NOAA Fisheries Strategic Initiative for Optical Data Collection and Processing

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION FISHERIES

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND VENDOR DEMONSTRATIONS

AUTOMATED IMAGE ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

This is a Request for Information (RFI) requesting industry input for market research purposes in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 10 Procedures. This is not a solicitation, nor does it guarantee a solicitation will be issued. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. This is not a request for proposals and it does not obligate the government in any manner.

The Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Optic Strategies Initiative Working Group (OSI) is seeking information related to operationalizing large-scale image collection, processing, and storage; complement, optimize, and replace existing ship- and aircraft-based surveys; automate data processing pipelines; and provide novel, mission-improving metrics. Specifically, OSI intends to fund projects to increase the accessibility and functionality of machine learning assisted image processing pipelines, and hybrid cloud processing capacity. OSI envisions developing a suite of transformational technologies that enable end-to-end automation of optical sampling methods. Those technologies will be implemented in demonstration surveys (i.e. fish, plankton, benthos, aerial/mammals) selected for their topical relevance to the agency and perceived differences in the image analysis problem being addressed.

The OSI will facilitate development of automated end-to-end, acquisition to analysis pipelines for the main NMFS optical data domains (fish, benthic, aerial, plankton). Please see the attached Problem Statement for additional details regarding the desired functionality and current state of technology. OSI represents all Fisheries Science Centers and the Office of Science and Technology.

Software investments should consider scalable solutions that empower full implementation of automated image analysis into post-processing workflows across domains. Solutions should seek to provide end-to-end solutions across a range of user levels, improve usability and functionality, provide relevant diagnostics for model tuning and evaluation, and generally seek to lower the barrier of entry for this critical toolset.

Vendors are encouraged to submit responses/proposed solutions for any or all of the Four focal pipelines (fish, benthic, aerial, plankton) included in the attached Problem Statement. OSI anticipates multiple awards with approximate values between $250-$500k. OSI intends to fund projects to improve access to optical survey and analysis tools, including investments in low-cost acquisition hardware, edge AI bearing payloads and UxS platforms, machine learning assisted image processing pipelines, hybrid cloud processing capacity, and a portfolio of high-TRL applications of these tools. Priorities include expanding and optimizing broadly applicable platforms and software pipelines, especially those that enhance capabilities for data-poor regions and emerging missions. OSI envisions developing a suite of transformational technologies that enable end-to-end automation of optical sampling methods.

The Government is especially interested in responses from SBA certified small business concerns that are capable of performing the work described within this notice.

The NAICS code for this requirement is anticipated to be 541511 or 541519, each with a size standard of $30,000,000.00.

The OSI is conducting a workshop November 5-6 and intends to schedule one-on-one virtual vendor demonstrations with industry partners based on the results of this RFI. One-on-ones will last approximately one hour via Google Meets, with vendors answering questions and providing additional details about how their solution can be applied to OSI’s mission Demonstrations are not required/expected to target specific use cases at this time.

Response Requirements

Responses to this notice shall be limited to five pages, not including cover page/letter if applicable:

1. Organization Information.


2. The organization name and address, and a point of contact name, telephone number and e-mail address. The organization point of contact shall have the knowledge and authority to clarify responses with Government representatives.


3. The organization’s UEI number, CAGE code, and organization/company structure (corporation, LLC, partnership, joint venture, etc.).


4. Written confirmation of the organization’s registration in SAM (www.sam.gov), if applicable. Offerors need not be registered to be considered as a source, but must be active to participate in any subsequent solicitations, if issued.


5. The size classification of the organization under the appropriate NAICS code, and if the organization is classified as a small business, HUBZone small business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business, Woman-owned small business and/or 8(a) certified small business.


6. General statement providing the organization’s relevant experience and/or capability to provide the described services, with an emphasis on the following information:
   
   
   
   1. Anticipated timeline for tailoring software for specific business processes/pipelines
   
   
   2. Software description(s)
   
   
   3. Rough Order of Magnitude for initial development
   
   
   4. Experience with DOC systems, within NOAA or other Bureaus
   
   
   5. Availability November 5-6 and any information needed to plan demonstration
   
   
   
   

Capability statements and other responses shall be submitted to Sarah Waugh at sarah.waugh@noaa.gov no later than 2:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 29th. Please do not call regarding this RFI. Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via e-mail to the above e-mail address not later than 2:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 22nd. An amendment may be posted if necessary, so firms are encouraged to “follow” this announcement for future actions. OSI intends to notify vendors by Friday, November 1st.

This request is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of contractor's information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.

NOAA anticipates requesting vendor demonstrations, at no cost to the Government. Information obtained as a result of this announcement may be reflected in the subsequent solicitation, if issued. This announcement is Government market research and may result in revisions in both its requirements and its acquisition strategy based on industry responses.