19ft RHI Small Boat for NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Eastern Acquisition Division is conducting market research for the procurement of a 19-foot Rigged Hull Inflatable (RHI) Small Boat to replace an aging 17-foot vessel on the NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette. This specialized boat will support critical scientific activities including oceanographic instrument deployments, dive operations, bottom fish surveys, marine mammal surveys, and small boat operator training. The procurement requires a center console design with a 150 HP diesel outboard engine, comprehensive navigation electronics, safety features, and a saltwater-resistant trailer for delivery to the Marine Operations Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Key specifications include hull dimensions of 19 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, a full foam collar system, and corrosion-resistant components throughout. Interested businesses must submit detailed Capability Statements by July 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time to Contract Specialist Shawn Griscom at Shawn.Griscom@noaa.gov. The evaluation will focus on demonstrated capabilities to meet the technical requirements outlined in the draft Work Specification, with particular attention to experience in boat building under NAICS code 336612.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, restricting participation to businesses with 1,000 employees or fewer under the boat building size standard. The Capability Statement submissions must include company identification details such as Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), business type classifications (small business, 8(a), veteran-owned, etc.), and point of contact information. The work specification indicates a performance period of 18 months from contract award, with comprehensive testing, certification, and training requirements included in the scope. A one-year warranty period will be required for the delivered boat and equipment. The document notes that a single OXE 150HP, 2.0L, L4 Diesel Outboard with a 25" shaft is known to meet the engine requirements, providing potential bidders with specific technical guidance. While no contract value is specified in this market research phase, the procurement represents a significant opportunity for small businesses in the marine vessel manufacturing sector.