Deep Water AUV for Ocean Exploration Mission
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 Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Deep Water Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). This RFI seeks detailed information on commercially available or near-production AUVs to support NOAA's ocean exploration mission. The information gathered will be used for internal planning and market analysis to determine the availability and suitability of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or modified AUV systems. Responses can address Contractor-Owned/Contractor-Operated (COCO) services or vendors intending to sell systems for Government-Owned/Government-Operated (GO/GO) or Government-Owned/Contractor-Operated (GO/CO) models. Responses are due by April 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM MT.
Purpose & Scope
NOAA OER is seeking AUVs capable of operating at depths of 6,000 meters or greater, with an endurance of 48 hours or more, and a maximum speed of 4 knots or greater. Key capabilities include INS/DVL navigation with acoustic positioning, a payload volume of 1 cubic meter or more, and real-time data telemetry where possible. These AUVs should support the acquisition of core exploration variables such as bathymetry, habitat types, geology, biomass, and ocean physics/chemistry, with stretch goals for biological and geological sample collection.
Respondents are requested to provide detailed technical and operational information covering AUV system specifications, sensor payload capabilities, operations and logistics, maintenance, warranty, support, training, and data requirements. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for system acquisition, three-year support, and daily operating/mobilization costs (for COCO models) is also requested.
Contract Details
This is an RFI for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue one. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI. Not responding does not preclude participation in future solicitations.
Set-Aside
No set-aside designation is specified for this Request for Information.
Submission Requirements & Deadlines
Responses should be submitted as Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents, using 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins, and 8.5" x 11" paper, not exceeding twenty (20) pages. Supporting material (e.g., data sheets) can be attached separately and will not count towards the page limit.
Responses must be emailed to Contract Specialist Julia Hamilton (julia.l.hamilton@noaa.gov) and Contracting Officer Angela Royster (angela.royster@noaa.gov) with the subject line "RFI Response - Deep Water AUV for Ocean Exploration Mission" by Friday, April 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM MT. Questions regarding this RFI must be submitted by Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM MST.