Opportunity
SAM #140E0126Q0018
Sole Source Repairs and Upgrades for Towed Silcam Prototype Phase II by SINTEF Ocean AS
BSEE Acquisition Management Division
March 25, 2026
April 01, 2026
140E0126Q0018
541715
This opportunity involves a sole source contract for specialized repairs and upgrades to the Towed Silcam Prototype Phase II, used by BSEE for oil spill measurement. - Sole source, firm-fixed-price contract to SINTEF Ocean AS - SINTEF is the original manufacturer and owner of the Towed Silcam intellectual property - Scope includes: - Repairs, upgrades, and modifications to the Towed Silcam Prototype Phase II - Replacement of internal camera mounting structure and damaged hardware - Installation of additional data ports - Replacement of LED flash unit - Update of user manual - Engineering and subject matter expertise provided by SINTEF - Not open to competition due to proprietary requirements and unique expertise - NAICS code: 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) - PSC: R425 (Support-Professional: Engineering/Technical) - Period of performance: 6 months - Place of performance and contracting office: - Ohmsett (federal facility for oil spill response testing) - BSEE Acquisition Management Division, Sterling, VA - No product line items; all work is service-based - Estimated contract value likely in the low to mid six figures, given scope and duration - No competing OEMs due to proprietary nature, but similar companies in marine instrumentation exist - Key requirements: direct access to SINTEF's IP, engineering expertise, and system familiarity
Description
Towed Silcam Prototype Phase II - Repairs, Upgrades and Modifications Synopsis - Notice to Sole Source:NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE ORDER TO PROCURE TOWED SILCAM PROTOTYPE PHASE II ¿ REPAIRS, UPGRADES AND MODIFICATIONSThe Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1), intends to issue a sole source purchase order to SINTEF Ocean AF (Postboks 4762 Torgarden, Trondheim, 7465, Norway), UeID FQP1MFLHNWC3, for the procurement of Towed Silcam Prototype Phase II ¿ Repairs, Upgrades and Modifications. The period of performance is 6 months with an anticipated start date around May 1, 2026.BSEE acquired a prototype Towed SilCam produced by SINTEF for the purpose of measuring droplet size distribution of dispersed oil slicks and taking background particle measurements. The system was tested in the Ohmsett tank and in open water. After field trials, BSEE provided SINTEF with feedback related to the systems deployment and operation. Working in conjunction with SINTEF engineers, BSEE created a list system repairs, upgrades and modifications aimed at improving ease of use and data quality. The action items include modifications covered under the existing service agreement with SINTEF, and BSEE funded upgrades. The bureau anticipates a sole source, firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract to be awarded with a 6- month period of performance to SINTEF Ocean AS. In 2023-2024, BSEE purchased a Towed SilCam from SINTEF for testing at Ohmsett and on-water field trials. Following these test deployments, potential modifications and upgrades were identified with the goal of improving ease of use and improving data quality. There is no source other than SINTEF to improve the Towed SilCam Array, since SINTEF owns the IP, design, and set of SME's required to advance a system modifications and upgrades. PLEASE NOTE: This notice is not a request for proposal (RFP). This notice of intent is for informational purposes only. However, any firm that believes itself capable of meeting the requirement described herein may submit a capability statement or quotation which may be considered if received by the agency by 12:00PM Eastern Time on April 1, 2026. All submissions in response to this notice must be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer at catherine_robertson@ios.doi.gov reference notice ID 140E0126Q0018 on the subject line. A determination by the Government not to compete the Government's requirements described in this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. POC: Catherine Robertson, Contracting Officer, BSEE, Acquisition Operations Branch, 45600 Woodland Road, Mailstop VAE-AMD, Sterling, VA 20166. The NAICS is 541715; Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). The PSC is R425 - Support- Professional: Engineering/Technical.