NOAA: 3m VE Foam Buoy Hulls

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This specification details the requirements for the fabrication of ionomer foam buoy hulls, which will serve as equipment platforms for collecting meteorological and oceanographic data for the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Weather Buoy Program.

• Fabrication of ionomer foam buoy hulls.

• Provision of all necessary labor, material, equipment, facilities, and services.

• Delivery of the fabricated hulls to NDBC.

• The buoys shall be manufactured from ionomer foam (resin 9720, 9721, 7020, or 7030) and include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hardware.

• Foam fabrication involves extruding colored sheets (4.4-4.6 pcf density, 1/8"-3/8" thick), spirally wrapping, and heat sealing.

• A protective outer skin (30 pcf density, 1/4"-5/16" thick) is required.

• The color shall be FED-STD-595, yellow 13655, and maintain colorfastness for at least 8 years.

• Density: 4.0 +/- 0.5 pcf.

• Tensile Strength: Vertical - 150.0 psi min, Horizontal - 75.0 psi min, Radial - 90.0 psi min.

• Tear Strength: Vertical - 35.0 psi min, Horizontal - 20.0 psi min, Radial - 45.0 psi min.

• Compression Set: 25.0% max.

• Compression Load Deflection: Radial to 75% - 7.5 psi min.

• Hardness (outer skin): 60 +/- 5 (ASTM D2240).

• Abrasion Resistance (outer skin): 100 min (ASTM D1630).

• Water Absorption: 15.0% max.

• Ultraviolet Stabilization: Minimum 8 years of protection.

• Impact Resistance: Must withstand specified test without permanent damage.

• Colorfastness: Must remain within specified chromaticity regions after testing.

• Not explicitly stated in this document, but implies fabrication and delivery.

• Fabrication must adhere to referenced drawings.

• Repelletized virgin ionomer foam not exceeding 25% may be used if it passes performance requirements.

• First Article testing is required at the contractor's expense.

• A quality assurance program conforming to ASQ Q9002 is required.

• Material certifications are required.

• Deliverables are to be shipped to the National Data Buoy Center, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks quotes for the procurement of 3m VE FOAM BUOY HULLS. The government intends to award a firm-fixed price contract to the responsible offeror providing the best value, based on the lowest evaluated price meeting or exceeding non-cost factor acceptability standards. This requirement is 100% set aside for small business concerns.

• Procurement of 3m VE FOAM BUOY HULLS.

• Offerors must meet specifications detailed in attached drawings and specifications.

• A first article test is required for one unit of the buoy hull.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but includes provisions for options and potential adjustments.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to nikki.smith@noaa.gov.

• Questions must be submitted in writing within five (5) days of the solicitation issuance.

• Evaluation will be based on specifications and past performance, with the lowest evaluated price meeting acceptability standards for non-cost factors determining the award.

• Offerors must provide at least two (and no more than three) past performance references.

• Key deadlines: Quotes due by 04/11/2026 at 12:00 PM EST. Questions due within 5 days of issuance.

• This requirement is 100% set aside for small business concerns.

• Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of quote submission, during performance, and through final payment.

• NAICS Code: 326199 (All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing).

• Offerors must return specific information including completed forms, UEI, contractor representations, conflict of interest statements, past performance references, lead time, and manufacturing location.

• Failure to respond to all requested items may result in non-compliance.

• The government reserves the right to waive the first article requirement if the awarded contractor has successfully completed a similar project previously.