Notice2026-02289
Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act; Lease Sale 2
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
February 5, 2026
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentOcean Energy Management Bureau
Abstract
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for blocks offered in the Gulf of America (GOA) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act Lease Sale 2 (Lease Sale BBG2). BOEM is holding this sale pursuant to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. The Final Notice of Sale (NOS) package for Lease Sale BBG2 contains information essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, Information to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations. Section 50102 of the OBBBA mandates that the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) conduct the sale within a specific time period and directs the Secretary to offer the same lease form, lease terms, economic conditions, and stipulations as contained in the Final Notice of Sale entitled, "Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Region-Wide Oil and Gas Lease Sale 254" (85 FR 8010, Feb. 12, 2020).
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 24 (Thursday, February 5, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5251-5259]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02289]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[Docket No. BOEM-2025-0516]
Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas One Big
Beautiful Bill Act; Lease Sale 2
AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Interior.
ACTION: Final notice of sale.
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SUMMARY: On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management (BOEM) will open and publicly announce bids received for
blocks offered in the Gulf of America (GOA) Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS) Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act Lease Sale 2 (Lease Sale
BBG2). BOEM is holding this sale pursuant to the One Big Beautiful Bill
Act (OBBBA) and in accordance with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands
Act (OCSLA), as amended, and its implementing regulations. The Final
Notice of Sale (NOS) package for Lease Sale BBG2 contains information
essential to potential bidders and comprises this notice, Information
to Lessees, and Lease Stipulations. Section 50102 of the OBBBA mandates
that the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) conduct the sale within
a specific time period and directs the Secretary to offer the same
lease form, lease terms, economic conditions, and stipulations as
contained in the Final Notice of Sale entitled, ``Gulf of Mexico Outer
Continental Shelf Region-Wide Oil and Gas Lease Sale 254'' (85 FR 8010,
Feb. 12, 2020).
DATES: BOEM will hold Lease Sale BBG2 at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March
11, 2026. All times referred to in this document are Central time,
unless otherwise specified.
Bid submission deadline: BOEM must receive all sealed bids prior to
the bid submission deadline of 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026,
the day before the lease sale. For more information on bid submission,
see Section VII of this document, ``Bidding Instructions.''
ADDRESSES: Bids will be accepted, prior to the bid submission deadline,
through any parcel delivery service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, U.S. Postal
Service, DHL) or in person at 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans,
Louisiana 70123. Public bid reading for Lease Sale BBG2 will be held at
4545 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, Louisiana. The venue will not be open
to the general public, but limited seating will be available for Lease
Sale BBG2 bidders only. Bid opening will be available for public
viewing on BOEM's website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a> via live-
streaming video beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the date of the sale. The
results will be posted on BOEM's website upon completion of bid opening
and reading. Interested parties may download the Final NOS package from
BOEM's website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a>. Copies of the sale
maps can be obtained by contacting the BOEM GOA Region: Gulf of America
Region Public Affairs Office, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1201
Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394, (504) 650-
7060.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Purvis, Gulf of America Region
Lease Sale Coordinator, at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#74363b3139330118123811150711271518110734161b11195a131b02"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="397b767c747e4c555f755c584a5c6a58555c4a795b565c54175e564f">[email protected]</span></a> or 504-736-1729.
For sale day inquiries, please call Greg Purvis at 504-736-1729.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority: This sale is being held pursuant to the requirements of
Public Law 119-21 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). This Final Notice of
Sale is published pursuant to 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. (Outer Continental
Shelf Lands Act, as amended) and 30 CFR 556.308(a). Following President
Trump's Executive Order 14172, ``Restoring Names That Honor American
Greatness,'' (January 20, 2025), the Gulf of Mexico has been renamed to
the Gulf of America. Any references to ``Gulf of Mexico'' herein are
solely retained due to official titles of statutes, treaties,
agreements or publications.
Table of Contents
I. Lease Sale Area
II. Statutes and Regulations
III. Lease Terms and Economic Conditions
IV. Lease Stipulations
V. Information to Lessees
VI. Maps
VII. Bidding Instructions
VIII. Bidding Rules and Restrictions
IX. Forms
X. The Lease Sale
XI. Delay of Sale
I. Lease Sale Area
Blocks Offered for Leasing: BOEM will offer for bid in this lease
sale all available unleased acreage in the GOA OCS as identified on the
map, ``Final Oil and Gas Sale Area for Sale BBG2'' (<a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a>), except those blocks listed below in ``Blocks
Not Offered for Leasing.''
Blocks Not Offered for Leasing: BOEM will exclude the following
whole and partial blocks from this sale. The BOEM Official Protraction
Diagrams (OPDs) and Supplemental OPDs are available online at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/mapping-and-data">https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/mapping-and-data</a>.
<bullet> Whole and Partial Blocks withdrawn from leasing by
Presidential Withdrawal in the September 8, 2020, Memorandum on the
Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the United States Outer Continental
Shelf from Leasing Disposition:
Table 1--OCS Blocks Withdrawn from Leasing Pursuant to the Presidential
Memorandum Issued on September 8, 2020
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA protraction areas OCS block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pensacola (Leasing Map NH 16-05)... Whole Blocks: 751-754, 793-798, 837-
842, 881-886, 925-930, 969-975.
[[Page 5252]]
Destin Dome (Leasing Map NH 16-08). Whole Blocks: 1-7, 45-51, 89-96,
133-140, 177-184, 221-228, 265-
273, 309-317, 353-361, 397-405,
441-450, 485-494, 529-538, 573-
582, 617-627, 661-671, 705-715,
749-759, 793-804, 837-848, 881-
892, 925-936, 969-981.
DeSoto Canyon (Leasing Map NH 16- Whole Blocks: 1-15, 45-59, 92-102.
11). Partial Blocks: 16, 60, 61, 89-91,
103-105, 135-147.
Henderson (Leasing Map NG 16-05)... Partial Blocks: 114, 158, 202, 246,
290, 334, 335, 378, 379, 422, 423.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> Whole and Partial Blocks within the boundary of the Flower
Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (East and West Flower Garden
Banks and the Stetson Bank) as of the July 14, 2008, Memorandum on
Modification of the Withdrawal of Areas of the United States Outer
Continental Shelf from Leasing Disposition:
Table 2--OCS Blocks Withdrawn From Leasing in the Flower Garden Banks
National Marine Sanctuary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA protraction areas OCS block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Island, East Addition, South Whole Block: A-398.
Extension (Leasing Map TX7C). Partial Blocks: A-366, A-367, A-
374, A-375, A-383, A-384, A-385, A-
388, A-389, A-397, A-399, A-401.
High Island, South Addition Partial Blocks: A-502, A-513.
(Leasing Map TX7B).
Garden Banks (Leasing Map NG 15-02) Partial Blocks: 134, 135.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> Whole and Partial Blocks that are adjacent to or beyond
the United States Exclusive Economic Zone in the area known as the
northern portion of the Eastern Gap:
Table 3--OCS Blocks Not Offered for Leasing Adjacent to or Beyond the
United States Exclusive Economic Zone
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOA protraction areas OCS block
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lund South (Leasing Map NG 16-07).. Whole Blocks: 128, 129, 169-173,
208-217, 248-261, 293-305, 349.
Henderson (Leasing Map NG 16-05)... Whole Blocks: 466, 508-510, 551-
554, 594-599, 637-643, 679-687,
722-731, 764-775, 807-819, 849-
862, 891-905, 933-949, 975-992.
Partial Blocks: 335, 379, 423, 467,
511, 555, 556, 600, 644, 688, 732,
776, 777, 820, 821, 863, 864, 906,
907, 950, 993, 994.
Florida Plain (Leasing Map NG 16- Whole Blocks: 5-24, 46-67, 89-110,
08). 133-154, 177-197, 221-240, 265-
283, 309-327, 363-370.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<bullet> Depth-restricted, segregated block portion(s). The current
block meeting this criterion is:
Block 299, Main Pass Area, South and East Addition (as shown on
Louisiana Leasing Map LA10A), containing 1,125 acres from the surface
of the earth down to a subsea depth of 1,900 feet with respect to the
following described portions: SW\1/4\NE\1/4\; NW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\;
W\1/2\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\S\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\SW\1/
4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\SW\1/
4\SE\1/4\ NE\1/4\; SW\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; NW\1/4\SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\
NE\1/4\; N\1/2\NW\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/
4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; N\1/2\S\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\; S\1/2\NE\1/
4\NW\1/4\; S\1/2\S\1/2\N\1/2\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; S\1/
2\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\; NE\1/4\SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\NW\1/4\; E\1/2\NE\1/
4\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; E\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/
4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\NW\1/4\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; SE\1/4\SE\1/4\SE\1/
4\NW\1/4\; E\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/
4\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\S\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\; N\1/2\N\1/
2\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\SW\1/4\; N\1/2\N\1/2\N\1/2\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\SE\1/
4\; N\1/2\N\1/2\NW\1/4\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\SE\1/4\
<bullet> Any blocks in which the status of existing leases is under
appeal.
<bullet> Any block which received a bid in Lease Sale BBG1.
The final list of blocks available for bid will be posted on BOEM's
website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a>.
II. Statutes and Regulations
Each lease is issued pursuant to the OBBBA and OCSLA, 43 U.S.C.
1331 et seq., as amended, and is subject to OCSLA implementing
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto in 30 CFR part 556, and other
applicable statutes and regulations in existence upon the effective
date of the lease, as well as those applicable statutes enacted and
regulations promulgated thereafter, except to the extent that the
after-enacted statutes and regulations explicitly conflict with an
express provision of the lease. Each lease is subject to amendments to
statutes and regulations, including but not limited to OCSLA, that do
not explicitly conflict with an express provision of the lease. The
lessee expressly bears the risk that such new or amended statutes and
regulations (i.e., those that do not explicitly conflict with an
express provision of the lease) may increase or decrease the lessee's
obligations under the lease. BOEM reserves the right to
[[Page 5253]]
reject any and all bids received, regardless of the amount offered (see
30 CFR 556.516).
The OBBBA was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and contains
statutory requirements to conduct lease sales in the Gulf of America
with specific parameters and timing requirements. Section 50102(a)(1)
of the OBBBA requires the Secretary to conduct a minimum of 30 offshore
lease sales in the Gulf of America Region through 2040, notwithstanding
the 2024-2029 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (or
any successor leasing program that does not satisfy the requirements of
the OBBBA). This lease sale constitutes the second lease sale required
by OBBBA in the Gulf of America. The statute directs the Secretary to
hold at least two lease sales in each calendar year from 2026 through
2039 (by March 15 and August 15 of each applicable year), and at least
one sale by March 15, 2040. The statute further requires specific Terms
and Stipulations that must be used for these sales, stating that the
Secretary must ``offer the same lease form, lease terms, economic
conditions, and stipulations 4 through 9 as contained in the Final
Notice of Sale of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management entitled for
the `Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf Region-Wide Oil and Gas
Lease Sale 254' (85 FR 8010 (February 12, 2020)).''
Additionally, the OBBBA requires the Secretary to set royalty rates
at not less than 12\1/2\ percent and not more than 16\2/3\ percent;
establishes a 10-year primary term for deepwater GOA leases; requires
not fewer than 80 million acres to be offered, or all available
unleased acres if less than 80 million acres are available; and
increases the amount of revenue sharing pursuant to the Gulf of Mexico
Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA, Pub. L. 109-432) from $500 million
to $650 million through 2034. The annual GOMESA revenue sharing caps
continue thereafter at $500 million per year through 2055, after which
there will be no caps on GOMESA revenue sharing.
III. Lease Terms and Economic Conditions
BOEM will offer leases that include certain terms and conditions to
ensure compliance with the requirements of the OBBBA.
OCS Lease Form
Pursuant to Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA, BOEM will use Form
BOEM-2005 (February 2017) to convey leases resulting from this sale.
This lease form can be viewed on BOEM's website at <a href="http://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2005">http://www.boem.gov/BOEM-2005</a>. The lease form will be amended to include specific terms,
conditions, and stipulations applicable to the individual lease. The
final terms, conditions, and stipulations applicable to this sale are
below.
Primary Terms
Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA requires that the primary term
for leases in water depths less than 800 meters to be the same as those
in Lease Sale 254. Additionally, Section 50102(b)(1)(D) requires a
primary term of 10 years for leases offered in water depths 800 meters
or deeper. The primary terms for this sale are summarized in the
following table:
Table 4--Primary Terms
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water depth (meters) Primary term
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to <400............................ The primary term is 5 years; the
lessee may earn an additional 3
years (i.e., for an 8-year
extended primary term) if a well
is spudded targeting
hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet
True Vertical Depth Subsea
(TVDSS) during the first 5 years
of the lease.
400 to <800.......................... The primary term is 5 years; the
lessee will earn an additional 3
years (i.e., for an 8-year
extended primary term) if a well
is spudded during the first 5
years of the lease.
800+................................. 10 years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The primary term for a lease in water depths of less than 400
meters is 5 years. If the lessee spuds a well targeting hydrocarbons
below 25,000 feet TVDSS within the first 5 years of the lease, then the
lessee may earn an additional 3 years, resulting in an 8-year primary
term. The lessee will earn the 8-year primary term when the well is
drilled to a target below 25,000 feet TVDSS; or the lessee may earn the
8-year primary term in cases where the well targets, but does not
reach, a depth below 25,000 feet TVDSS due to mechanical or safety
reasons that are beyond the lessee's control, and that are supported by
sufficient evidence from the lessee. To earn the 8-year primary term,
the lessee is required to submit a letter to the BOEM GOA Regional
Supervisor, Office of Leasing and Plans, as soon as practicable, but no
more than 30 days after completion of the drilling operation, providing
the well number, spud date, information demonstrating a target below
25,000 feet TVDSS and whether that target was reached, and if
applicable, any safety or mechanical reasons encountered that prevented
the well from reaching a depth below 25,000 feet TVDSS. In the letter,
the lessee must request confirmation from BOEM that the lessee earned
the 8-year primary term. The BOEM GOA Regional Supervisor for Leasing
and Plans will confirm in writing, within 30 days of receiving the
lessee's letter, whether the lessee has earned the extended primary
term and accordingly update BOEM's records. The extended primary term
is not effective unless and until the lessee receives confirmation from
BOEM. A lessee that has earned the 8-year primary term by spudding a
well with a hydrocarbon target below 25,000 feet TVDSS during the
standard 5-year primary term of the lease will not be granted a
suspension for that same period under the regulations at 30 CFR 250.175
because the lease is not at risk of expiring.
2. The primary term for a lease in water depths ranging from 400
meters to less than 800 meters is 5 years. If the lessee spuds a well
within the first 5 years of the lease, the lessee may earn an
additional 3 years, resulting in an 8-year primary term. To earn the 8-
year primary term, the lessee is required to submit a letter to the
BOEM GOA Regional Supervisor, Office of Leasing and Plans, as soon as
practicable, but no more than 30 days after spudding a well, providing
the well number and spud date, and requesting confirmation from BOEM
that the lessee earned the 8-year extended primary term. Within 30 days
of receipt of the request, the BOEM GOA Regional Supervisor for Leasing
and Plans will provide written confirmation of whether the lessee has
earned the extended primary term and accordingly update BOEM's records.
The extended primary term is not
[[Page 5254]]
effective unless and until the lessee receives confirmation from BOEM.
3. The primary term for a lease in water depths 800 meters or
deeper is 10 years.
Minimum Bonus Bid Amounts
Pursuant to Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA, the minimum bonus
bids are the same as those used in Lease Sale 254. BOEM will not accept
a bonus bid unless it provides for a cash bonus in an amount equal to
or exceeding the specified minimum bid, as described below.
<bullet> $25 per acre or fraction thereof for blocks in water
depths less than 400 meters; and
<bullet> $100 per acre or fraction thereof for blocks in water
depths 400 meters or deeper.
Rental Rates
Pursuant to Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA, rental rates are
the same as those used in Lease Sale 254. Annual rental rates, per acre
or fraction thereof, are summarized in the following table:
Table 5--Rental Rates per Acre or Fraction Thereof
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water depth (meters) Years 1-5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 to <200....................................... $7 $14 $21 $28
200 to <400..................................... 11 22 33 44
400+............................................ 11 16 16 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Escalating Rental Rates for Leases With an 8-Year Primary Term in Water
Depths Less Than 400 Meters
Any lessee with a lease in less than 400 meters water depth who
earns an 8-year primary term will pay an escalating rental rate as
shown above. The rental rates after the fifth year for blocks in less
than 400 meters water depth will become fixed and no longer escalate if
another well is spudded targeting hydrocarbons below 25,000 feet TVDSS
after the fifth year of the lease, and BOEM concurs that such a well
has been spudded. In this case, the rental rate will become fixed at
the rental rate in effect during the lease year in which the additional
well was spudded.
