Scientific IDIQ
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 Department of the Navy, Naval Observatory (USNO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a Scientific IDIQ contract. This RFI seeks to identify firms capable of providing engineers, physical scientists (astronomers, physicists), project specialists, and instrumentation experts for short-term technical support, research analysis, and operations and maintenance for USNO activities. Responses are due by March 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The anticipated contract will involve providing personnel for technical and analytical support across disciplines including physics, astronomy, astrophysics, aerospace, instrumentation, electrical engineering, and IT/computer sciences. Services will be defined in individual Task Orders and may include designing/performing research, collecting/analyzing scientific data, developing specialized instrumentation (e.g., optical telescopes, clocks), conducting literature searches, reviewing operational procedures, constructing mathematical models, assisting with web development, and designing/testing computer software and simulations.
Personnel Requirements
Contractors must provide qualified personnel for specific labor categories such as Very Long Baseline Array/Interferometer Astronomer, Black Hole/Stellar Optical Astronomer, Satellite Aerospace Engineer, Orbital Dynamics Astronomer, Program Specialist, various Engineers (Astronomy/Physics analysis tool developer, Electrical, Mechanical Optics, Applications, Astronomical Database, Time and Astronomy Dissemination Tool Developer/Engineer, Physical, Environmental, and Cyber Systems Engineer). These roles require a minimum Bachelor's degree, with qualification tiers ranging from Junior (no experience) to Principle (20+ years experience). All personnel will require a SECRET Security Clearance for specific task orders, access to PII, and must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens. Performance will primarily be at the USNO in Washington D.C., with potential for telework or other sites.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 6, 2026, 1:00 PM EST
- Published: February 26, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit responses via email to Michael Stoutenger (michael.j.stoutenger.civ@us.navy.mil) addressing:
- Capability Statement demonstrating ability to meet specifications.
- Previous similar experience.
- Suggestions for the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
- Company Information: Name, mailing address, phone number, CAGE/DUNS, business size status, and designated point of contact email.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ) or a promise to issue one. The Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future RFQ.