Request for Information (RFI) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Marine Operations Center - Pacific (MOC-P)

FOR INFORMATION ONLY – NOT A SOLICITATION

Notice Type: Request for Information (RFI)
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Office: Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO)
Title: Identification of Potential Waterfront and/or Existing Property Opportunities for Future NOAA Marine Operations Center–Pacific (MOC-P)
Response Deadline:  Revised to July 31, 2026
 

1. Purpose

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential waterfront properties and/or existing facilities along the U.S. Pacific Coast that could serve as the future location of the Marine Operations Center–Pacific (MOC-P).

This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or request for proposal. NOAA will not reimburse any respondent for information provided. The Government will not award a contract or lease based on this announcement.

NOAA seeks input from state, county, port, and municipal governments that may wish to offer property, waterfront access, or existing infrastructure, including properties that could be provided at no cost to the Federal Government for the potential use as the next MOC-P site.

2. Background

The NOAA Marine Operations Center–Pacific (MOC-P) provides operational, engineering, logistics, and administrative support to NOAA vessels operating throughout the Pacific region. The Center is currently located in Newport, Oregon, under a long-term lease that is scheduled to expire in 2031.

As part of NOAA’s forward planning for its fleet operations, the agency is gathering information from coastal jurisdictions to assess the availability of waterfront property that may meet NOAA’s long-term mission needs for fleet homeporting and shore-side operations.

3. Geographic Scope

NOAA is seeking information on suitable Pacific Coast locations within the following boundaries:

• Northern California: From the San Francisco Bay area northward
• Oregon
• Washington State

Sites must have direct access to navigable waters capable of supporting NOAA’s research and survey vessels. Locations outside this range will not be considered under this RFI.

4. General Site Requirements

Respondents should consider the following minimum characteristics when identifying potential properties: See attached “4-Ship NOAA Pier and Facility Requirements” (pdf).

5. Environmental and Permitting

• Preference for previously developed or industrial/marine sites with limited environmental encumbrances.
• Existing permits or clearances for marine use are advantageous but not required.

6. Requested Information

Interested public entities are invited to submit the following:

1. Point of Contact: Christian Townsend (christian.townsend@noaa.gov)
2. Property Description:
   • Location and street address.
   • Ownership (public or public-private).
   • Total acreage and waterfront footage.
   • Water depth, access channels, and existing marine infrastructure (piers, docks, bulkheads).
   • Pictures or plans of existing or planned space.
3. Existing Facilities:
   • Description of buildings or improvements, including square footage and current use.
4. Infrastructure and Utilities:
   • Available services such as power, water, sewer, and data connectivity.
5. Land Use and Zoning:
   • Current zoning and any known restrictions or environmental considerations.
6. Transportation Access:
   • Distance to nearest airport and major highways.
7. Availability and Cost:
   • Indicate if the property could be provided at no cost or under a special-use, long-term lease, or intergovernmental arrangement.

7. Summary

NOAA is seeking to identify potential West Coast waterfront properties from San Francisco, California, north through Washington State that could accommodate the future Marine Operations Center–Pacific. This effort is exploratory and aimed at fostering early collaboration with coastal jurisdictions that may have interest in supporting NOAA’s long-term marine operations mission.