Minimum Royalty Rate
Pursuant to Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA, the minimum
royalty rates are the same as those used in Lease Sale 254:
<bullet> $7.00 per acre or fraction thereof per year for blocks in
water depths less than 200 meters; and
<bullet> $11.00 per acre or fraction thereof per year for blocks in
water depths 200 meters or deeper.
Royalty Rate
The royalty rate is the minimum allowed by Section 50102(b)(1)(C)
of the OBBBA:
<bullet> 12\1/2\ percent for blocks in all water depths.
Royalty Suspension Provisions
Pursuant to Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA, the royalty
suspensions offered in this sale are the same as those offered in Lease
Sale 254. The Department may issue leases with Royalty Suspension
Volumes (RSVs) under 30 CFR part 560, which BOEM administers. The
specific details relating to eligibility and implementation of RSVs and
other royalty relief programs are found at 30 CFR part 203, which the
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement administers.
Royalty Suspension Volumes on Gas Production From Ultra-Deep Wells
Pursuant to 30 CFR part 203, certain leases issued because of this
sale may be eligible for RSV incentives on gas produced from ultra-deep
wells. Under this program, wells on leases in less than 400 meters
water depth and completed to a drilling depth of 20,000 feet TVDSS or
deeper receive an RSV of 35 billion cubic feet on the production of
natural gas. This RSV incentive is subject to applicable price
thresholds set forth in the regulations at 30 CFR part 203. These
regulations implement the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(Pub. L. 109-58, 119 Stat. 594 (2005)).
IV. Lease Stipulations
Pursuant to Section 50102(b)(1)(A) of the OBBBA, BOEM must use the
same lease stipulations 4 through 9 that were provided in the Lease
Sale 254 Final NOS. BOEM has updated Stipulations 1, 2, 3, and 10,
where applicable, to reflect current conditions in the GOA.
One or more of the stipulations below may be applied to leases
issued in this sale. The applicable blocks for each stipulation are
identified on the map entitled, ``Final Gulf of America Oil and Gas
Lease Sale BBG2, March 2026, Stipulations and Deferred Blocks,'' which
is included in the Final NOS package. The full text of the following
stipulations is contained in the ``Lease Stipulations'' section of the
Final NOS package. BOEM has posted the final list of blocks available
for bid and the applicable stipulations that apply to those blocks on
its website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a> under the Final NOS tab.
1. Military Areas
2. Evacuation
3. Coordination
4. Protected Species
5. Topographic Features
6. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Royalty Payment
7. Agreement between the United States and Mexico Concerning
Transboundary Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
8. Live Bottom
9. Blocks South of Baldwin County, Alabama
10. Restrictions due to Rights-of-Use and Easement for Floating
Production Facilities
V. Information to Lessees
Information to Lessees (ITLs) provide detailed information on
certain issues pertaining to specific oil and gas lease sales. The full
text of the ITLs for this sale is contained in the ``Information to
Lessees'' section of the Final NOS package and covers the following
topics:
1. Navigation Safety
2. Ordnance Disposal Areas
3. Existing and Proposed Artificial Reefs/Rigs-to-Reefs
4. Lightering Zones
5. Indicated Hydrocarbons List
6. Military Areas
7. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Inspection and
Enforcement of Certain U.S. Coast Guard Regulations
8. Significant Outer Continental Shelf Sediment Resource Areas
9. Notice of Arrival on the Outer Continental Shelf
10. Bidder/Lessee Notice of Obligations Related to Criminal/Civil
Charges and Offenses, Suspension, or Debarment; Disqualification Due to
a Conviction under the Clean Air Act or the Clean Water Act
[[Page 5255]]
11. Protected Species
12. Expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
13. Communication Towers
14. Deepwater Port Applications for Offshore Oil and Liquefied Natural
Gas Facilities
15. Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites
16. Rights-of-Use and Easement
17. Industrial Waste Disposal Areas
18. Gulf Islands National Seashore
19. Air Quality Permit/Plan Approvals
20. Provisions Pertaining to Certain Transactions by Foreign Persons
Involving Real Estate in the United States
VI. Maps
The maps pertaining to this lease sale can be viewed on BOEM's
website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a>. The following maps also are
included in the Final NOS package:
Sale Area Map
The sale area is shown on the map entitled, ``Final Oil and Gas
Sale Area for Sale BBG2.''
Lease Terms and Economic Conditions Map
The lease terms and economic conditions associated with leases of
certain blocks are shown on the map entitled, ``Final Gulf of America
Oil and Gas Lease Sale BBG2, March 2026, Lease Terms and Economic
Conditions.''
Stipulations and Deferred Blocks Map
The lease stipulations and the blocks to which they apply are shown
on the map entitled, ``Final Gulf of America Oil and Gas Lease Sale
BBG2, March 2026, Stipulations and Deferred Blocks.''
VII. Bidding Instructions
Prior to the bid submission deadline, bids may be submitted through
any parcel delivery service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, U.S. Postal Service,
DHL) or in-person at the address listed in the ``Mailed Bid
Submission'' section. Business hours for in-person bid submission are
Monday, March 9th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 10th
from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Instructions on how to submit a bid, secure payment of the advance
bonus bid deposit (if applicable), and the information to be included
with the bid are as follows:
Bid Form
For each block bid upon, a separate sealed bid must be submitted in
a sealed envelope (as described below) and include the following items:
<bullet> Total amount of the bid in whole dollars only;
<bullet> Sale number;
<bullet> Sale date;
<bullet> Each bidder's exact name;
<bullet> Each bidder's proportionate interest, stated as a
percentage, using a maximum of five decimal places (e.g., 33.33333
percent);
<bullet> Typed name and title, and signature of each bidder's
authorized officer. Electronic signatures are acceptable. The typed
name, title, and signature must agree exactly with the name and title
on file in the BOEM Gulf of America OCS Region Adjudication Section;
<bullet> Each bidder's BOEM qualification number;
<bullet> Map name and number or OPD name and number;
<bullet> Block number; and
<bullet> Statement acknowledging that the bidder(s) understands
that this bid legally binds the bidder(s) to comply with all applicable
regulations, including the requirement to post a deposit in the amount
of one-fifth of the bonus bid amount for any tract bid upon and make
payment of the balance of the bonus bid and first year's rental upon
BOEM's acceptance of high bids.
The information required for each bid is specified in the document
``Bid Form'' that is available in the Final NOS package, which can be
found at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a>. A blank bid form is provided
in the Final NOS package for convenience and can be copied and
completed with the necessary information described above.
Bid Envelope
Each bid must be submitted in a separate sealed envelope labeled as
follows:
<bullet> ``Sealed Bid for GOA Region-wide Sale BBG2, not to be
opened until 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026'';
<bullet> Map name and number or OPD name and number;
<bullet> Block number for block bid upon;
<bullet> Acreage, if the bid is for a block that is split between
the Central and Eastern Planning Areas; and
<bullet> The exact name and qualification number of the submitting
bidder only.
The Final NOS package includes a sample bid envelope for reference.
Mailed Bid Submission
Please address the envelope containing the sealed bid envelope(s)
as follows:
Attention: Leasing and Financial Responsibility Section, BOEM New
Orleans Office, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard MS-266A, New Orleans,
Louisiana 70123-2394, Contains Sealed Bids for Lease Sale BBG2, Please
deliver to Mr. Greg Purvis or Mrs. Renee Bigner, 2nd Floor,
immediately.
Please Note: Bidders are advised to inform BOEM by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bbf9f4fef6fcced7ddf7dedac8dee8dad7dec8facfcfded5dfdad5d8defbd9d4ded695dcd4cd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a2e0ede7efe5d7cec4eec7c3d1c7f1c3cec7d1e3d6d6c7ccc6c3ccc1c7e2c0cdc7cf8cc5cdd4">[email protected]</span></a> immediately after placing bid(s)
in the mail. This provides advance notice to BOEM regarding pending
bids before the bid submission deadline. In the email, please state the
tracking number of the bid package, the number of bids being submitted,
and the email address of the person who should receive the bid receipt
for signature. If BOEM receives bids later than the bid submission
deadline, the BOEM GOA Regional Director (RD) will return those bids
unopened to bidders. Please see Section XI, ``Delay of Sale,''
regarding BOEM's discretion to extend the bid submission deadline in
the case of an unexpected event (e.g., flooding) and how bidders can
obtain more information on such extensions.
In-Person Bid Submission and/or In-Person Bid Reading
Bidders must advise BOEM via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d1f1218101a28313b11383c2e380e3c31382e1c29293833393c333e381d3f323830733a322b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="094b464c444e7c656f456c687a6c5a68656c7a487d7d6c676d68676a6c496b666c64276e667f">[email protected]</span></a> no later than 4:00 p.m. on
February 20, 2026, if the intention is to participate in Lease Sale
BBG2 in person for bid submission, bid reading, or both. BOEM will
promptly respond to the email with additional instructions for gaining
security clearance to attend bid submission and/or bid reading in-
person. Bidders who do not notify BOEM and gain clearance to attend in
advance will not be granted access to the venue and will be instructed
to mail in bids, which must arrive prior to the bid submission
deadline.
Advance Bonus Bid Deposit Guarantee
Bidders who are not currently an OCS oil and gas lease record title
holder or designated operator, or those who have ever defaulted on a
one-fifth bonus bid deposit, must guarantee (secure) the payment of the
one-fifth bonus bid deposit, by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or
otherwise, before bid submission using one of the following four
methods:
<bullet> Provide a third-party guarantee;
<bullet> Amend a development stage area-wide bond via bond rider;
<bullet> Provide a letter of credit; or
<bullet> Provide a lump sum payment in advance via EFT.
Please provide, at the time of bid submittal, a confirmation or
tracking number for the payment, the name of the company submitting the
payment as it appears on the payment, and the date the payment was
submitted so that BOEM can confirm payment with the
[[Page 5256]]
Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR). Bidders should submit
payments to their financial institution at least 5 business days prior
to bid submittal to ensure that the Office of Foreign Assets Control
and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (U.S. Treasury) have time to
screen and process payments and that payments are posted to ONRR prior
to placing the bid. ONRR cannot confirm payment until the monies have
been moved into settlement status by the U.S. Treasury. Bids will not
be accepted if BOEM cannot confirm payment with ONRR before 10:00 a.m.
on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
If providing a third-party guarantee, amending a development stage
area-wide bond via bond rider, or providing a letter of credit to
secure your one-fifth bonus bid deposit, bidders are urged to file
these documents with BOEM well in advance of submitting the bid. This
allows processing time and ensures bidders have time to take any
necessary curative actions prior to bid submission. For more
information on EFT procedures, see Section X, ``The Lease Sale.''
