Norway – Echo sounders – Multi beam echo sounder update

Kartverket ́s measuring boats are originally built with Kongsberg EM2040 systems 'flush mounted' in the hull. Both the hull design, integration and production track are adapted to this system. Kartverket has good experience with the current installation and work methodology. The systems provide the data quality and coverage required for the Norwegian Mapping Authority ́s operative assignment. The system is simultaneously adapted to the metering boats ́ usage patterns, including the need for high logging and transit speed and high operational security under demanding conditions. It has been assessed whether alternative tenderers and assembly systems can be relevant when holding a tender contest. Kartverket has examined the available alternative suppliers and assembly systems in the assessment. The review has included a review of available products in the market, where, among other things, the technical product specifications have been assessed. Based on this survey, an alternative system has not been identified that can be installed in the existing vessel without extensive technical adaptations. Technical assessments suggest that this will involve extensive changes in the hull and installation, as well as the need for new surveying and new CFD analysis. This is expected to lead to considerable costs, technical and operational risk and downtime. In addition there is a risk that the vessels ́ existing speed characteristics and operative qualities will be affected. If different echo sounder systems are established on the measuring boats, the Norwegian Mapping Authority must administer and operationalise two different systems. This will increase the technical and operative complexity and be able to lead to increased costs and resource need over time. For Kartverket it is important to maintain a joint echo sounder system on the measuring boats in order to ensure interoperability between the vessels. This gives, among other things, the possibility to move equipment between the vessels as needed, as well as to use the same competence, work methodology and system management across the measuring boats. The standardisation of the echo sounder system is therefore assessed as a clear operational advantage and it contributes to greater flexibility, simple management and reduced operational risk. Alternative mounting modes, including pole assembly, are also considered. Such systems are not considered suitable for taking care of The Norwegian Mapping Authority's total operative needs in the same way as a hull mounted system. The measuring boats operate year-round in demanding conditions and require high operational security, high logging and transit speed and robust systems at low risk for mechanical challenges and interruptions to operations. An alternative assembly system will therefore involve a different operative system than the current Norwegian Mapping Authority. Kartverket therefore believes that there are technical reasons why the echo sounder can be procured directly from Kongsberg Discovery pursuant to the Public Procurement Regulations §§ 13-4 b) (2). The assessment is based on the fact that, due to technical reasons, there is not a real alternative that can cover The Norwegian Mapping Authority's need without extensive adaptations of the vessels, and that there is not a reasonable alternative or replacement system that can be procured through competition without this resulting in significant technical and operative consequences. In this case, other echo sounders are not compatible with the existing mounting system in the measuring boats. This must be seen in connection with KOFA practice, where the technical and economic consequences of alternative solutions are included in the assessment of whether there is a real and reasonable alternative, cf. Alternative suppliers must offer systems that involve comprehensive technical adaptations, including alterations to the hull, installation and new surveying of the vessels, and will not be able to continue the vessels ́ existing operative qualities without significant adaptations. According to Kartverket ́s assessment, a competition will not be suitable for providing a real competitive alternative. In total Kongsberg Discovery EM2042 is considered as the only system that can continue the existing hull mounted system without extensive alterations and new surveying of the vessels. Kartverket primarily assesses that the terms in the Public Procurement Regulations § 13-4 letter b no. 2 have been met. After a technical assessment, no other supplier or solution has been identified that can cover The Norwegian Mapping Authority's needs without extensive technical adaptations of the vessels. A supplier change will involve significant technical and operative consequences, including alterations to the hull and installation, new surveying, increased downtime and risk of influencing the vessels ́ existing operative qualities. Kartverket considers, on this basis, that there is not a real and reasonable alternative that can be procured through a competition and that the condition that competition is impossible for technical reasons has been met. Kartverket therefore assesses that the procurement can be made without a competition pursuant to PPR § 13-4 letter b no. 2, and subsidiary letter c.