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Department of Commerce

Request for Information: Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program

Solicitation: RFI_VOS
Notice ID: ed1cf898ede84a38ad51faf83bfda5ba
TypeSources SoughtNAICS 541990DepartmentDepartment of CommerceAgencyNational Oceanic And Atmospheric AdministrationStateMSPostedJan 23, 2026, 12:00 AM UTCDueFeb 20, 2026, 07:00 PM UTCExpired

Sources Sought from NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION • COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF. Place of performance: MS. Response deadline: Feb 20, 2026. Industry: NAICS 541990.

Market snapshot

Awarded-market signal for NAICS 541990 (last 12 months), benchmarked to sector 54.

12-month awarded value
$178,668,451
Sector total $5,863,314,717,577 • Share 0.0%
Live
Median
$17,850
P10–P90
$11,332$327,093
Volatility
Volatile200%
Market composition
NAICS share of sector
A simple concentration signal, not a forecast.
0.0%
share
Momentum (last 3 vs prior 3 buckets)
+12000%($175,739,464)
Deal sizing
$17,850 median
Use as a pricing centerline.
Live signal is computed from awarded notices already observed in the system.
Signals shown are descriptive of observed awards; not a forecast.

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Map for MS
Live POP
Place of performance
Stennis Space Center, Mississippi • United States
State: MS
Contracting office
Norfolk, VA • 23510 USA

Applicable Wage Determinations

SAM WDOL references matched to this opportunity's location and scope language.

WD Directory →
Best fit for this contractDavis-Bacon
MS20260104 (Rev 1)
Match signal: state matchOpen WD
Published Jan 23, 2026Mississippi • Neshoba
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $33.30Fringe $11.63
Rate
CARPENTER (Form Work Only)
Base $13.02Fringe $0.00
+41 more occupation rates available in the full WD.
View more for this contract
3 more WD matches and 41 more rate previews.
Davis-BaconBest fitstate match
MS20260104 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 23, 2026Mississippi • Neshoba
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $33.30Fringe $11.63
Rate
CARPENTER (Form Work Only)
Base $13.02Fringe $0.00
Rate
CARPENTER, Excludes Form Work
Base $14.21Fringe $0.00
+40 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
MS20260114 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 23, 2026Mississippi • Stone
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $33.30Fringe $11.63
Rate
CARPENTER (Form Work Only)
Base $12.85Fringe $0.00
Rate
CARPENTER, Excludes Form Work
Base $14.21Fringe $0.00
+39 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
MS20260063 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 23, 2026Mississippi • Forrest, Lamar, Perry
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $32.90Fringe $7.89
Rate
CARPENTER, Includes Form Work
Base $16.77Fringe $0.00
Rate
CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER
Base $17.75Fringe $0.00
+8 more occupation rates in this WD
Davis-Baconstate match
MS20260031 (Rev 1)
Open WD
Published Jan 23, 2026Mississippi • Harrison
Rate
ELECTRICIAN
Base $32.90Fringe $7.89
Rate
BRICKLAYER
Base $12.82Fringe $0.00
Rate
CARPENTER, Includes Cabinet Installation, and Form Work
Base $10.49Fringe $0.00
+6 more occupation rates in this WD

Point of Contact

Name
Kari Webler
Email
kari.webler@noaa.gov
Phone
Not available
Name
Kevin J. Buum
Email
kevin.j.buum@noaa.gov
Phone
Not available

Agency & Office

Department
COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF
Agency
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
Subagency
DEPT OF COMMERCE NOAA
Office
Not available
Contracting Office Address
Norfolk, VA
23510 USA

More in NAICS 541990

Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) is conducting market research on the capabilities of vendors to support the NDBC Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program. Please see the attached Request for Information and Attachment 1 - DRAFT Statement of Objectives. 

Files

Files size/type shown when available.

BidPulsar Analysis

A practical, capture-style breakdown of fit, requirements, risks, and next steps.

Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Client-ready brief
Executive summary
medium confidencegpt 4o mini

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking information regarding vendor capabilities to assist in the Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program as detailed in their recent Request for Information (RFI). Responses are due by February 20, 2026, highlighting the need for timely insights into market capabilities. This RFI is crucial for ensuring NOAA can enhance their marine and weather data collection initiatives through effective vendor partnerships.

Voluntary Observing ShipNOAAmarine data collectionmeteorological servicesoceanographic research
What the buyer is trying to do

NOAA aims to gather market feedback on vendor capabilities to support the National Data Buoy Center's Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program, which enhances meteorological and oceanographic data collection.

Who should pursue this
  • Companies specializing in maritime data collection
  • Firms with experience in supporting NOAA or similar governmental programs
  • Organizations with capabilities in oceanography and meteorology
  • Vendors with a proven track record in observational data systems
Work breakdown
  • Analyze vendor capabilities relevant to the VOS Program
  • Prepare draft responses and feedback for NOAA
  • Engage with stakeholders for insights on the requirements
  • Evaluate potential partnerships or subcontracting opportunities
  • Compile a comprehensive response package addressing NOAA's needs
Response package checklist
  • Cover letter expressing intent to participate
  • Detailed capabilities statement related to VOS
  • Relevant past performance examples
  • Insights on potential cost structures
  • Information on team qualifications and capacities
Compliance notes
  • Ensure adherence to NOAA requirements outlined in the RFI
  • All responses must follow the specified format and guidelines set in the attached documents
Pricing strategy
  • Develop preliminary pricing models based on estimated operational costs
  • Consider volume discount structures for extended engagements
  • Ensure competitive pricing without compromising quality
Teaming and subs
  • Identify potential partners specializing in satellite data processing
  • Consider teaming with local marine research firms to bolster expertise
  • Engage with technology providers for enhanced data collection methodologies
Risks and watchouts
  • Potentially limited vendor pool due to niche expertise required
  • Changing requirements from NOAA as a result of ongoing market research
  • Compliance challenges with federal contracting regulations
Smart questions to ask
  • What specific data collection capabilities are most critical for NOAA?
  • Are there any anticipated changes to program requirements in the near future?
  • What is the expected scale and timeframe of potential contracts?
Source coverage notes

Some notices publish limited source detail. Confirm these points before final bid/no-bid decisions.

  • Specific operational goals for VOS Program not detailed
  • Expected budget range for contracts is unclear
  • No timeline beyond response deadline provided
  • Market analysis specifics are not outlined
  • Information on current VOS Program partners is missing

FAQ

How do I use the Market Snapshot?

It summarizes awarded-contract behavior for the opportunity’s NAICS and sector, including a recent pricing band (P10–P90), momentum, and composition. Use it as context, not a guarantee.

Is the data live?

The signal updates as new awarded notices enter the system. Always validate the official award and solicitation details on SAM.gov.

What do P10 and P90 mean?

P10 is the 10th percentile award size and P90 is the 90th percentile. Together they describe the typical spread of award values.