Geophysical Data and Information Statement (GDIS)
The GDIS is composed of five parts:
1. A ``Statement'' page that includes the company representatives'
information and separate lists of blocks bid on that used proprietary
data and those blocks bid upon that did not use proprietary data;
2. A ``Table'' listing the required data about each proprietary
survey used (see below);
3. A ``Survey Parameter Worksheet'' listing acquisition geometry,
frequency range, fold coverage and processing methods for each survey
(see below);
4. ``Maps,'' which contain the live trace maps for each proprietary
survey and fast-track survey that are identified in the GDIS statement
and table; and
5. ``Proprietary geophysical and fast-track SEGY'', not submitted
previously to BOEM, needs to be submitted along with the GDIS.
Any bidder who used proprietary seismic data not previously
submitted to BOEM to evaluate a block in Lease Sale BBG2--or who is a
joint bidder on such a bid--must submit all five parts of the GDIS at
the time of bid submission. If only speculative seismic data was used,
the bidder must submit the GDIS Form and GDIS Table listing all
speculative data used for each block. A bidder must submit the GDIS
even if a joint bidder or bidders on a specific block also have
submitted a GDIS. Any speculative data that has been reprocessed
externally or ``in-house'' is considered proprietary due to the
proprietary processing and is no longer considered to be speculative.
The bidder and joint bidder must submit the GDIS in a separate and
sealed envelope and must identify all proprietary data; reprocessed
speculative data, and/or any Controlled Source Electromagnetic surveys,
Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) data, gravity data, and/or magnetic data;
or other data or information used as part of the decision to bid or
participate in a bid on the block.
The bidder and joint bidder must also include a live trace map
(e.g., .pdf and ArcGIS shapefile) for each proprietary and fast-track
survey identified in the GDIS illustrating the actual areal extent of
the proprietary geophysical and fast-track data in the survey (see the
``Example of Preferred Format'' that is included in the Final NOS
package for additional information). The shape file must not include
cultural resources information; only the live trace map of the survey
itself.
The GDIS statement must include the name, phone number, and full
address for a contact person and an alternate, who are both
knowledgeable about the geophysical information and data listed and who
are available for 30 days after the sale date. The GDIS statement must
also include a list of all blocks bid upon, including those blocks
where no proprietary or reprocessed geophysical data and/or proprietary
information was used, as a basis for the bidder's decision to bid or to
participate as a joint bidder in the bid. All bidders must submit the
GDIS statement even if no proprietary geophysical data or information
was used in its bid preparation for the block.
Examples of the preferred format of the table and parameter
worksheet are included in the Final NOS package, and a blank digital
version of the preferred table and Survey Parameter Worksheet can be
accessed on the Lease Sale BBG2 website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a>. The GDIS table should have columns that clearly state the
following:
<bullet> The sale number;
<bullet> The bidder's company name;
<bullet> The joint bidder's company name (if applicable);
<bullet> The company providing proprietary data to BOEM;
<bullet> The block area and block number bid upon;
<bullet> The owner of the original data set (i.e., who initially
acquired the data);
<bullet> The industry's original name of the survey (e.g., E
Octopus);
<bullet> The BOEM permit number for the survey;
<bullet> Whether the data set is a fast-track version; BOEM will
request all fast-track data;
<bullet> Whether the data is speculative or proprietary;
<bullet> The data type (e.g., 2-D, 3-D, or 4-D; pre-stack or post-
stack; time or depth);
<bullet> The migration algorithm (e.g., Kirchhoff migration, wave
equation migration, reverse migration, reverse time migration) of the
data and areal extent of bidder survey (i.e., number of line miles for
2-D or number of blocks for 3-D);
<bullet> The live proprietary survey coverage (2-D miles 3-D
blocks);
<bullet> The computer storage size, to the nearest gigabyte, of
each seismic data and velocity volume used to evaluate the lease block;
<bullet> Who reprocessed the data;
<bullet> The date on which the final reprocessing was completed
(month and year);
<bullet> If the data was previously sent to BOEM, list the sale
number and date of the sale for which it was used;
<bullet> Whether proprietary or speculative AVO/AVA (PROP/SPEC) was
used;
<bullet> The date on which the AVO or AVA was sent to BOEM, if it
was sent before the sale;
<bullet> Whether AVO/AVA is time or depth (PSTM or PSDM);
<bullet> Which angled stacks were used (e.g., NEAR, MID, FAR,
ULTRAFAR);
<bullet> Whether the company used Gathers to evaluate the block in
question; and
<bullet> List of other Geophysical Data methods used to evaluate
the bid block (e.g., Inversion, Modeling, Illumination, Grav, Mag).
BOEM will use the computer storage size information to estimate the
reproduction costs for each data set, if applicable. BOEM will
determine the availability of reimbursement of production costs
consistent with 30 CFR 551.13.
BOEM reserves the right to inquire about alternate data sets,
perform quality checks, and compare the listed and alternative data
sets to determine which data set most closely meets the needs of the
fair market value determination process. See the ``Example of Preferred
Format'' that is included in the Final NOS package.
Survey Parameter Worksheet
The BOEM GOA Region now requires bidders to submit a completed
electronic version of the Survey Parameters Worksheet alongside any
Seismic Survey submittal. This worksheet plays a critical role in
supporting BOEM's Fair Market Value (FMV) Evaluation Methodology, which
[[Page 5257]]
is used to assess the economic value of leases offered in OCS lease
sales. The data provided in the worksheet allows BOEM to better
understand the technical scope and intent behind each seismic survey,
and how those data contribute to subsurface interpretation and
prospectivity analysis.
