American Samoa Class II Research Vessel

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requires the construction of a new, fully outfitted, "turn key" research vessel, 31-35 feet in length, for use in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS). The vessel will support various missions including monitoring, water sampling, reef and fish surveys, education, coral restoration, mooring buoy deployment, partner missions, and emergency response.

• Vessel Construction: Build a 31-35' catamaran research vessel to ABYC (Mechanical/Electrical) and USCG or equivalent (Structural) standards.

• Design & Layout: Contractor must submit design/layout for Government acceptance, including general arrangement drawings, systems drawings, specifications, equipment submittals, engine information, and stability analysis (GHS or USCG approved software).

• Construction Phase: Construction can only begin after Government approval of the final design/layout.

• Acceptance Phase: Prior to acceptance, the contractor must complete a deadweight survey, obtain an ABYC or equivalent inspection report, and conduct sea/dock and performance trials with Government presence. A comprehensive vessel operations binder, as-built drawings, OEM manuals, stability booklet, and registration/title documentation are required.

• Vessel Specifications:

  • Length: Not less than 31' on deck
  • Beam: Approx. 11' overall
  • Draft: Approx. 2.6' (exclusive of engines)
  • Configuration: Catamaran, forward house, aft working deck
  • Capacity: 9 persons + 2800 lb payload
  • Speed: 25 knots minimum (fully loaded)
  • Range: 220 nm minimum (preferred 270 nm)
  • Operational Area: American Samoa, up to 50nm offshore, in exposed waters.
  • Operational Conditions: Max 25 knots wind, 8' significant wave height.
  • Materials: Marine aluminum 5086/5083, welded construction.
  • Propulsion: Twin 300 HP gasoline four-stroke outboard engines.
  • Systems: Fuel, electronic controls, power-assist hydraulic steering, bilge pumps, fire extinguishers, freshwater system, HVAC, and appropriate labeling.
  • Electrical: 12VDC ship service, 120VAC shore power, multiple battery banks, 2000w inverter, Garmin or equal electronics (chart plotter, radar, GPS, fathometer, AIS, VHF, EPIRB, compass, hailer).
  • Outfitting: Stern platform, dive ladders, dive tank holders, anchoring system, insulation, windows, wipers, interior linings, non-skid deck paint, cathodic protection, rails, life raft cradle, davit.
  • Accommodations: Forward aluminum house with sliding doors, helm console, crew station, benches with stowage, head, and gear stowage.

• Vessel must meet ABYC and USCG standards.

• Stability criteria compliance for exposed waters (46 CFR 170 Subpart E).

• Performance trials to demonstrate speed, range, and operational capabilities.

• All systems and components must be tested and documented.

• Construction: 15 months from contract award.

• Delivery (Optional): To Pago Pago, American Samoa.

• Contractor responsible for all meetings, updates, and submittals.

• Vessel must be built to ABYC and USCG standards.

• Final design/layout approval required before construction.

• Contractor responsible for all inspections and trials.

• Delivery of comprehensive documentation package upon acceptance.

• Trailer (CLIN 0002)

• Sunshade (CLIN 0003)

• Suspension seats (CLIN 0004)

• Shipping/Delivery to American Samoa (CLIN 0005)

Statement of Work (SOW)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requires the construction of a new, fully outfitted "turn key" research vessel, 31-35 feet in length, for use in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS). The vessel will support various missions including monitoring, water sampling, reef and fish surveys, education, coral restoration, mooring buoy deployment, partner missions, and emergency response.

• Vessel Construction: Build a 31-35' catamaran research vessel to ABYC (mechanical/electrical) and USCG or equal (structural) standards.

• Design & Layout: Contractor must submit design/layout drawings, system specifications, vessel specifications (capacities, load limits, performance), and equipment submittals for Government acceptance before construction begins.

• Construction Phase: Vessel construction must adhere to approved designs and meet specified standards.

• Acceptance Phase: Requires a deadweight survey, an ABYC or equivalent accredited marine survey, and sea/dock/performance trials. The contractor must provide a stability booklet demonstrating compliance with 46 CFR 170 Subpart E for exposed waters.

• Deliverables: Upon acceptance, the contractor must provide a vessel operations binder, as-built drawings, OEM manuals, trailer documentation (if awarded), safety equipment manuals, stability booklet, ABYC inspection report, and registration/title.

• Dimensions: 31' minimum length, approx. 11' beam, approx. 2.6' draft.

• Capacity: Accommodate 9 persons plus 2800 lb payload.

• Speed: Minimum 25 knots cruise speed when fully loaded.

• Range: Minimum 220 nautical miles (270 nm preferred) with 10% fuel reserve.

• Operational Area: American Samoa, up to 50nm from shore, in exposed waters.

• Operational Conditions: Max 25 knots wind, max 8' significant wave height.

• Service Life: Designed for 20 years of reliable service.

• Standards: ABYC, USCG 46 CFR Subchapter T, NOAA Small Boat Procedures Manual (SB&PM).

• Materials: Marine aluminum 5086/5083, all-welded construction.

• Buoyancy: Positive buoyancy if swamped (no foam).

• Propulsion: Twin 300 HP gasoline four-stroke outboard engines with electronic controls and stainless steel, counter-rotating propellers.

• Construction: 15 months from contract award.

• Delivery (Optional): To Pago Pago, American Samoa.

• Meetings: Contractor to arrange and lead pre-construction, construction review, dead weight survey, sea/dock trials, performance trials, and acceptance meetings.

• Inspections: ABYC or equivalent survey required prior to acceptance.

• Stability: Must meet intact stability criteria for exposed waters (46 CFR 170 Subpart E).

• Shipping (Optional): If awarded, contractor responsible for bonded and insured shipping to American Samoa. Sea trials to be repeated post-delivery.

• Trailer (CLIN 0002)

• Sunshade (CLIN 0003)

• Suspension seats (CLIN 0004)

• Shipping/Delivery to American Samoa (CLIN 0005)

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes to identify potential small business sources capable of providing a new and unused Class II research vessel for the National Ocean Service, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). The government is not requesting quotes at this time and will not pay for information submitted.

• One new and unused Class II research vessel.

• Vessel must be delivered within fifteen (15) months of award.

• Vessel must accommodate science and dive parties of up to nine persons.

• Missions include: Monitoring, coral restoration, water sampling, mooring buoys, reef and fish surveys, partner missions, education & outreach, and emergency response.

• A draft Statement of Work (SOW) detailing minimum salient characteristics and warranty requirements is attached.

• Interested small business sources should submit a response of no more than 5 pages.

• Responses must include:

  • Company name, address, and point of contact (name, phone, email).
  • System for Award Management Unique Entity Identification Number.
  • Company size and socioeconomic status (validated via SAM.gov or SBA DSBS) in relation to NAICS code 336611 (Ship Building and Repair, 1,300 employee size standard).
  • Clear demonstration of capability to provide the supplies detailed in the SOW, including warranty requirements.
  • Any Government Wide Acquisition Vehicle contracts held, with contract numbers.
  • An estimated Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM).

• Standard brochures are not sufficient.

• Electronic responses must be submitted in PDF format to sarah.appleman@noaa.gov no later than 12:00 PM EST on Friday, May 8, 2026.

• Information received will be used solely for market research.

• Proprietary information should be marked appropriately.