Low-Cost Bottoming Seabed Nodes for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Support

Opportunity DON26BZ02-NV050 no longer available

**Q&A Changes:** One answer was updated: **Q2 now includes a direct answer** stating there is no objective for wet weight when stored in the UUV, but the node must be negatively buoyant and not exceed 1,000 lbs dry weight. This was previously listed without an answer.

# Q&A Updates Summary **New answers provided to 6 previously unanswered questions (Q1, Q3, Q7, Q8, Q9):** - **Q1 (Acoustic modem band):** Respondents must justify solutions meeting capability requirements; assumptions acceptable with rationale - **Q3 (Modem/sizing/deployment):** No government-furnished modem; 19"x51" is exact stowage envelope only; deployment based on XLUUV CDM system - **Q7 (Cost optimization):** No threshold cost targets; address unit cost minimization rationale - **Q8 (Deployment modes):** Orca XLUUV with CDM system is baseline; alternate platforms acceptable if using same deployment mechanism - **Q9 (Form factor flexibility):** Fixed stowed envelope required; post-deployment reconfiguration (stabilizers, anchors, buoyancy elements) acceptable

# Q&A Changes Summary Three questions (Q4, Q5, Q6) now have answers clarifying that the government has **not defined** specific requirements for: - Maximum seabed slope limits or topography assumptions - Descent rate or impact velocity thresholds - Power consumption ranges Respondents are directed to **propose their own solutions with supporting rationale** for these three technical areas. Questions Q7, Q8, and Q9 remain unanswered/pending.

**Summary of Q&A Changes:** One new question added (Q1) addressing acoustic communications band requirements: clarifies that 1kHz-5kHz is required for long-range, low data-rate comms, and asks if Government would accept COTS modems operating above 9kHz. All previous questions renumbered accordingly (Q1-Q8 became Q2-Q9).

Added 1 new Q&A (Q1) regarding objective or required wet weight of the node when stored in UUV. All other questions renumbered accordingly (previous Q1-Q7 became Q2-Q8). No answers provided; all questions remain pending response.

This Q&A addresses technical specifications and design trade-offs for a low-cost undersea node system, clarifying constraints on modem development, physical dimensions, deployment methods, seabed compatibility, power requirements, cost optimization priorities, and whether the cylindrical form factor is fixed or allows post-deployment reconfiguration.

Status changed from Pre-Release to Open

New opportunity: Low-Cost Bottoming Seabed Nodes for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Support