By supplying detailed parameters--such as acquisition geometry,
frequency range, fold coverage, and processing methods--bidders provide
BOEM with the context necessary to:
<bullet> Qualitatively assess the degree of geological
understanding obtained from the survey;
<bullet> Evaluate the quality and resolution of seismic imaging,
which can directly influence the identification of leads and prospects;
<bullet> Determine the likelihood of successful hydrocarbon
identification, by considering how the data may mitigate or highlight
geological risks;
<bullet> Identify geophysical phenomena (e.g., amplitude anomalies,
velocity pull-ups, multiples) that could impact the interpretation and
chance of success;
<bullet> Assess the commercial implications of the survey in
supporting new play concepts or de-risking known trends.
Ultimately, the inclusion of this worksheet enhances the
transparency and technical rigor behind BOEM's FMV assessments. It
ensures that economic evaluations are informed by the best available
subsurface data and geological interpretations, helping to safeguard
the public interest in OCS resource development.
Bidders are encouraged to complete the worksheet with care and
accuracy, as it will directly inform BOEM's ability to fairly and
accurately evaluate lease block value based on current geoscientific
insight.
Glossary of Terms in order the terms appear in the Seismic
Parameter Worksheet:
<bullet> BOEM Project Name: Please do not fill out. This element is
for internal BOEM purposes.
<bullet> Seismic Vendor: List the company who shot the survey.
<bullet> Industry Survey Name: List the name of the original
survey.
<bullet> Speculative or Proprietary: Speculative is data that is
available for purchase from a vendor for anyone; the original data
``right out of the box.'' Proprietary is any data that was acquired by
an Exploration & Production Company or Speculative Data that has become
proprietary through reprocessing. Any speculative data such as 2-D or
3-D, pre-stack or post-stack, time or depth, amplitude with offset
(AVO), inversion, CSEM, gravity and magnetic data that has been
modified or changed from its original processing would be considered
proprietary due to the proprietary processing.
<bullet> 2D/3D/4D: List the acquisition type.
<bullet> Time/Depth: List the survey domain.
<bullet> Acquisition Company (if different from Vendor): The Field
Acquisition Company could be different from the Final Processed Survey
Vendor.
<bullet> Acquisition Project Name (if different from Final
Processed Industry Survey Name): Acquisition Project Name could be
different than Final Processed Survey Name especially when Merging
Shoots and/or Reprocessing.
<bullet> Acquisition Date: List the date the field acquisition was
complete.
<bullet> Maximum Offset (Inline/Crossline)/(X/Y): Maximum distance
between source and receiver. Offset can be different in Inline and
Crossline direction.
<bullet> Streamer or Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBN): Examples are marine
towed streamer, seafloor cable, or seafloor nodes.
<bullet> Streamer depth: Depth of streamer below the water.
<bullet> Streamer configuration (example: Multistreamer: ten 8,000m
cables or 1,000 seafloor nodes): Description of receivers including how
many cables and length of each.
<bullet> Hydrophone type (2D (P wave), 2D (P+S wave), 3D (P Wave),
3D (P+S, Multicomponent)): Describe the richness of the hydrophones.
<bullet> Receiver Group Interval (DGF) (meters): The distance
between two consecutive receivers located on the same receiver line.
<bullet> Azimuth Distribution (NAZ, MAZ, WAZ, RAZ, FAZ): List the
quality of the azimuth distribution in the survey.
<bullet> Azimuth Orientation (either degree or cardinal direction):
List the direction of the acquisition; example (N/S and W/E or 0/180
and 90/270).
<bullet> Energy Source (# sources, # source vessels, cubic inches
per array): Describe the source array and source vessel.
<bullet> Source Depth: Depth the source array is towed below the
sea-surface.
<bullet> Shot Interval: Time between shots. Could also be recorded
as distance between shots.
<bullet> Sample Rate (ms): Time between vertical trace samples.
<bullet> Record Length: Total time of seismic shot record. (Number
of samples per trace) x (sample rate).
<bullet> Recorded bin dimensions (Example: 6.25 x 60m): The
recorded grid dimensions in Inline and Crossline.
<bullet> Fold: The number of traces, or midpoints, within each CMP
bin. Multiplicity of the CMP data.
<bullet> Seismic Processing Vendor: Company that completed the
final processing for the survey.
<bullet> Processing Completed Year: Year the processing was
completed.
<bullet> Migration/Processing Type: Examples are Post-Stack Time,
Post-Stack Depth, Pre-Stack Time, and Pre-Stack Depth. Please list all
that apply.
<bullet> Processed Bin Size (specify either feet or meters, e.g.,
25m x 30m): Bin size of the final processed product.
<bullet> Migration algorithm(s): Migration types include: Kirchoff,
Beam, WEM, RTM, LSRTM, FWI or other. Please list all Migrations
submitted with survey.
<bullet> Velocity Build: (Salt, Salt + Wells, Acoustic FWI, Elastic
FWI). List the highest complexity of data involved with building the
velocity model.
<bullet> Illumination Study Type & Reliability (None, highly
suspect, reasonable reliability, Full 3D wavefield). List the quality
of the Illumination Study.
<bullet> Velocity Anisotropy Used? Type? (HTI, VTI, TTI, other,
none). List the type of anisotropy used in the velocity.
<bullet> For Sub-Stack Volumes, list class and offset or angle
range per volume. (Example, Mid Offset Range: 5000'-7000' or Mid Angle
Range: 24deg-30deg). Use a separate line for each sub-stack volume.
