OCEAN FLOOR MAPPING WITH LONG-ENDURANCE UNMANNED SYSTEMS

The contract seeks to establish a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), multiple-award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement with up to five awards, set aside exclusively for small businesses under FAR 19.5. It supports the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in providing high-resolution ocean floor mapping services utilizing contractor-owned, contractor-operated long-endurance Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). The contract duration includes a 24-month base period starting on or about August 1, 2026, aiming to deliver a minimum of 2,000 linear nautical miles per month of IHO Order 1a-compliant bathymetric data across the Indian and Pacific Ocean Basins. All operations will be managed remotely, with data delivered through a secure online government platform, emphasizing mission efficiency and enhanced safety by replacing manned vessels with unmanned autonomous systems. The scope entails comprehensive hydrographic surveying and mapping services compliant with International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standards and commercial practices. Key deliverables include raw and processed bathymetric sensor data (e.g., multibeam, sub-bottom profiles in SEGY format), detailed survey reports, data processing logs, and a Software Bill of Materials, all subject to rigorous quality control and inspection remotely conducted by the government. Security requirements mandate U.S. citizenship for personnel with National Trust credentials, strict adherence to data marking, encryption, cybersecurity incident reporting, and compliance with DoD and Navy information security policies. The contract imposes strict SAM registration requirements to ensure eligibility. Although pricing details are not provided, the solicitation highlights an all-inclusive task order pricing model that must cover vessel operations and support, with contract award decisions likely based on a trade-off evaluation of technical capability, data quality, project management, personnel qualifications, cybersecurity posture, and customer support. Submission of proposals is strictly electronic through SAM.gov by May 27, 2026, with follow-up contractual communications and data deliveries also handled via secure digital platforms, ensuring secure and timely execution of critical oceanographic missions.