RFI_SSN_UMS.pdf

**THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE**

**THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR MARKET RESEARCH ONLY –

NO AWARD WILL BE MADE FROM THIS NOTICE. **

Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice 26-1373

1. Introduction

This is being released for informational purposes to assist the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), Uncrewed Systems Operations Center (UxSOC) and is subject to change.

This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), RFIs may be used when the Government wants to obtain price, delivery, other market information, and capabilities for planning purposes. Responses to this announcement are not considered quotes or offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not be held responsible for any costs incurred in response to this RFI.

The DOC/NOAA/OMAO/UxSOC is looking to gather feedback from the industry on:

● standard pricing for the procurement of the deployment and data collection from Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS) vehicles. Vendors are asked to provide a response of how they currently or would propose pricing for UMS vehicles for observing and collecting data to support missions such as Living Marine Sources Surveys and Research, measuring oceanographic parameters, mapping, monitoring, management and research missions.

● Include details of how or if transit time will be charged, services such as demobilization or mobilization costs.

● Industry vehicles currently being used

● Current sensors being used and how vendors integrate them into various vehicles/platforms (vessel capabilities). If any sensors on the market are proprietary in nature to your company, please list.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to issue a Request for Proposal that is better aligned with industry standards for UMS support services.

2. Purpose and General Information This RFI is issued as part of the Government’s overall market research activity in accordance with FAR Part 10. This RFI is intended as a market research tool and is issued in accordance with FAR 10.001. No contract or award will be made as a result of this RFI.

The intent is to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to fulfill the requirements detailed below.

The Government may request follow-up information from respondents based on their submissions. Information received from follow-up questions and presentations is considered part of the overall market research activity per FAR Part 15.201(c)(7). Responses to this notice do not guarantee participation in future solicitations and will not be considered offers. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort.

3. Disclaimer This notice is not a solicitation and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Any information provided is at the respondent’s discretion and will be used solely for market research purposes. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information provided or for any administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.

4. Proprietary Information If submitting proprietary information, please clearly mark it as "Proprietary" and segregate it from non-proprietary content. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with applicable regulations.

5. Industry Discussions The Government may request additional information and/or hold industry discussions based on the responses received. Respondents may be contacted directly if more information is required.

6. Specific Small Business Considerations The Government encourages responses from small businesses and will use this information in making set-aside determinations. If your company does not currently possess the full capability to fulfill the requirement, please indicate any teaming arrangements, joint ventures, or subcontracting partnerships you would establish. Evidence of these arrangements, such as letters of intent or agreements, is encouraged but not required.

7.Response Submission Instructions

If, after reviewing this document, you desire to participate in this market research request for information, you should reply via email with the corresponding responses to the questions and any capabilities statement.

RFI Response Organization

Section Page Limit

Cover/Transmittal Letter 1 page

Response to RFI Questions 10 pages

7.1 Cover/Transmittal Letter

Interested parties should provide the following information in its Cover/Transmittal Letter:

a. Company name, division, mailing address, email address, and website (if applicable).

b. Point of contact, title, phone number, and email address.

c. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and confirmation of System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

d. Indicate what North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes your firm qualifies as a small business under.

e. State your firm’s socio-economic status, if qualified as one or more of the following:

○ 8(a) firm (must be certified by the Small Business Administration [SBA])

○ Small Disadvantaged Business

○ Woman-Owned Small Business (must be certified by SBA)

○ HUBZone firm (must be certified by SBA)

○ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (must be certified by SBA)

f. Please provide any relevant GSA Schedule contracts, government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs), Best in Class (BIC) contracts (e.g., 8(a) STARS II, Alliant 2, VETS, NITAAC), or other applicable IDIQs your firm holds across the Government, including the corresponding schedule or contract numbers.

7.2. Response to RFI Question

Responses should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format via email by JANUARY 30, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Responses should not exceed 10 single-sided pages, inclusive of text, tables, and graphics. Use text no smaller than 10-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. Text included in graphics, tables, and figures can be no smaller than 9 point.

Incomplete responses or those that do not follow these instructions may not be reviewed.

7.3 The anticipated NAICS code for this requirement is 541900– All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services with a size standard of $19,500,000.00. The Government requests capability statements from interested sources that address the below requirements.

8. Response Review and Confidentiality Responses will be reviewed by Government personnel and may involve third-party contractors who have signed non-disclosure agreements. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this review, nor will responses be returned. Information provided may be used in the development of future solicitation documents, including SOW’s, PWS’, or SOO’s.

9. Conclusion This notice is part of ongoing market research and does not commit the Government to any course of action. The information provided herein is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Respondents are advised to monitor SAM.gov for any updates or amendments to this notice.