Marine Vessel Support Services for Search and Rescue (SAR) Field Exercises
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 U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC) is conducting market research through this Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential contractors capable of providing marine vessel support services for a series of Search and Rescue (SAR) field experiments. These experiments are planned between September 2026 and October 2027 across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions of the United States. Responses are due by June 19, 2026.
Scope of Work
The USCG RDC seeks support vessels to aid in evaluating Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) sensor systems on USCG assets. Contractors are required to provide:
- Two Sport Fishing Boats: 25'-35' in length, with a licensed captain, capable of operating 25 nautical miles offshore for 8-12 hours at 15-20 knots. Must include standard safety gear, VHF radio, charting system, and radar. Optional AIS transponder. These vessels will serve as search targets and provide logistics.
- One Work Boat: 30'-60' in length, with a licensed captain and deckhand. Must have at least 100 sq. ft. of open deck space for deploying and recovering up to six person-in-water manikins and six-person life rafts. Capable of operating 25 nautical miles offshore for 8-12 hours at 15-20 knots. Equipped with standard safety gear, VHF radio, charting system, and radar. Optional AIS transponder. This vessel will be used for logistics and primary search object handling.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Purpose: To identify potential sources and inform future acquisition decisions. This RFI is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded based on responses.
- Experiment Period: September 2026 - October 2027
- Regions: Northeast (RI/CT), Southeast (FL), Mid-Atlantic (NC)
- Response Due: June 19, 2026, at 3:59 AM UTC
- Published: June 4, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Submission & Evaluation
Responses should address specific technical information, including regional capability, vessel transit, operator sourcing, local knowledge, compliance with specifications, search object handling, and communication/safety equipment. Vendors must also provide company information, a description of services, and a list of current US Government contracts. Submissions are limited to 10 pages, excluding attachments.
Additional Notes
- NAICS Codes: 541690, 487210, 488390, 532411.
- PSC Codes: V124, W020, V224, R425.
- Contact: Kiemisha Sweetney at smb-comdt-coco31acquisitions@uscg.mil. Responses should also be sent to smb-rdc-dss+1046@uscg.mil with the subject line: "RFI Response – 70Z02326RFI0003 – SAR Field Exercises-Sweetney."