How to bid on New York Area Husbandry Service for Ferdinand Hassler from Department of Commerce

What the agency is buying

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), needs vessel husbandry services for the NOAA Ship Ferdinand Hassler. This work involves providing essential support services while the ship is docked in the New York City or Newark, New Jersey area.

Specifically, the services include pier space, line handlers, fenders, shore power, sewage and potable water service, unarmed security, garbage pickup, and shipping and receiving support. The initial requirement covers six days in September and four days each in October, with an option for five additional days between September and November 2026. This is a small-business set-aside, making it a targeted opportunity for eligible firms.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on August 04, 2026. If you have questions about the solicitation, they are due by August 10, 2026, at noon Eastern Time. Your complete quote must be submitted by the deadline of August 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Failure to provide all required information by the deadline may result in your quote being considered non-responsive.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a small-business set-aside under NAICS code 488310, Port and Harbor Operations, with a size standard of $47 million. It is suitable for businesses that specialize in marine support services, port operations, or vessel agency services. Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible.

Firms with experience providing comprehensive vessel husbandry services, including pier access, utility hookups, security, and logistical support for ships, are well-suited. You will need to provide at least three references for similar vessel services you have performed.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, 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 a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ), and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. You must submit your quote by the deadline, ensuring it includes the RFQ number and all information requested in the attached RFQ 1333MK26Q0112. Your quote will be evaluated based on experience/past performance, availability of services, dates, pier location, and price.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the Statement of Work to ensure your quote addresses all required services for each CLIN (Contract Line Item Number). Clearly confirm your ability to provide services for the anticipated moorage dates and specify your pier location within the New York or Newark area.

Since past performance is a key evaluation factor, ensure your three similar vessel-service references are strong and relevant. Highlight your experience with similar vessel types or agencies. Provide a clear and competitive pricing structure, noting that prices will be paid at actual cost not to exceed the total amount of the purchase order.