OCEAN FLOOR MAPPING WITH LONG-ENDURANCE UNMANNED SYSTEMS
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 Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for Ocean Floor Mapping with Long-Endurance Unmanned Systems. This initiative seeks to identify industry capabilities to provide services using contractor-owned, long-endurance Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to enhance the Navy's global ocean mapping capacity. An Industry Day will be held virtually on March 11, 2026. RFI responses and Industry Day registrations are due by March 4, 2026, 04:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Background
The U.S. Navy requires additional ocean floor mapping data globally to support Safety of Navigation and improve Fleet situational awareness. Current government-owned, manned platforms lack the capacity to meet this demand. This RFI aims to explore shifting these data collection tasks to contractor-owned, long-endurance USVs, thereby enhancing mission effectiveness. This is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.
Scope of Work
The anticipated services involve conducting long-endurance USV survey operations across four primary mission profiles: shallow water (to 200m), bathymetric (200m to ~4000m), deep water (4000m to full ocean depth), and seamount surveys (to ~4000m). The operating model is Contractor Owned, Contractor Operated, Government Augmented (COCOGA), where the contractor provides and maintains all equipment, manages mission planning, and daily operations. The contractor may also be responsible for data processing and timely delivery.
Performance Standards
Solutions should increase mission efficiency and reduce risk. Data collection must adhere to International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Special Publication 44, Edition 6.1.2 Order 1A standards for uncertainty, feature search, and coverage. A minimum monthly productivity of 2000 linear nautical miles is required, utilizing multibeam sonar systems. Data must be Near Real-Time (NRT) and accessible via a secure online platform, with 24/7 customer support. NAVOCEANO Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) must be able to monitor and interact remotely via NIPRNET. Contractor personnel must be US citizens with National Trust credentials.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Product Service Code: R702 (Data Collection Services)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Anticipated Period of Performance: 24-month ordering period
- Place of Performance: Remotely, in international waters beyond US boundaries. Specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) of approximately 100 nm² will be identified post-award.
- Published Date: February 23, 2026
RFI Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit responses by March 4, 2026, 04:00 PM EST. Submissions should reference N0018926USV and include:
- Company name, address, Point of Contact (POC), CAGE Code.
- Business size under NAICS code 541990.
- A capability statement (maximum 10 pages) demonstrating ability to meet requirements, including relevant past performance (within the last 5 years, with contract numbers, dollar value, and period of performance). Generic brochures are not accepted.
- Any questions or concerns regarding the requirement.
- Other supporting documentation. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.
Industry Day
A virtual, unclassified Pre-Solicitation Conference (Industry Day) will be held on March 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM EST. The purpose is to inform industry about program requirements, anticipated acquisition strategy, and competition timeline. Registration is required by March 4, 2026, 04:00 PM EST, with a limit of two attendees per company. Attendees must complete Attachment II - Attendee Visit Request.
Important Notes
This RFI is for market research only and does not commit the Government to award a contract. No monetary compensation will be provided for response preparation. The Government is not obligated to answer questions or notify respondents of results.
Contact Information
- Primary: Borui Tang (borui.z.tang.civ@us.navy.mil, 771-229-3612)
- Secondary: Joseph Caltagirone (joseph.p.caltagirone3.civ@us.navy.mil, 564-226-0669)