AUV & UAV Ice Mapping Operation

INTRODUCTION This requirement forms the latest of a series of AUV operations under ice, all designed to improve the understanding of the topography of the under-ice surface, especially a ridged surface. Previous experiments have been done from ships (Lance 2002; Arctic Sunrise 2012; Healy 2014) and from camps on the ice (Beaufort Sea 2007; Alert 2008).

The secondary aim is to further improve the technology of under-ice mapping using small AUVs and a multibeam sonar OBJECTIVE The requirement is to carry out a field operation to generate three-dimensional maps of the lower surface of ridged ice, in order to determine the shapes, depths and occurrence of pressure ridging in sea ice. The vehicle to be used is an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle), equipped with a multibeam upward-looking sonar so as to obtain an accurate 3-D image of the ice underside as the vehicle follows a programmed track under the ice.

The vehicle may be attached to a safety line if necessary. It is also desirable to map the top surface of the same ice that has been profiled from below by AUV.

This operation can be performed by contractor, through a subcontract to a third party, or through ‘in kind’ collaborative efforts with a third party. The topside surface mapping can be accomplished by a laser mapping system which can either be manually deployed on the surface of the sea ice or mounted in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

REQUIREMENT 1. The tender is to provide the following for the operation • AUV Driver • Technician • Laser mapping Operator • Laser mapping system • AUV • Associated Equipment • Delivery of Equipment to port • Delivery of appropriate datasets at the end of the cruise 2.

The tender is to assist the Principal Investigator throughout the research voyage by carrying out the deployment and operation of the AUV under ice and the mapping of the surface topography over ice, so as to obtain the best possible set of 3-D images of the pressure ridges. 3. The tender is responsible for demobilising people and equipment at the port of arrival and transport of people and equipment to their home bases.

The tender is to provide processed datasets so that their analysis can yield data products of sea ice topography which can be interpreted and published in scientific journals. Additional information: I would like to notify you that this procurement opportunity is currently live on Tenders Electronic Daily, a copy of the Notice is attached and, if you have not already taken the opportunity to register, instructions are detailed below on the process for registration and expression of interest via Crown Commercial Service’s e-Sourcing Suite.

This procurement will be managed electronically via the Crown Commercial Service’s e-Sourcing Suite. To participate in this procurement, participants must first be registered on the e-Sourcing Suite.

If Bidders have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link ‘Register for CCS eSourcing’. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement.

Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; the name of the registered supplier; the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite.

The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done. As a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event.

Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information. For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Helpdesk : Freephone: 0345 010 3503 email: supplier@ccs.gsi.gov.uk Training support to respond to a requirement is available to bidders at http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/supplier.aspx