Sand, Sediment, & Critical Mineral Investigation

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), operating under the Department of the Interior, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) and Sources Sought notice to identify small businesses capable of performing geophysical surveys, geological sampling, and laboratory analysis in support of offshore resource investigations. The primary objective is to collect industry feedback on a draft Statement of Work for the Sand, Sediment, and Critical Mineral Investigation in federal waters offshore Louisiana at Ship Shoal, which will contribute to the National Offshore Sand Inventory (NOSI) and National Offshore Critical Minerals Inventory (NOCMI). Interested parties must demonstrate capabilities in offshore geophysical surveys, coring operations, marine logistics, laboratory analysis, and data processing, and should submit responses documenting relevant projects completed within the past ten years along with references. Responses are limited to 10 pages in PDF or Word format and must be submitted by May 12, 2026, with the RFI title and number referenced in the subject line. It is critical to note that this RFI is for market research purposes only; no contract will be awarded from this announcement, respondents will not be notified of results, and no reimbursements will be made for response costs.

The procurement carries no small business set-aside designation. The anticipated scope of work encompasses a comprehensive two-year investigation requiring the collection of 483 line miles of geophysical survey data using bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling, magnetometer, and side-scan sonar systems; approximately 30 vibracores with 30 feet penetration depth and 10 deeper cores with 50 feet penetration depth; grain size analysis of approximately 4 samples per core; and critical minerals analysis of approximately 2 samples per core. Deliverables include geophysical data products in specified formats with comprehensive metadata, core logs in both draft and final versions, laboratory testing results from 50 field miniature vane shear tests, 60 sieve analyses, 60 laser particle size analyses, and a comprehensive final report with maps, boring logs, and volumetric analysis. The performance period is 24 months from contract award, with suggested milestone completion dates beginning at 30 days for investigation area identification and extending to 730 days for government final review. Specific award value or budget information is not disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice.