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), under the Department of the Navy, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for Ocean Floor Mapping with Long-Endurance Unmanned Systems. This initiative aims to shift ocean floor mapping tasks from government-owned, manned platforms to contractor-owned long-endurance Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to enhance mission effectiveness and capacity. Responses to the RFI are due March 3, 2026, 04:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
NAVOCEANO requires an autonomous maritime solution for collecting high-resolution ocean floor mapping data. The scope includes conducting USV survey operations in various water depths (shallow to full ocean depth) under a Contractor Owned, Contractor Operated, Government Augmented (COCOGA) model. Desired solutions involve USVs for efficiency and risk reduction, supporting data collection, management, and transmission with encryption. Data must meet International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards, with a minimum monthly productivity of 2000 linear nautical miles using multibeam sonar systems, and enable remote monitoring by NAVOCEANO SMEs. The contract is anticipated to have a 24-month ordering period, with performance remotely in international waters.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Product/Service Code: R702 (Data Collection Services)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- RFI Response Due: March 3, 2026, 04:00 PM EST
- Industry Day: A virtual, unclassified Pre-Solicitation Conference will be held on March 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM EST. Registration is required by March 3, 2026, 04:00 PM EST, limited to two attendees per company.
- Published: February 17, 2026
RFI Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit responses by the deadline, referencing N0018926USV. Submissions should include company name, address, point of contact, CAGE Code, business size under NAICS, and a capability statement (maximum 10 pages) demonstrating ability to meet minimum requirements, including past performance within the last 5 years. Questions or concerns and other supporting documentation are also requested.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The Government will not pay for information submitted.