Oceanographic Surface Drifting Buoys

The Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk is conducting market research through a sources sought notice to identify qualified vendors capable of supplying oceanographic surface drifting buoys to the Naval Oceanographic Office. This effort aims to establish a future firm fixed price contract for the delivery of autonomous, non-steerable buoys designed for remote operation in harsh ocean environments, collecting critical data such as sea surface temperature, conductivity, wave spectra, and bioluminescence. The buoys must meet stringent technical specifications including ±0.1°C temperature accuracy, a 0–9.0 S/m conductivity range, and compliance with Department of Defense Zero Trust architecture and CUI encryption standards. Each unit must operate autonomously for a minimum of 180 days, survive deployment from aircraft (500–10,000 ft at up to 300 knots) or vessels (1–60 ft at up to 25 knots), and maintain operational integrity for an 18-month shelf life without battery replacement or sensor recalibration. The system requires DISA-approved modems, proprietary-free software, and full technical documentation to enable independent government operation, including custom encoders/decoders for data integration. Responses are due by May 27, 2026, and must be submitted electronically via email as a single 10-page document containing the vendor’s CAGE code, business size classification, capability statement with past performance, and contact information. The solicitation, identified as N0018926Buoys, is strictly for planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Evaluation will be based on binary compliance metrics: 100% on-time delivery, 100% operational functionality verified through pre-deployment diagnostics, 100% adherence to DISA encryption and modem standards, and exact sensor conformity to specifications. Packaging must use internationally approved shipping containers, and warranty provisions require contractor responsibility for replacing or repairing non-compliant units at no cost to the government. The contracting office, located in Norfolk, Virginia, will manage all administrative functions with Stephanie Lent and Joseph Caltagirone serving as the primary points of contact. No estimated contract value is available, as this is a pre-solicitation market research initiative to gauge industry capability prior to any future procurement.