Bid guide
How to bid on 3D Coastal Ocean Foundational Model Using AI for NOAA
What NOAA is buying and why it matters
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to acquire services to develop an AI-based predictive model for ocean temperature, salinity, and currents. This model will use specific technologies including SCHISM, STOFS-3D-Atlantic, MLEOF, and GFT.
This work is important because it will allow NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) to significantly advance its coastal ocean modeling and prediction capabilities through AI. This project aims to provide a readily deployable tool for critical ocean predictions.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 27, 2026. The deadline for submitting information is August 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. This is not a request for competitive proposals.
At the deadline, NOAA will evaluate any submitted documentation to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. The decision to proceed with a competitive procurement is at the government's discretion. The intended performance period for this work is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily suited for firms or institutions that possess unique expertise and ownership of the specific models and AI tools required by NOAA. The agency intends to award this on a sole-source basis to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) because VIMS developed and owns the SCHISM model, the STOFS-3D-Atlantic application, and the MLEOF AI tool, and has unique expertise in integrating these technologies.
The associated NAICS code for this requirement is 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology).
How to respond to this RFI
This is a pre-solicitation notice, not a request for competitive proposals. However, if your firm believes it can fully meet the government's requirements, you may submit substantiating documentation or a request for additional information in writing.
To access the original notice, you will click “View original source”. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids this is not necessary. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is a sole-source notice, if you intend to challenge it, your response must clearly demonstrate your firm's unique capabilities. Focus on providing written evidence that you possess the exact proprietary models and specialized AI methodologies mentioned, such as SCHISM, STOFS-3D-Atlantic, MLEOF, and GFT, and the expertise to integrate them as required.
Ensure your documentation is precise and directly addresses each of NOAA's stated requirements and the reasons for their sole-source determination. Highlight any unique long-term 3D hindcast simulations or specific AI development expertise that directly matches the agency's needs. Your submission should be comprehensive and leave no doubt about your ability to meet all aspects of the project.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; the original posting controls.