COOPERATIVE RESEARCH BRANCH (CRB) STUDY FLEET PROGRAM –ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for administrative support services for its Cooperative Research Branch (CRB) Study Fleet Program. This RFI seeks industry input to evaluate potential approaches for consolidating operational and administrative functions currently managed through 30-40 individual contracts. Responses are due by February 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Purpose & Scope
The Study Fleet Program compensates commercial fishing vessels for collecting detailed fisheries data crucial for the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. NOAA is exploring consolidating payment processing, participant onboarding, and related administrative functions under a single support arrangement to improve efficiency and program continuity. The place of performance involves commercial fishing vessels from Maine through North Carolina, with administrative support performed remotely.
Support functions may include:
- Supporting onboarding of new vessel participants
- Administration and processing of payments to multiple commercial fishing industry participants
- Coordination with participating vessels and NOAA program staff
- Collection, validation, and transmittal of required program information or reports
- Recordkeeping, documentation, and compliance tracking
NOAA will retain responsibility for: Scientific direction, technical support, data analysis, regulatory decision-making, and overall program oversight.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) – for market research purposes only; not a solicitation.
- Anticipated Period of Performance: September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with up to four (4) option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- Response Due: February 16, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET.
- Published: January 30, 2026.
Information Requested
Vendors are requested to provide information regarding their capability, experience, and estimated cost for providing administrative support for a program of similar size and complexity. Responses must include:
- Firm name, address, and business size
- Point of contact (email, phone)
- Description of experience supporting fisheries, research, or multi-participant programs
- Capabilities for administrative, coordination, and reporting support
- Estimated cost or pricing approach
- Identification of required positions/functional roles
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not guarantee a future procurement action. No entitlement to payment for submitted information will arise. A historic Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Study Fleet Program is attached for informational purposes only, detailing the data collection activities that the administrative support would facilitate. Responses are limited to 10 single-sided, single-spaced pages (excluding cover page) in Word or PDF format. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.
Submit responses to: Amanda Rossiter (amanda.rossiter@noaa.gov).