V--Vessel Charter - Buoy Recovery and Deployment
COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF.NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.DEPT OF COMMERCE NOAA · Response deadline: Tue, 13 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce, is seeking to charter a vessel for buoy recovery and deployment operations. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation, meaning the notice serves as both an announcement of the requirement and the formal solicitation for offers.
Vessel charter contracts for marine operations typically involve the provision of a ship and crew capable of supporting oceanographic or meteorological missions. Buoy recovery and deployment work requires vessels with appropriate deck handling equipment, dynamic positioning or precise maneuvering capabilities, and experience working with scientific moorings and floating instrumentation. NOAA maintains extensive networks of weather and ocean buoys, including the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) fleet, which require periodic servicing, relocation, and replacement.
The specific operational parameters, duration of charter, and technical requirements for the vessel are not contained in the available metadata—see the solicitation for these details.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 1333MJ27Q0001 |
| NAICS | 483111 — Deep Sea Freight Transportation |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning any responsible offeror capable of performing deep sea freight transportation services may submit a bid. Your business does not need any small business certification to compete.
NAICS 483111 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing deep sea transportation of freight to and from foreign ports. For vessel charter work, eligibility generally requires:
- Coast Guard-inspected and certified vessels appropriate for the mission
- Qualified crews with merchant mariner credentials
- Safety management systems and environmental compliance records
- Ability to secure necessary marine insurance and bonding
Small businesses in this NAICS compete under the size standard applicable to 483111—see the solicitation or SBA.gov for the current employee or revenue threshold. If you are a small business, note that this unrestricted competition puts you in direct competition with larger maritime operators; emphasize specialized capabilities, responsive crewing, and competitive pricing in your approach.
How to put together a competitive bid
Vessel charter competitions are evaluated primarily on price and technical capability. To strengthen your offer:
Vessel specifications. Provide detailed documentation of your vessel's specifications, including length, tonnage, deck space, crane capacity, fuel capacity, range, and berthing. Highlight features directly relevant to buoy handling: A-frames, davits, winch capacity, or moonpool access if applicable.
Operational track record. Demonstrate prior experience with similar NOAA, scientific, or offshore support work. Include references from government or commercial buoy operations, if available.
Crew qualifications. Document the master's license grade, STCW certifications, and any specialized training for scientific party support or instrument handling.
Schedule and readiness. Indicate vessel availability relative to the required performance period and any mobilization timeline. Flexibility in scheduling can differentiate your offer.
Pricing structure. Vessel charters may use various rate structures: daily rate, lump-sum for defined tasks, or cost-plus arrangements. See the solicitation for the requested pricing format and ensure your rates itemize crew, fuel, provisions, and other reimbursables if applicable.
Safety and compliance. Include your COFR (Certificate of Financial Responsibility), VRP (Vessel Response Plan), ISM Code documentation, and recent inspection records.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 1333MJ27Q0001
- Review the vessel requirements, statement of work, and evaluation criteria carefully
- Confirm your vessel's certifications and availability for the performance period
- Submit your offer before the deadline: October 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
The short response window—approximately four days from posting—suggests this may be a follow-on requirement or urgent need. Prioritize immediate review of the complete solicitation documents.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →