Ocean floor mapping with long-endurance unmanned systems

The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), operating under the Department of the Navy Naval Supply Systems Command, has issued a Special Notice for ocean floor mapping services utilizing long-endurance Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). This market research announcement seeks to identify industry capabilities for collecting high-resolution bathymetric and oceanographic data across global ocean regions. The notice is classified under NAICS Code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) and PSC Code R702 (Support—Management: Data Collection). The Navy recognizes a critical capacity gap in its current portfolio of government-owned, manned survey platforms and aims to supplement operations through contractor-provided services. This Special Notice is explicitly for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation or government commitment to award a contract.

Interested contractors must submit written responses by March 4, 2026, at 1600 EST to designated government contacts, limited to ten typewritten pages in 12-point font minimum, and including company information, CAGE code, business size, capability statements, and relevant past performance from the last five years with contract numbers and dollar values. All respondents are invited to participate in a virtual market research event scheduled for March 11, 2026, with a potential additional session on March 12, 2026, with up to two representatives per company permitted to attend. The government requires contractors to operate under a Contractor Owned, Contractor Operated, Government Augmented (COCOGA) model, providing all equipment, maintenance, and daily operations while achieving minimum monthly productivity of 2,000 linear nautical miles and collecting bathymetric data to Order 1A standards per International Hydrographic Organization specifications. Contractors must demonstrate current capability and experience across four mission profiles spanning shallow water surveys to full ocean depth operations, utilize multibeam sonar systems, and support data encryption and remote monitoring via government networks. Participants should note that no monetary compensation will be provided for response preparation, responses are strictly voluntary, and respondents will not be notified of market research results.