Request for Information (RFI) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Marine Operations Center - Pacific (MOC-P)
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) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential waterfront properties and/or existing facilities along the U.S. Pacific Coast for the future Marine Operations Center–Pacific (MOC-P). This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. NOAA is seeking input from state, county, port, and municipal governments. Responses are due by June 15, 2026.
Purpose & Background
NOAA's current MOC-P lease in Newport, Oregon, expires in 2031. This RFI is part of NOAA's forward planning to assess the availability of suitable waterfront property to support its fleet operations and shore-side needs. The agency is particularly interested in properties that could be provided at no cost to the Federal Government.
Geographic Scope
NOAA is seeking locations within the following boundaries:
- Northern California: From the San Francisco Bay area northward
- Oregon
- Washington State
Sites must have direct access to navigable waters capable of supporting NOAA's research and survey vessels. Locations outside this range will not be considered.
Key Site Requirements
Respondents should consider the detailed requirements outlined in the "4-Ship NOAA Pier and Facility Requirements.pdf" document, which include:
- Berthing Facility: Exclusive NOAA use, 24/7/365 availability, with specific channel, turning basin, and berth depths.
- Pier Structure: Must support heavy weather, have a pier loading capacity of ≥500 lb./sf, and be 10'-15' above MLLW for storm surge protection.
- Shore Facility: Exclusive federal use for NOAA assigned areas, including personnel space (~20,050 SF), technical space (8,400 SF), warehouse/storage (10,000 SF), and parking (124 spots minimum).
- Water Access: For training, including Confined Open Water (COWT) on-site or within 30 minutes, and Open Water (OWT) within 1 hour.
- Airport Access: Within a 1-hour drive, providing regularly scheduled passenger service.
- Security: Compliance with DOC and DOJ regulations, including Security Level III, controlled access, lighting, CCTV, and perimeter fencing.
- Infrastructure: Utilities, heavy weather capabilities, fenders, mooring, fuel terminal (<20 NM, 100,000 gallons), firefighting, waste services, and high-speed internet.
- Environmental: Preference for previously developed or industrial/marine sites with limited encumbrances.
Requested Information
Interested public entities should submit:
- Point of Contact (Christian Townsend, christian.townsend@noaa.gov)
- Property Description (location, ownership, acreage, waterfront footage, water depth, marine infrastructure, pictures/plans)
- Existing Facilities (description, square footage, current use)
- Infrastructure and Utilities (available services)
- Land Use and Zoning (current zoning, restrictions)
- Transportation Access (airport, highways)
- Availability and Cost (indicate if property could be provided at no cost, special-use lease, or intergovernmental arrangement).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (RFI for planning purposes)
- Response Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Published Date: May 15, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is exploratory and aims to foster early collaboration with coastal jurisdictions. It does not guarantee a solicitation or contract award.