Brand Name Lubell LL 1424 HP, Underwater Acoustic Transducers for the Brandon Road Interbasin Project

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Justification and Approval for Restricting Competition (Part 12) for a brand-name-only acquisition. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District, seeks to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) commercial contract for Lubell Labs, Inc. LL 1424 HP Underwater Acoustic Transducers. The estimated value of the contract is $3.8 million, funded by FY2023 Construction General funds. The purpose is to support the Brandon Road Interbasin Project (BRIP).

• Quantity: 280 units of Lubell Labs, Inc. LL 1424 HP Underwater Acoustic Transducers with protective steel housing cages.

• Environmental Survivability: Transducers must operate continuously in harsh conditions of a USACE navigation lock approach channel, withstanding intense water turbulence, impacts from river debris, projectiles from tow boat propellers, and corrosion/damage from environmental extremes.

• Acoustic Performance: Transducers must be omnidirectional, capable of producing over 180 dB across a frequency range of 200 Hz to 8000 Hz to deter invasive species, and operate effectively while overcoming ambient river noise.

• Operational Reliability: Units must be capable of continuous 24/7 operation and have a minimum coating of MIL-C-5541E standards for corrosion resistance.

• Mission-Support Features: Must include electric wet-mate connectors for underwater replacement without removing the entire array, and operate without pressure compensation at depths between 9 and 40 feet.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

• Funding: FY2023 Construction General funds

This document is a justification for restricting competition to a brand-name-only product, indicating that a full solicitation with open competition is not being issued at this time.

This acquisition is restricted to a specific brand-name product (Lubell Labs, Inc.) due to demonstrated unique capabilities and proven performance in the specified environment. No "equal" product is allowed.

• The USACE Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC-EL) conducted extensive research and testing, confirming that only the Lubell Labs, Inc. LL 1424 HP transducer meets the government's minimum needs for performance and survivability.
• Failure of a single unit is a major operation with significant costs and potential river closure, necessitating extreme reliability.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (W912EK26QA016) is for the procurement of "Brand Name (Only) Lubell LL 1424HP Underwater Acoustic Transducers mounted within Stainless Steel Cages" for the Brandon Road Inter Basin Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District requires these transducers for underwater acoustic fish deterrent systems designed for navigation lock approach channels.

• Lubell LL 1424HP Underwater Acoustic Transducers: Quantity of 230. Amplifiers are not supplied by the contractor. Specifications include piezoelectric underwater acoustic transducer, frequency range 200 Hz to >8000 Hz, loudness >170 dB (200-8000 Hz), ability to be placed 9-40 feet, wet contact military-grade connectors, and anodized aluminum housing.

• Bridging Transformers: Quantity of 230, Part no. AC1424HP.

• Separate Wet-Mateable-Ends: Quantity of 230, to be hard-wired by the construction contractor.

• Testing:

  • Dry Test: Contractor tests transducers in dry at their facility and at Romeoville, IL. Requires frequency vs. impedance graphs showing within 5% tolerance.
  • Wet Test: Contractor tests transducers in wet at their facility prior to shipment. Requires pre-set amplifier with software for output limits and adjustable tolerance. Results must show within 5% tolerance.

• Government Furnished Equipment for Testing: Bosch Dynacord IPX10:4 amplifier, water tank, ladder, gantry crane, hoist.

• Impedance Test Equipment: DATs by Dayton (Quantity 2) - DAYTON AUDIO V3 TEST SYSTEM.

• Delivery: Equipment to be shipped to USACE facilities at 790 East Old Romeo Road, Lockport, IL 60441.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: All equipment to be fulfilled within 24 months of contract award. Partial deliveries accepted (max 3 shipments, one every 6 months).

• Option A: Includes additional quantities of transducers and testing, plus spares.

• Offer Due Date: 15 May 2026, 10:00 AM CST.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be emailed to Sam Johanson (samantha.k.johanson@usace.army.mil) and Jeff Voss (jeffrey.r.voss@usace.army.mil).

• Required Documentation (Non-responsive if not provided):

  • Volume 1: Cover sheet (company name, address, EUI, CAGE, POC, phone, email).
  • Volume 2: SF 1449 signed with unit and total prices for all CLINS.
  • Volume 3: Copy of Representation and Certification from SAM.gov.
  • Volume 4: For resellers, a detailed plan to meet SOW requirements, emphasizing testing.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the quoter providing the product according to the SOW within a reasonable price, deemed in the best interest of the Government. Evaluation will be based on PRICE.

• Set-Aside: 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 334310 (Size Standard: 750).

• Questions and answers will be managed via ProjNet. The Bidder Inquiry Key is 3J2X4G-ZWGBUP. Questions are due no later than 07 May 2026, 2:00 PM CST.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a diagram illustrating the setup for a hydroacoustic speaker wet test. It is intended to visually represent the physical arrangement of equipment and components required for conducting such tests.

• Water Tank: Depicted with dimensions of approximately 7' width and 7' depth.
• Speaker: Submerged within the water tank, suspended by nylon rope attached to a 2x4.
• Testing Equipment: Includes a laptop, amplifier, and bridging transformer placed on a table.
• Power Connection: A line indicates power being supplied from the equipment to the speaker.
• Ladder: Shown adjacent to the water tank, likely for access.

This diagram is crucial for bidders to understand the physical testing environment and setup required for hydroacoustic speakers. It may inform requirements related to equipment, space, or testing procedures if this setup is part of a Statement of Work or solicitation.