The Navy is seeking low-cost, modular seabed nodes with standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces to accommodate diverse payload options, including acoustic communications modems, undersea sensors, navigation, and data transfer and storage. The commercial market lacks seabed nodes appropriate for Navy use. The nodes should be capable of operating independently or operating as part of a larger node network and support interoperability with other underwater acoustic platforms, networks, and a wide range of underwater vehicles. The nodes must have a cylindrical form factor of 19 inches in diameter and 51 inches in length, with a maximum dry weight is 1,000 lbs and able to withstand maritime deployment while maintaining and controlling descent to the seabed. The nodes must function regardless of their orientation on the seafloor and must be operational on the seabed for a minimum of 12 months (Threshold), 24 months (Objective). The nodes must be pressure tolerant up to a depth of 300 meters and able to anchor in differing bottom types, currents, sea growth, and corrosion without performance degradation, as well as in currents up to 2 knots. Each node must manage its power usage to maximize operational lifespan and utilize power management strategies when possible. While the focus of the effort is the design and development of payload agnostic subsea nodes, the desired initial payload of this effort will be acoustic communications nodes with the ability to expand development. Acoustic communication nodes should support two interfaces. The first acoustic communications interface shall enable long range, low data rate horizontal communications in the frequency band of 1kHz to 5kHz. The second communications interface shall enable short range, high data rate communications with Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUVs). The acoustic communications modem used must leverage Commercial off-the-shelf products, to include software-defined acoustic modems, to allow flexibility in the definition waveforms, modulation schemes, transmission power levels, and the use of Low Probability of Detection and Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) acoustic waveforms. The mesh network must support persistent data storage and distribution services for small data payloads (less than 1KB in size), and data storage only for larger payloads (less than 100KB in size). To maximize range on the sea floor and enable connectivity with other nodes, the node can deploy an undersea beacon or other methods to adjust the altitude of its acoustic transducer. A detailed Interface Control Document (ICD) will be provided as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) upon entering Phase II. This ICD will specify the physical attachment points, as well as describe the umbilical and electronic communications to be received from the vehicle. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
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