Request for Information: Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program
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), specifically the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for its Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program. This RFI seeks vendor capabilities to support the collection of high-quality marine weather observations, informing a future acquisition strategy. Responses are due February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
NOAA/NDBC aims to maintain and enhance the VOS Program, which is critical for maritime safety, accurate weather forecasting, and global ocean observation. The program requires the collection of a minimum of 2.5 million yearly marine surface observations, with a goal to increase this by 10% annually. Key areas of focus include:
- Supporting Automated, Hybrid, and Manual observation collection processes.
- Increasing the volume of wind and wave observations, which are currently a significant data gap.
- Providing Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs) for equipment installation, crew training, and field liaison.
- Managing ship and equipment metadata for quality and scientific analysis.
Information Requested
Vendors are asked to provide:
- Company information, point of contact, and socioeconomic status.
- Capabilities related to the services outlined in the draft Statement of Objectives (SOO).
- Recommendations for supplementing, improving, or innovating the marine surface observations program, including strategies to meet the 2.5 million annual observation goal and achieve a 10% growth.
- Ability to satisfy observations from all marine regions.
- Published pricing for services and information on common commercial practices.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- NAICS Code: 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Set-Aside: None specified (Open Market Research)
- Response Due: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET
- Questions Due: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET (via email)
- Published: January 23, 2026
- Place of Performance: Stennis Space Center, MS, and global maritime regions.
Special Requirements
Personnel supporting this program must possess knowledge of WMO and NOAA/NWS operational products, marine communications, meteorology, oceanography, and international ship protocol. They should be capable of repairing and adjusting meteorological instruments, understand maritime industry operations, and comply with security regulations (Homeland Security, USCG). Strenuous duties, including working in busy marine terminals, may be required.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. A draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) is attached for reference. An Industry Day may be held following the RFI closure, with announcements posted on SAM.gov. Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.