Notice2025-11762
Transforming In Situ Global Ocean Observing Systems Through Public-Private Partnerships
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 26, 2025
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NOAA recognizes the pivotal roles of academia and industry in driving competition, innovation, and efficiency through strategic public-private partnerships. This RFI is soliciting information from organizations across these various sectors to assess interest and capability for adopting the long-term operation and sustainment of mature global observing systems--or elements of these observing systems (e.g., deployments, data management, etc.). This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a request for proposals or solicitation for a contract or grant award, nor does it obligate the Government in any way. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with responding to this request.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 121 (Thursday, June 26, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 121 (Thursday, June 26, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27282-27284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-11762]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Transforming In Situ Global Ocean Observing Systems Through
Public-Private Partnerships
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office
of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Department of Commerce
(DOC).
ACTION: Notice; request for information (RFI).
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SUMMARY: NOAA recognizes the pivotal roles of academia and industry in
driving competition, innovation, and efficiency through strategic
public-private partnerships. This RFI is soliciting information from
organizations across these various sectors to assess interest and
capability for adopting the long-term operation and sustainment of
mature global observing systems--or elements of these observing systems
(e.g., deployments, data management, etc.). This RFI is for
informational purposes only and does not constitute a request for
proposals or solicitation for a contract or grant award, nor does it
obligate the Government in any way. The Government will not reimburse
respondents for any costs associated with responding to this request.
DATES: Responses must be received on or before July 31st.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties are requested to submit capability
statements describing their qualifications, expertise, products, and
data delivery methods addressing one or
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more of the mature observing systems listed below. Submit via email to
Katelyn Robinson (<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1972786d7c756077376b767b70776a76775977767878377e766f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cea5afbaaba2b7a0e0bca1aca7a0bda1a08ea0a1afafe0a9a1b8">[email protected]</span></a>) and Jessica Snowden
(<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#eb818e989882888ac59885849c8f8e85ab85848a8ac58c849d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7a101f090913191b540914150d1e1f143a14151b1b541d150c">[email protected]</span></a>). Include ``Transforming In Situ Global Ocean
Observing Systems through Public-Private Partnerships'' in the subject
line of the message. Please include the following key elements:
Organization Information:
A. Contact Information: Key points of contact within the company,
such as the primary contact person's name, title, email, and phone
number.
B. Past Performance: Examples of previous work, including
successful projects, notable clients/funding bodies, and relevant
contracts or partnerships. Include descriptions of the following:
1. Organizational history--a description of your organization's
primary products, services, and specialized skills relevant to ocean
observing systems. Include what sets your organization apart from other
companies, such as unique strengths, specialized technologies,
methodologies, or service excellence in the ocean observing domain.
2. Resources--provide your past 3 years of contracts or grants,
revenue streams, funding, etc.
3. Affiliations.
4. Markets/users/stakeholders being served--as relevant.
5. Other information that demonstrates the viability to provide
sustainable operations and data services (e.g., NOAA Readiness Level;
<a href="https://orta.research.noaa.gov/support/readiness-levels/">https://orta.research.noaa.gov/support/readiness-levels/</a>).
Capability Information:
For each ocean observing system or component you're interested in
responding, please include the following key elements:
<bullet> Potential cost, efficiency gains, or enhanced data quality
your solutions can offer;
<bullet> Any intellectual property or data ownership/availability
considerations;
<bullet> Estimated cost of either the entire system, or individual
components (such as oceanographic deployment, manufacturing, ocean data
management etc.) to be managed.
Collaboration between the private and public sector and academia is
encouraged.
Responses shall be limited to 10 pages, including a one-page
executive summary, supporting appendices, title page(s), tables,
graphics, images, and figures. Each page should be formatted to fit an
8.5 by 11-inch document, with content area not exceeding 6.5 by 9
inches. Use a 12-point proportional font aligned to the left.
Information must be submitted in Microsoft Word DOCX or Adobe Acrobat
PDF format.
