The purpose of this solicitation is to establish a fuel oil quality management program and to test marine fuel oils and bunkers.

The contract aims to establish a comprehensive fuel oil quality management and testing program supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s National Defense Reserve Fleet. It involves laboratory analysis of marine fuel oils and bunkers, including standard, storage tank, and forensic testing, to ensure fuel quality for vessels supporting rapid military deployment. The performance period spans from February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2031, with a one-year base and four one-year options, emphasizing timely sample analysis, reporting, and port support services. The contract is set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS code 541380, with a size standard of $19 million, and includes provisions for sample kits, sampling equipment, shipping, training, and bunker surveyor services, all to be conducted at the contractor’s own ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories following ISO 8217 standards. The solicitation incorporates extensive FAR clauses covering instructions for offerors, representations and certifications, contract terms, small business utilization, and security requirements, including organizational conflict of interest provisions and safeguarding of government data. The evaluation process emphasizes a best value trade-off, with equal importance assigned to technical capability, past performance, and management/staffing, while price is less influential but still considered. Proposals must be submitted in four parts—technical, past performance, management, and price—by November 14, 2025, via email, with detailed instructions on formatting, content, and supporting documentation. The contract mandates strict packaging and marking standards for sample shipments, requiring IATA-approved containers, serialized seals, and preprinted mailers, with all testing performed in-house by qualified laboratories. Final acceptance is contingent upon government inspection and adherence to specified standards, ensuring high-quality, compliant fuel testing services to support critical military and maritime operations.