibility of the requirement as well as any other industry concerns or questions.Respondents are asked to provide responses which provide specific capabilities of units which could satisfy the above referenced requirements as well as preliminary cost/price projections associated with the products to be provided. Please identify any previous Government contract experiences which are relative to this request. This RFI is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or, ultimately, award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any awards be made as a result of this RFI. Any costs incurred as a result of responding to this RFI shall be borne by the respondent and cannot be charged to the Government for reimbursement. All information in this RFI represents an overview of the anticipated project, and is subject to change, and is in no way binding on the Government. The Government will acknowledge receipt of submissions but will not provide any feedback. Respondents are asked to provide information using WordPerfect 6/7/8 or Word files forwarded via e-mail Please limit responses to no more than twenty pages. To be considered, submissions must be received at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Attn: David Potter, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543 not later than 2:30 P.M., June 7, 2002.
 

Web Link

Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NOAA/EASC/EA1330-02-RI-0002/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: 166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA

Zip Code: 02543

Country: US
 

Record

SN00080720-F 20020523/020521213254 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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