Request for Information: Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program

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

To maintain and enhance the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program's capability to collect high-quality marine weather observations. These observations are crucial for advancing national maritime safety and resilience by providing accurate, high-resolution data from challenging regions, supporting critical forecast and warning operations, and filling gaps in global ocean observation.

• Maintain a weather observing capability to generate a minimum of 2.5 million yearly marine surface observations, with a 10% annual increase.

• Support three types of collection processes: Automated (every 15 minutes), Hybrid (hourly), and Manual (4 times daily).

• Increase the volume of wind and wave observations, which are currently a significant gap.

• Provide Port Meteorological Officers (PMOs) to conduct software/hardware installations, train ship crews, provide handbooks and tools, and act as field liaisons.

• Manage ship and equipment metadata for quality and long-term scientific analysis.

• Organize and execute plans to increase wind and wave observations.

• Report monthly on consistent, high-quality observation counts to ensure yearly targets are met.

• Track instrumentation quality, with specific accuracy targets for atmospheric pressure, gross errors, and standard deviation compared to model output.

• Implement a planned maintenance schedule for equipment.

• Performance regarding observation collection and ship services will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

• Period of performance is not specified in this document, but will be outlined in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Place of performance includes various ports and terminals across the U.S. and its territories, as well as global maritime regions.

• Possess knowledge of WMO and NOAA/NWS operational products, observational procedures, policy directives, marine communications, meteorology, oceanography, international ship protocol, and security regulations.

• Ability to repair, adjust, and recommend calibration/replacement of meteorological instruments.

• Understanding of maritime industry and vessel operations.

• Personnel must have knowledge of ship safety and receive relevant training.

• Compliance with Homeland Security, USCG, and Port Authority security regulations.

• Contractor personnel may be required to use Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) such as laptops and CAC cards, and undergo IT security training.

• Personnel must be capable of performing strenuous duties, including walking, climbing stairs on ships, and working in busy marine terminals and loading docks under various environmental conditions.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) to conduct market research on vendor capabilities for supporting the NDBC Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program. The goal is to gather information to inform the development of an acquisition strategy for a future solicitation. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commit the Government to a contract. No payment will be made for information submitted.

The NDBC VOS Program collects high-quality ship observations to enhance maritime safety and resilience. These observations are crucial for accurate weather forecasting, warnings, and global ocean observation systems. The program aims to continue and improve upon the current marine observation structure.

Vendors are requested to provide:

• Company information (name, address, UEI, website, etc.)

• Point of contact details

• Socioeconomic status

• Capabilities related to the services, including feedback on the draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) attached.

• Recommendations for supplementing, improving, or innovating the marine surface observations program, including specific strengths and ability to meet goals of 2.5 million observations yearly.

• Recommendations for growing observation numbers by 10%.

• Ability to satisfy observations from all marine regions or specify limitations.

• Published pricing for services (if available).

• Information on common commercial practices.

• Any other relevant information beneficial for market research.

• Responses must be submitted electronically in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

• RFI responses are limited to 10 pages.

• Submission Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.

• Questions Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET (via email only).

• NAICS Code: 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

• A draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) is attached for informational purposes.

• An Industry Day may be held after the RFI closes; announcements will be posted on SAM.gov.

• Proprietary information should be minimized and clearly marked.