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The contractor shall provide a vibracore system for collecting sediment core samples from waterbodies throughout the Upper Mississippi River watershed. Primary sampling sites will be within side channels and backwaters of the Mississippi River. General conditions are characterized by low flows in water depths less than twenty feet. The system should be able to penetrate unconsolidated silts, sands, and gravel up to twelve feet below the substrate. Minimal penetration through four to six inches of consolidated clay-pan is also required.

The system will be deployed from a twenty-four-foot pontoon boat with a 24” x 36” moon-hole in the center. The entire vibracore system must be operable through the moon-hole (including stabilization/float system).

2.1 Vibracore Power Head

• Variable speed option to control impact force and frequency


• Four-inch core adapter (outside diameter) tube


• Minimum 100-foot submersible power cable


• Operators Manual

2.2 Stabilizer

• A stabilizer system for coring in deeper waters or currents. The stabilizer system must fit through a 24” x 36” opening.

2.3 Core Tubes and Accessories

• Twelve 12’ x 4” outside diameter clear polycarbonate core tubes.


• Four 12’ x 4” outside diameter walled aluminum core tubes.


• Sixteen 4” core catchers


• Thirty-two 4” end caps