How to bid on the American Samoa Class II Research Vessel for NOAA

What the agency is buying

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) needs a new, unused Class II research vessel for its operations in American Samoa. This vessel will support various scientific missions, including monitoring, coral restoration, water sampling, mooring buoy deployment, reef and fish surveys, partner missions, education and outreach, and emergency response.

The vessel must be capable of carrying up to nine people, including science and dive parties. Delivery is required within 15 months of the contract award. This is an opportunity for equipment vendors to supply a specialized vessel for critical environmental research and support in the Pacific.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on July 10, 2026. All questions regarding this opportunity must be submitted via email by Monday, August 3, 2026, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time. The final deadline for proposal submissions is August 10, 2026, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time. Ensure all submissions are complete and on time, as late proposals are typically not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses specializing in marine vessel construction or supply, particularly those with experience in building or providing research-grade ships. Firms with a strong track record in delivering specialized equipment within specific timelines will be well-positioned. The solicitation is open to small businesses, and interested vendors should review the attached documents for specific requirements and details.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation documents, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always necessary for every bid. Once you have access, carefully review the solicitation and statement of work for complete instructions on how to prepare and submit your proposal.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, focus on clearly demonstrating your ability to meet the technical specifications for a Class II research vessel and the required delivery timeline. Highlight any relevant experience in building or supplying vessels for scientific or government use. Provide a detailed plan for how you will ensure delivery within the 15-month timeframe.

Pay close attention to all instructions for submitting questions by the August 3rd deadline. This is your chance to clarify any ambiguities in the solicitation. Ensure your proposal directly addresses all aspects of the statement of work, including the vessel's capacity, mission capabilities, and operational requirements for American Samoa.