# Request for Information: Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/rfivos

- Solicitation number: RFI_VOS
- Notice type: Sources sought
- Status: Closed. Deadline was February 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
- Department: Department of Commerce
- Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Contracting office: Department of Commerce NOAA (1305M2)
- NAICS: 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Place of performance: Stennis Space Center, Mississippi
- First posted: January 23, 2026
- Last posted: February 11, 2026
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/8ff3e0a237024079b6a0c46f7daacbd9/view

## Description

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) is conducting market research on the capabilities of vendors to support the NDBC Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program. Please see the attached Request for Information and Attachment 1 - DRAFT Statement of Objectives. The following question was received in response to this RFI:

**QUESTION:** Is NOAA intending to continue serving as the primary entity responsible for servicing the approximately 2,800 participating vessels, or is the VOS program exploring a transition of that service role and responsibility to an industry partner?

**RESPONSE:** Yes, NOAA intends to continue serving as the primary entity responsible for the VOS Program. NOAA is seeking commercial partners that can provide support in maintaining and growing the VOS Program to ensure long-term viability. NOAA is hoping that responses to this RFI will provide information to aid in understanding what commercial partners could offer to help sustain the program.

## Publications

- January 23, 2026: Sources sought, due February 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. Notice ed1cf898ede84a38ad51faf83bfda5ba. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/ed1cf898ede84a38ad51faf83bfda5ba/view
- February 11, 2026: Sources sought, due February 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. Notice 8ff3e0a237024079b6a0c46f7daacbd9. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/8ff3e0a237024079b6a0c46f7daacbd9/view

## Points of contact

- Kari Webler, kari.webler@noaa.gov
- Kevin J. Buum, kevin.j.buum@noaa.gov

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Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/rfivos.