NOAA awards $1.6M task order to Saildrone Inc. for uncrewed surface vehicle data collection

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,607,440 ($1.6M)

Contractor: Saildrone Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2027-04-12

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROTECH FISHERIES TASK ORDER FOR UNCREWED SURFACE VEHICLE SOUTHERN OCEAN DATA COLLECTION

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98115

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $1.6 million to SAILDRONE INC for work described as: PROTECH FISHERIES TASK ORDER FOR UNCREWED SURFACE VEHICLE SOUTHERN OCEAN DATA COLLECTION Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant investment in advanced marine data collection technologies. 2. The use of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) suggests a focus on cost-effective and persistent monitoring solutions. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of the task order indicates a need for sustained data collection over a year. 5. The specific geographic focus on the Southern Ocean highlights critical research areas. 6. This award may signal a trend towards increased reliance on autonomous systems for environmental monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.6 million for a 364-day task order appears reasonable for specialized uncrewed surface vehicle operations. Benchmarking against similar contracts for autonomous marine systems is challenging due to the niche nature of USVs. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an expectation of well-defined deliverables and costs. The value proposition likely lies in the ability of USVs to collect data in remote and challenging environments more efficiently than traditional methods.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies that while full and open competition was intended, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain sources. This could be due to the specialized nature of the required technology or the contractor's unique capabilities. The limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a broad, unrestricted competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing possible due to the limited nature of the competition. However, if Saildrone Inc. possesses unique capabilities essential for this mission, the award ensures access to critical data that might otherwise be unobtainable.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NOAA and the scientific community, who will receive crucial data for understanding oceanographic conditions in the Southern Ocean. The services delivered include data collection via an uncrewed surface vehicle, likely focusing on parameters such as ocean currents, temperature, salinity, and atmospheric conditions. The geographic impact is focused on the Southern Ocean, a vital region for global climate and marine ecosystem research. Workforce implications may be minimal directly related to this task order, as it relies on autonomous technology, though it supports the broader scientific and technical personnel at NOAA and potentially Saildrone Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
The specific technical requirements might exclude smaller or emerging competitors.
Reliance on a single platform for critical data collection poses a risk if the technology fails.

Positive Signals

Utilizes advanced, potentially cost-saving autonomous technology for data collection.
Focuses on a critical research area (Southern Ocean) with significant scientific value.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on environmental monitoring and data collection. The market for uncrewed maritime systems (UMS), including USVs, is rapidly growing, driven by defense, research, and commercial applications. NOAA's investment in USVs aligns with a global trend towards leveraging autonomous platforms for ocean observation, which is crucial for understanding climate change, marine resources, and geopolitical interests in oceanic domains. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of USVs and their operational scope.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of uncrewed surface vehicle technology and operations, it is likely that larger, more established companies with specific expertise, like Saildrone Inc., are best positioned to fulfill such requirements. There is no explicit indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order will be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Accountability measures are embedded within the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified data collection services. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where this award is reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Ocean Exploration Program
National Science Foundation - Ocean Sciences
US Navy Unmanned Maritime Systems Initiatives
Environmental Protection Agency - Water Quality Monitoring

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Reliance on specialized technology.
Operational risks in remote, harsh environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $1.6 million to SAILDRONE INC. PROTECH FISHERIES TASK ORDER FOR UNCREWED SURFACE VEHICLE SOUTHERN OCEAN DATA COLLECTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SAILDRONE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2027-04-12.

What is Saildrone Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly for autonomous marine systems?

Saildrone Inc. has a notable track record with government agencies, including NOAA and NASA, for deploying its uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) for data collection and research. Their platforms have been used for a variety of missions, such as hurricane tracking, oceanographic surveys, and climate monitoring. For instance, Saildrone USVs have been deployed in challenging environments like the Arctic and Antarctic, demonstrating their capability to operate in harsh conditions. Their experience includes collecting data on atmospheric conditions, oceanographic parameters (temperature, salinity, currents), and acoustic data. This history suggests a level of proven performance and reliability relevant to the current task order, indicating the agency's confidence in their technology and operational expertise.

How does the $1.6 million cost compare to similar autonomous marine data collection efforts?

Direct cost comparisons for autonomous marine data collection efforts are complex due to variations in platform capabilities, mission duration, geographic scope, and data types collected. However, the $1.6 million award for a 364-day task order involving an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) for the Southern Ocean appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized, long-duration deployments. Similar projects involving autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or sophisticated sensor packages can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on complexity. Saildrone's USVs are known for their endurance and ability to operate in remote areas, which can offer a cost-effective alternative to manned research vessels for certain data collection objectives. The firm fixed-price nature of this award also suggests a defined scope, making it easier to assess value against expected outcomes.

What are the primary risks associated with using uncrewed surface vehicles for critical data collection in remote areas?

The primary risks associated with using uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) for critical data collection in remote areas like the Southern Ocean include technological failure, loss of communication, environmental hazards, and potential collisions. USVs are exposed to harsh weather conditions, which can lead to equipment damage or mission failure. Maintaining consistent communication over vast distances, especially in polar regions, can be challenging. There is also a risk of collision with other vessels or marine life, which could result in damage to the USV or pose a navigational hazard. Furthermore, the reliance on a single platform for data collection means that any operational disruption could lead to significant gaps in critical scientific data. Mitigation strategies often involve robust system design, redundant communication channels, real-time monitoring, and adherence to maritime safety protocols.

What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in advancing scientific understanding of the Southern Ocean?

This contract is expected to significantly advance the scientific understanding of the Southern Ocean by providing continuous, high-resolution data that is difficult or prohibitively expensive to obtain using traditional research vessels. The uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) will likely collect a range of crucial oceanographic and atmospheric parameters, such as sea surface temperature, salinity, currents, wave height, and atmospheric pressure. The Southern Ocean is a critical component of the global climate system, influencing ocean circulation and carbon cycling. Data collected from this region can improve climate models, enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems, and inform conservation efforts. The sustained, year-long deployment capability of the USV allows for the capture of seasonal variability, providing a more comprehensive picture than short-term expeditions.

How has NOAA's spending on autonomous marine systems evolved over the past five years?

NOAA's spending on autonomous marine systems, including uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), has shown a consistent upward trend over the past five years, reflecting a strategic shift towards leveraging these technologies for ocean observation and research. While specific aggregate spending figures are not readily available without detailed budget analysis, the increasing number of task orders and contracts awarded to companies like Saildrone Inc. and Teledyne Marine indicates a growing investment. This evolution is driven by the need for more cost-effective, persistent, and wide-ranging data collection capabilities to address complex challenges such as climate change, fisheries management, and marine ecosystem health. NOAA's strategic plans increasingly emphasize the integration of autonomous systems into their observational networks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1305M326Q0090

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1050 W TOWER AVE, ALAMEDA, CA, 94501

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,999,984

Exercised Options: $1,607,440

Current Obligation: $1,607,440

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M424D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline