Bid guide
How to bid on Big Fin Measuring Boards for NOAA
What NOAA is buying and why it matters
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wants to purchase 22 Big Fin Scientific DCS5 electronic fish measuring boards. These boards are for field use to measure finfish and invertebrates. They need to be portable, waterproof, battery-powered for 10 hours, accurate to 1 mm, measure up to 100 cm, and work with Android and NOAA software.
NOAA intends to award this purchase directly to Big Fin Scientific. However, other firms have an opportunity to show they can meet the exact requirements. If you can provide these specific measuring boards or an equivalent that fully matches all specifications, this is your chance to potentially compete for the award.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 22, 2026. The deadline for submitting documentation is August 06, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All submissions must be in writing.
After the deadline, NOAA will evaluate any documentation received to decide if they should conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. The anticipated award date for this purchase is estimated to be August 2026.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily for vendors who can supply the specific Big Fin Scientific DCS5 electronic fish measuring boards. It also suits firms that can provide an equivalent product that precisely meets all the detailed specifications listed by NOAA.
The relevant category for this equipment is NAICS 334516, which covers analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing.
How to respond to this RFI
To access the opportunity on the portal, click “View original source”. If the first click takes you to the 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 required.
If you believe your firm can fully meet NOAA’s requirements, you must submit substantiating documentation in writing to the identified point of contact before the deadline. Oral communications are not accepted. Your submission will help NOAA determine whether to proceed with a competitive procurement.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review all specifications listed by NOAA. Your documentation must clearly demonstrate how your product meets each and every requirement, such as portability, waterproofing, battery life, accuracy, measurement range, and software compatibility.
Since NOAA intends a sole-source award, your submission needs to be very strong to convince them to open it to competition. Provide detailed technical specifications, product sheets, and any relevant certifications that prove your product is a full equivalent or the exact item requested. Focus on concrete facts and evidence rather than general claims.
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.