A--2025-26 FREEZE-UP AND BREAK-UP OF ARCTIC SEA ICE IN THE US BEAUFORT AND CHUKCHI
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), under the Department of the Interior, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source a contract for 2025-26 freeze-up and break-up studies of Arctic sea ice in the US Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. BSEE intends to award this contract to Coastal Frontiers Corporation (CFC) due to their unique qualifications and expertise. Other firms believing they can meet the requirements must submit a capability statement or quotation by February 12, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
This opportunity covers critical studies on the freeze-up and break-up patterns of Arctic sea ice. The work involves utilizing historical and present-day RADARSAT imagery, including data from third-party providers, historical data donated by Shell Oil-Alaska to the University of Alaska, Ken Vaudrey's studies (1980-1992), and current agreements with the Canadian Ice Service for RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) satellite images. The primary goal is to monitor and analyze sea ice conditions in the US Beaufort and Chukchi Seas.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent to Sole Source (Special Notice)
- Intended Awardee: Coastal Frontiers Corporation (CFC)
- Period of Performance: 16 months from award, with a potential 12-month option.
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
- Capability Statement Due: February 12, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Published: January 28, 2026
Justification & Response
BSEE's intent to sole source to CFC is based on FAR 6.302-1, citing CFC as the only entity with the necessary unique qualifications and expertise. CFC has been the primary investigator for annual freeze-up efforts since 2009, leveraging extensive historical and current data sources. While this is not an RFP, other firms capable of meeting the requirement are invited to submit a capability statement or quotation via email to the Contracting Officer. The government retains sole discretion to determine if the requirement will be competed.
Contact Information
For submissions or inquiries, contact David Villani at david.villani@bsee.gov or 703-787-1756.