Background Kymenlaakso Rescue Department (KRD) is preparing the possible acquisition of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) for operational oil spill response in coastal and archipelago environments. The preparation is carried out within the DIGIMARIS project funded by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme. The purpose of this market dialogue is to improve the Contracting Authority's understanding of available technologies, integration approaches, operational limitations, delivery models, costs and life-cycle implications before launching a possible procurement procedure. KRD has not yet finalised the technical or commercial requirements for the potential future USV procurement. Suppliers and other market operators are therefore invited to provide information and comments on feasible operational performance, sensor integration, communication solutions, navigation and autonomy, maintenance concepts, information and cyber security, training, life-cycle services and other relevant aspects. KRD is particularly interested in understanding what can realistically be achieved with commercially available USV technology in coastal oil spill response operations and in Baltic Sea coastal and archipelago conditions. This notice constitutes a technical market dialogue and is not a call for tenders or a contract notice. The response is not a tender and does not bind the Contracting Authority or the respondent in any subsequent procurement procedure. The Contracting Authority is not obliged to proceed with the procurement. Information obtained through the market dialogue may be used in the preparation of a possible future procurement procedure. Operational Need The potential future USV is intended primarily for operational oil spill response. All other capabilities shall be considered supportive or optional unless otherwise specified. The potential future USV is expected to support the following tasks: • detection and monitoring of oil spills • provision of real-time situational awareness for incident command • operation in coastal and archipelago waters • remote operation from a vessel, shore or command centre • autonomous navigation along a predefined route • safe navigation and mission continuity during GNSS interference, spoofing or complete loss of the GNSS signal • hazardous gas assessment before rescue personnel approach the incident area • optional support for environmental monitoring and water rescue operations • optional deployment of containment booms or integration of other oil spill response equipment The Contracting Authority is seeking information on complete solutions as well as relevant platforms, payloads, sensors, software, integrations and life-cycle services. Respondents may propose a complete solution or identify the parts of the solution that they are able to provide. Market Dialogue Response Respondents shall complete the attached DIGIMARIS USV Technical Market Dialogue Response Workbook. The completed workbook and any supporting attachments shall be submitted in English through the Supplier Portal by the stated deadline. The respondent shall be responsible for all costs related to the preparation and submission of its response. The Contracting Authority may request clarifications concerning the information submitted. Any requests for clarification or further dialogue will be conducted in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. Demonstrations and Trials KRD may invite respondents to present their solutions and, where feasible, to participate in operational demonstrations or trials in Finland. Demonstrations may include remote operation, autonomous navigation, oil detection, gas monitoring, situational awareness and operation in communications or GNSS-degraded conditions. Participation in demonstrations or trials will not provide an advantage in any possible future procurement procedure. No compensation will be paid for participation unless otherwise agreed separately in writing. Participation in the market dialogue, a presentation, demonstration or trial does not constitute a prerequisite for participation in any possible future procurement procedure.
