How to bid on Core Model Evaluation for Physical Oceanography Applications for NOAA

What NOAA is buying and why it matters

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking information from companies capable of evaluating open-source, community-supported oceanographic models. This effort is part of NOAA's market research to identify an optimal set of physical core model codes and approaches for their mission over the next ten years.

NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) currently uses several different core models for its physical oceanography applications, such as ROMS for the Chesapeake Bay Operational Forecast System and FVCOM for the Salish Sea and Columbia River Operational Forecast System. This diversity, while supporting various missions, also dilutes resources. NOAA aims to streamline its modeling efforts to improve efficiency in human capital, funding, High-Performance Computing (HPC) allocations, and software maintenance.

This RFI is focused on evaluating existing core codes like ADCIRC, SCHISM, FVCOM, and ROMS, as well as exploring novel AI/ML architectures, hybrid physics-AI systems, and other emerging models from academia and private industry. The goal is to find models that can holistically meet NOS mission requirements, incorporate advances in computing infrastructure, leverage non-physics-based prediction methodologies, and integrate seamlessly with NOAA’s UFS.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 08, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is August 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All responses must be submitted by this time.

This is a market research effort, not a direct solicitation for a contract. Your response will help NOAA understand the current capabilities in the market and inform their future procurement decisions. There is no guarantee that a future solicitation will result from this RFI.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in professional services related to oceanographic modeling, particularly those with experience in evaluating open-source, community-supported physical oceanography models. Companies with capabilities in AI/ML architectures, hybrid physics-AI systems, and integrating with advanced computing infrastructures (HPC, cloud, GPU) will find this RFI relevant.

Vendors who have experience with or develop models like ADCIRC, SCHISM, FVCOM, or ROMS, or who offer novel approaches that could meet NOAA's modeling requirements, should consider responding.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required. Once you have reviewed the Request for Information and Attachment A - NOS Modeling Requirements, you should complete the linked Google Form to submit your response.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly articulate your firm's specific capabilities in evaluating oceanographic models. Highlight any experience you have with the core models mentioned by NOAA (ADCIRC, SCHISM, FVCOM, ROMS) and any novel approaches, including AI/ML or hybrid systems, that align with NOAA's future needs.

Focus on how your capabilities can help NOAA meet its mission requirements, incorporate advances in computing infrastructure, and integrate with NOAA’s UFS. Provide concrete examples of past projects or research that demonstrate your expertise in these areas. Since this is an RFI, the goal is to provide comprehensive information about your firm's abilities and potential solutions, rather than a formal proposal.