American Samoa Class II Research Vessel

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its National Ocean Service Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, is conducting market research to procure one new and unused Class II research vessel for operations in American Samoa. The vessel must be a 31-35 foot catamaran with a forward cabin and aft working deck configuration, constructed from marine aluminum using all-welded construction by certified welders. Key requirements include compliance with ABYC standards, USCG 46 CFR Subchapter T structural standards, and design per internationally recognized classification societies such as DNV GL or ISO. The procurement targets small businesses across all socioeconomic categories, including 8(a), service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned firms operating under NAICS code 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing). Interested parties must submit five-page responses in PDF format to Sarah Appleman at sarah.appleman@noaa.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Friday, May 8, 2026, with responses to include company information, SAM UEI Number, demonstration of capability to meet Statement of Work requirements, warranty obligations, existing Government-wide Acquisition Vehicle contracts, and a Rough Order of Magnitude estimate.

The procurement is not designated as a set-aside for any specific category. Delivery of the vessel is required within fifteen months of contract award, and the vessel must accommodate science and dive parties of up to nine persons total while supporting missions including monitoring, coral restoration, water sampling, mooring buoys, reef and fish surveys, partner missions, education and outreach, and emergency response. The vessel must achieve a minimum cruise speed of 25 knots when fully loaded at 85% throttle and maintain a minimum range of 220 nautical miles with 10% fuel reserve, powered by two 300-horsepower gasoline four-stroke outboard engines. Optional items available under separate contract line items include a dual or triple-axle trailer with stainless steel hardware, canvas sunshade, suspension seats, and commercial shipping and delivery to Pago Pago, American Samoa. Contractor responsibilities encompass providing design and layout acceptance drawings, conducting a deadweight survey per ASTM F1321-21, obtaining ABYC inspection certification, performing comprehensive sea and dock trials, and delivering complete documentation including as-built CAD drawings, operations manuals, and a stability booklet.