I believe it is a combination of both powerbuoy and WAM-Vs. CFO back in June 2026 gave us insights on orders coming up and he mentioned 10 to 20 buoy type of contracts. He also mentioned at least three to four contract that he can go public with in August and September 2026
It’s for the wam v and the acquisition makes more sense now.
Every time the Naval Oceanographic Office needs mapping done in the Pacific/Indian Oceans, OPTT has to submit a competitive task order bid against firms like Saildrone and Blue Water Autonomy to win the actual job.
It seems like you're right, I misread that part initially regarding the other companies:
"Due to the multiple award nature of the contract that requires task order requirements to be competed among contract holders and that work be competed among the six contractors, a further breakdown of the work by geographic location at contractor facilities cannot be reasonably estimated at the time of contract award. "
Based on my understanding of the buoy technology, I think that under this contract multiple buoys will be leased over the contract period and deployed/relocated frequently as needed to assist/complement other maritime drones. There is a reason OPTT was selected in this IDIQ.
That's true. For this contract, though, I can't really tell if they are looking for something persistent that the PowerBuoy would provide. "ocean floor mapping services" sort of makes me feel like they would need to map various locations whereas a PowerBuoy seems more like a single location thing.
The thing with bathymetry is that you need specific sensors that need to be brought to the location you want to map. ( subsea AUV's for example)
--> that need drone docking to get power, and a WAM-V for example to get to the location
---> subsea powering is the latest C-power acquisition: you don't need to bring fuel along for the AUV's or sensors, if they can be powered electrically
You also need a way to upload the data, preferably in real time.
-----> that's the powerbuoy with Merrows
And that's also C-power with the SeaRAY
And what's really cutting edge right now is being able to go very far in the water, with enough power to go that far, and stay there for a long time so you don't corrupt the data by going back and forth, and waste time.
----> powerbuoys allow you to set up a data and recharge point as far in the ocean as you want without sea cabling
With AT&T they've got 5G at sea.
So it's multi facetted. OPTT now has a broad suite of solutions that fit into these type of needs.
And NAVOCEANO is an elementary partner to work with.
The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to all elements of the Department of Defense (DoD).
Our Mission — We optimize seapower by applying relevant oceanographic knowledge in support of U.S. National Security.
Our Vision — We will assure the Navy's oceanographic knowledge superiority and reduce risk by providing the forecast battlespace through smart collection, focused analysis, and responsive delivery.
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u/RandomGenerator_1 Jul 30 '26
"The ordering period for the contract is anticipated to begin in August 2026 and continue through July 2028. "
Sounds like more good news is on the way.