PROVIDE TWO TUGS AND ONE PILOT NOAA SHIP PISCES
COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF.NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.DEPT OF COMMERCE NOAA · Response deadline: Mon, 19 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking a contractor to provide two tugboats and one pilot for the NOAA Ship Pisces. The work involves vessel support services—specifically harbor assist, maneuvering, or escort operations using tugboats, along with a qualified pilot to direct navigation. This is a common arrangement for research and government vessels that require specialized handling in port or constrained waters. The NOAA Ship Pisces is a fisheries research vessel, so this contract likely supports its operations in home port and potentially at survey locations. See the solicitation for the specific term of service, operating locations, and any voyage schedules.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 1333MK27Q0003 |
| NAICS | 488330 – Navigational Services to Shipping |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 19, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, meaning only small business concerns may submit offers and receive award. The relevant NAICS code is 488330 (Navigational Services to Shipping), which covers establishments primarily engaged in providing navigational services to shipping. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this NAICS code and must be registered in SAM.gov with active status. You do not need to be a specific SBA certification program participant (such as 8(a), HUBZone, or WOSB), though if you hold relevant certifications, they may strengthen your proposal. Firms must have or be able to obtain the necessary vessel documentation, pilot credentials, and maritime insurance required for commercial towing and pilotage operations.
How to put together a competitive bid
Bidders should address these practical dimensions typical for marine support contracts:
- Vessel capabilities: Detail your tug specifications—bollard pull, horsepower, dimensions, and suitability for assisting a vessel of Pisces' size and type. See the solicitation for any minimum requirements.
- Crew and pilot qualifications: Provide credentials for the pilot, including federal or state licenses, local knowledge certifications, and experience with research or government vessels.
- Availability and responsiveness: Demonstrate your ability to meet NOAA's scheduling needs, which may include short-notice mobilizations tied to research cruises.
- Safety record and compliance: Include your safety management system, USCG inspection status, and any relevant incident history. NOAA will likely evaluate past performance in maritime operations.
- Pricing structure: Clarify whether your offer is a daily rate, per-use rate, or other arrangement; identify any standby or cancellation provisions.
- Location logistics: Since the place of performance is not stated in metadata, confirm the operating port(s) in the solicitation and demonstrate your proximity or ability to transit there efficiently.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 1333MK27Q0003. The synopsis is brief, and the attached solicitation document will contain the statement of work, evaluation criteria, vessel requirements, contract terms, and exact place(s) of performance.
- Note the deadline: Responses are due October 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time—a tight three-day window from posting. Prepare your offer immediately and confirm SAM.gov technical submission requirements.
- Verify your SAM.gov registration is active and that your business profile reflects NAICS 488330 and small business status.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →