NOAA Laser Ablation System 140802-25-0528
Summary
AI-generated · Aug 23, 2025Portability and shipboard readiness are key. The requirement is to identify vendors capable of supplying a portable laser ablation system for rust removal and marine coating preparation on NOAA vessels, including on-site training and ongoing support. The system must be operable by a single person in shipboard environments (through ladders, hatches, and tight spaces) and handle full shipboard use, including sea and pier operations. Technical specs include a pulsed fiber laser with tunable pulse duration and frequency, 300–500 watts output, a minimum 20-foot umbilical to the laser head, air cooling, and multiple scan patterns (minimum circular) to provide cleaning comparable to SPCC-SP-10 with a surface profile up to 4 mils on carbon steel. It must run on either 120V or 220V AC, be compatible with ship service air, and meet stringent safety and environmental standards, including a built-in fume extraction system capable of at least 300 CFM at 6 inches, multi-stage filtration (pre-filter, HEPA, activated carbon), weight ≤60 lbs, at least 6-foot extraction hose, and noise under 70 dB(A). The fume system must be easily movable through ship spaces and comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910, ACGIH capture velocity guidelines, and ANSI Z136.1-2022 for laser safety. Deliverables include one complete unit that meets the specifications, plus on-site user training, a train-the-trainer program, and supporting training materials; the system should effectively remove heavy rust and epoxy marine coatings, work on common ship metals (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper), and include debris management and an integrated or compatible vacuum/particulate control.
As part of market research, interested vendors should submit a capability statement demonstrating the ability to meet these requirements, including company information, SAM verification, and a point of contact, along with evidence of applicable maritime experience and a plan for on-site training and ongoing support. Please ensure the capability statement clearly shows how your solution satisfies the specified performance, safety, and portability criteria.
THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. This is a Sources Sought for planning purposes only and is issued in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (OCT 1997) provided at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.215-3 No solicitation document exists at this time. Issuance of this notice does not constitute any obligation on the part of the Government to procure these items or services or to issue a solicitation. In addition, the Government is under no obligation to pay for information submitted in response to this Sources Sought Notice, and responses to this notice cannot be accepted as offers. Any information that the vendor considers proprietary should be clearly marked as such. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified. In preparation for an upcoming procurement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Acquisition Division, Norfolk, VA on behalf of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) is conducting market research to determine potential sources for a laser ablation system. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 423610 "ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT, WIRING SUPPLIES, AND RELATED EQUIPMENT MERCHANT WHOLESALERS". The small business size standard for this NAICS code is 200 employees. Businesses are encouraged to submit a brief, typed Capability Statement in response to this source sought announcement. Portable Laser Ablation System for Shipboard Preservation Work NOAA OMAO, seeks information from qualified vendors for the supply, training, and support of a portable laser ablation system for use aboard NOAA vessels. This system will be deployed in shipboard environments to support rust removal and marine coating preparation efforts. It must be optimized for ease of use, durability, and effectiveness under shipboard operational conditions. Technical Specifications Laser Type: Pulsed fiber laser Tuning Capabilities: Pulse Duration Pulse Frequency Power level Programable Presets for Different Applications Minimum of a 20 ft umbilical from the Main unit to the Laser Head. Power Output: 300 500 watts Air Cooled Scan Pattern: Scan Patterns beyond a simple line pattern need to be available, circular pattern at a minimum. Capable of providing cleanliness for coating application equivalent to SPCC-SP-10, capability of establishing a surface profile of up to 4 mils on mild carbon steel. Portability: Portable by a single person through all shipboard spaces, including stairways, vertical ladders, passageways, and watertight doors. NOAA Ships reach up to 280 ft in length with multiple decks, the laser cleaning head must be able to reach all external and internal areas of the ship. Power Compatibility: Operable on either ~120V or ~220V AC Compressed Air: Compatible with ship s service air systems Environmental Conditions: Operation at sea and alongside pier Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Fume Extraction System: Flow Rate: Minimum of 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow to ensure sufficient capture of particulates and vapor-phase emissions at a distance of up to 6 inches from the laser ablation site. Filtration: Multi-stage filtration system including: Pre-filter for large particulates HEPA filter for fine particulate matter (?99.97% at 0.3 microns) Activated carbon filter for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors Portability: Entire fume extraction system must be: Easily hand-portable by one person Weight not to exceed 60 lbs Capable of being moved through shipboard spaces such as ladders, hatches, and watertight doors Noise: Maximum operational noise level of <70 dB(A) to accommodate use in enclosed or acoustically sensitive compartments Power: Compatible with 120V AC power input Accessories: Flexible extraction hose or arm with a minimum length of 6 feet Nozzle or hood designed for localized capture near the ablation site Visual or audible filter replacement indicators Usage Environment: Suitable for both pier-side and underway operations Ruggedized or enclosed for protection against vibration and salt air exposure Compliance: The fume extraction system shall comply with applicable OSHA workplace safety requirements (29 CFR 1910), follow American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)-recommended ventilation capture velocities, and support ANSI Z136.1-2022 laser safety practices for control of laser-generated airborne contaminants (LGACs). The system must be equipped with HEPA and activated carbon filters, and deliver a minimum capture velocity of 150 ft/min at a working distance of 6 inches. Performance Requirements Ablation Capability: Removal of heavy marine rust with minimal pre- or post-treatment Removal of epoxy-based marine coatings (Non-Mastic) Capability to treat non-skid surfaces Material Compatibility: Effective on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other common shipboard metals Debris Management: Portable fume extraction system must be included with the proposal and compatible with the proposed system. Integrated or compatible vacuum/fume control system to reduce airborne particulates Training and Certification User Training: On-site operational training for initial users Industry Standard Certification for safe operation and maintenance Train-the-Trainer Program: Instruction and certification for designated personnel to qualify future users in-house Provide training materials, procedures, and documentation Deliverables One complete laser ablation unit meeting the specifications above that meets all applicable industry standard including (ANSI Z136.1 2022) Delivered to: Honolulu, HI 96813 Standard brochures will not be considered a sufficient response to this notice. Submitted Capability Statements shall include the following: Company name and address SAM UEI number Type of business (e.g. large business, small business, 8(a),veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and/or women owned small business) as validated via the System for Award Management (SAM) Company point of contact name, phone, and e-mail address Demonstrate capabilities for meeting the requirements listed above. Responses are requested by July 1, 2024 at 4:00PM Eastern Standard Time. Please submitted responses to Contracting Specialist Christopher Meconnahey at chris.meconnahey@noaa.gov
From Sources Sought posted on Jun 16, 2025Notice history
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Sources Sought LATEST Posted Jun 16, 2025
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