NOAA: 3m VE Foam Buoy Hulls

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting quotations for the manufacture and delivery of 3-meter vinyl ester (VE) foam buoy hulls for the National Data Buoy Center at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. The hulls must be fabricated from ionomer foam with specified performance characteristics, including density requirements of 4.0 to 5.0 pounds per cubic foot, minimum tensile strengths of 150 psi vertically and 75 psi horizontally, and durability features such as ultraviolet stabilization for eight-year protection. The contract will be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis to the responsive and responsible quoter providing the best value, with evaluation criteria emphasizing specifications compliance, past performance (minimum two references required), and total price for both line items. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by April 5, 2026, with quotation submissions due by April 11, 2026, at noon Eastern Daylight Time.

This opportunity is designated as a 100 percent small business set-aside under NAICS code 326199 (All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing). The requirement calls for one first article unit and five production units, with all shipping costs included in the quoted price. The government will conduct first article testing at NDBC facilities, with successful completion required prior to production unit delivery; however, first article testing may be waived if the contractor has previously completed similar NDBC buoy hull projects successfully. Delivery of all units must occur within 120 calendar days from contract award, and payment will be processed electronically through NOAA's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) system. Manufacturing location must be identified by offerors, and small business status verification under the applicable NAICS code is required as part of the submission package.