RFI responses must be received via email by the addresses provided
below no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, July
31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. The Government is
not obligated to review responses received after the deadline.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katelyn Robinson; Phone Number: 301-
734-1178; Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8fe4eefbeae3f6e1a1fde0ede6e1fce0e1cfe1e0eeeea1e8e0f9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1873796c7d746176366a777a71766b77765876777979367f776e">[email protected]</span></a>; Jessica Snowden; Phone
Number: 301-427-2465; Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c66697f7f656f6d227f62637b6869624c62636d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cfa5aabcbca6acaee1bca1a0b8abaaa18fa1a0aeaee1a8a0b9">[email protected]</span></a> or visit the GOMO
website at <a href="https://globalocean.noaa.gov/">https://globalocean.noaa.gov/</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program is the
U.S. Federal source and international leader for sustained, in situ
global ocean observations and information in support of research,
monitoring, and prediction. Ocean observations are used in
environmental prediction models that help us understand our dynamic
ocean and its impact on the environment. Growing recognition of the
ocean's importance for environmental prediction, maritime safety and
navigation, coastal planning, farming, and the blue economy is driving
demand for sustained ocean observing systems across all ocean basins.
Overall, GOMO works to build a resilient, innovative, and fully
integrated ocean observing system that benefits scientific research,
fosters environmental stewardship, and serves the Nation and society.
In order to meet its Mission and Vision, GOMO seeks to optimize its
portfolio of ocean observing capabilities. Here, we issue a General RFI
to gain actionable information from the commercial and academic sectors
on the potential for improved ocean observing frameworks achieved
through private sector firms and/or collaborative public-private
partnerships.
II. Scope of Information Requested
The scope of the RFI will cover GOMO's mature observing systems.
Key considerations on whether to transition activities to the private
sector include: (1) the readiness and capacity of private sector firms
to offer competitive alternatives or public-private partnerships to
meet observing system needs and requirements; and assume components of
observing system life-cycle responsibilities; (2) the potential for
diversification, lower overall costs, or improved efficiencies/
reliability/risk management; and (3) best practices and lessons learned
from the NOAA operational observing community and other entities.
III. The Mature Observing Systems
A mature ocean observing system in GOMO's portfolio is a sustained
system that consistently delivers known-quality and FAIR (Findable,
Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data, meeting user
requirements with proven operational stability. It operates with
established standards and protocols, sustainable resources, and clear
governance. Mature systems demonstrate potential for transition to
alternative operational models, including private sector arrangements.
In this RFI we seek feedback on the following mature systems:
1. The Core Argo Float
2. The Drifter Program
3. Tide Gauges
The Argo Program collects information on temperature and salinity
amongst other properties across the world's oceans. Core Argo, which we
solicit information on here, was the original focus of the program
whose mission was to collect measurements down to a depth of 2000
meters. The instruments that the program utilizes, termed floats, are
launched from ships and drift with ocean currents collecting data
between the surface and 2000 meters.
The Global Drifter Program is a component of the Global Surface
Drifting Buoy Array. It comprises a network of satellite-tracked
surface drifting buoys that collect in-situ observations of surface
ocean conditions such as mixed layer currents, atmospheric pressure,
wind, waves, and sea surface temperature.
Tide gauges are fitted with various sensors that allow for in situ
observations of sea level change relative to a height reference. In
addition, gauges may provide other oceanographic and meteorological
data including wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air
temperature, and water temperature.
An information package on these networks is available on the GOMO
website (<a href="https://globalocean.noaa.gov/">https://globalocean.noaa.gov/</a>).
IV. Use of Information Received
This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee
the Government will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) or award a
contract for supplies or services. The information received could
impact the Government's decision to release an RFP or multiple
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RFPs in the future, but does not obligate the Government in any way.
The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated
with responding to this request.
Proprietary information will be handled in accordance with the
applicable government regulations. Vendors are advised to clearly mark
proprietary information as `Proprietary' on each page to ensure proper
handling. Any unmarked information will be considered public domain.
The Government is not liable for any damages resulting from proprietary
information not properly identified.
Respondents are hereby notified that as part of this evaluation
process, NOAA intends to use the information obtained to promote the
evolution of NOAA's mature observing systems and ensure alignment with
NOAA and Department of Commerce missions. Respondents are also informed
that during the RFI evaluation process, agencies may involve Federally
Funded Research and Development Centers, Cooperative Institutes, and
support contractors to assist with the evaluation.
Participation in this RFI is not a requirement for future
opportunities. Vendors who do not submit a response to this RFI are
still eligible to submit proposals in response to any future RFP(s)
that NOAA may release.
Dated: June 23, 2025.
Emily Larkin,
Director Chief Financial Officer/CAO, (acting), Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2025-11762 Filed 6-25-25; 8:45 am]
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