Include the angle or offset range.
<bullet> Controlled Source Electro-Magnetic (CSEM) Source Type
(HED--Horizontal Dipole or VED--Vertical Dipole): Type of CSEM Source.
<bullet> CSEM Receiver Type (Seabed Nodes or Surface Towed
Receiver): Type of receiver.
<bullet> Inversion Year: Year the inversion was completed.
<bullet> Receiver Spacing: Spacing between receiver/nodes.
<bullet> Source Line Spacing: Spacing between source lines.
<bullet> Inversion Type (1D, 2D, 3D): Geometry/Complexity of the
Inversion.
<bullet> Inversion Type (Isotropic or Anisotropic): List if
Inversion was Isotropic or Anisotropic.
<bullet> TTI (Tilted Transverse Isotropy) performed (yes, no,
unknown). If TTI applied, indicate Yes or No.
<bullet> Is Inversion Speculative or Proprietary (Prospect
Specific)? Is the Inversion speculative or proprietary?
The GDIS maps are live trace maps (e.g., .pdf and ArcGIS
shapefiles) that bidders should submit for each proprietary survey
identified in the GDIS table. The maps should illustrate the actual
areal extent of the proprietary geophysical data in the survey (see the
[[Page 5258]]
``Example of Preferred Format'' that is included in the Final NOS
package for additional information). As previously stated, the
shapefile must not include cultural resources information, only the
live trace map of the survey itself.
Pursuant to 30 CFR 551.12 and 556.501, as a condition of the sale,
the BOEM GOA RD requests that all bidders and joint bidders submit the
proprietary data and fast-track data identified on their GDIS along
with their bid and GDIS packet.
This includes any proprietary data or fast-track data that has not
been provided previously to BOEM. Commercially available speculative
data should not be submitted to BOEM unless specifically requested by
BOEM. If the bidder is not sure whether the data has been provided
previously, the bidder should send the proprietary or fast-track. BOEM
requires all data that are considered proprietary and fast-track to be
submitted for the evaluation of the bid blocks.
The proprietary and fast-track data must be submitted to BOEM at
the following address: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Resource
Studies, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard MS-266A, New Orleans, Louisiana
70123-2394. Please deliver to Mr. Greg Purvis or Mrs. Renee Bigner, 2nd
Floor, immediately.
BOEM recommends that bidders mark the submission's external
envelope as ``Deliver Immediately to DASPU.'' BOEM also recommends that
bidders submit the GDIS data and Survey Parameter Worksheet in an
internal envelope, or otherwise marked, with the following designation:
``Geophysical Data and Information Statement for Oil and Gas Lease Sale
BBG2, Company Name, GOA Company Qualification Number, and ``Proprietary
Data.''
In the event a person supplies any type of data to BOEM, that
person must meet the following requirements to qualify for
reimbursement:
1. Must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM),
formerly known as the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). CCR
usernames will not work in SAM. A new SAM user account is needed to
register or update an entity's records. The website for registering is
<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>.
2. Must be enrolled in the U.S. Treasury's Invoice Processing
Platform (IPP) for electronic invoicing; to enroll go to <a href="https://www.ipp.gov/">https://www.ipp.gov/</a>. Access then will be granted to use the IPP for submitting
requests for payment. When submitting a request for payment, the
assigned Purchase Order Number must be included.
3. Must have a current Online Representations and Certifications
Application at <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>.
Please Note: Digital copies and duplicate hardcopies should be
submitted for the GDIS Statement, Parameter Sheet, table, shapefiles,
and maps. The GDIS Statement should be sent in as a digital PDF. The
GDIS Information Table must be submitted digitally as an Excel
spreadsheet. The proprietary data and fast-track data maps should be
sent in as PDF files and the live trace outline of each proprietary
survey and fast-track survey should also be submitted as a shapefile.
Please flatten all layered PDF files, since layered PDFs can have many
objects. Layered PDFs can cause problems opening or printing the file
correctly. Bidders may submit the digital files on a USB external drive
(formatted for Windows). Proprietary surveys and fast-track surveys
should be sent in as regular SEGY files. If bidders have any questions,
please contact Ms. Dee Smith at (504) 736-2706, or Ms. Teree Campbell
at (504) 736-3231.
Bidders should refer to the ``Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of
Bids'' heading under Section X, ``The Lease Sale,'' regarding a
bidder's failure to comply with the requirements of the Final NOS,
including any failure to submit information required in the Final NOS
package.
Telephone Numbers/Addresses of Bidders
BOEM requests that bidders provide this information in the
suggested format prior to or at the time of bid submission. The
suggested format is included in the Final NOS package. The form must
not be enclosed inside the sealed bid envelope.
Additional Documentation
BOEM may require bidders to submit other documents in accordance
with 30 CFR 556.107, 556.401, 556.501, and 556.513.
VIII. Bidding Rules and Restrictions
Restricted Joint Bidders
On November 4, 2025, BOEM published the most recent List of
Restricted Joint Bidders in the Federal Register (90 FR 49242).
Potential bidders are advised to refer to the Federal Register before
bidding for the most current list at the time of the lease sale. Please
refer to the joint bidding provisions at 30 CFR 556.511-556.515.
Authorized Signatures
All signatories executing documents on behalf of the bidder(s) must
execute the same in conformance with the BOEM qualification records.
Bidders are advised that BOEM considers the signed bid to be a legally
binding obligation on the part of the bidder(s) to comply with all
applicable regulations, including the required payment of one-fifth of
the bonus bid on all high bids. A statement to this effect is included
on each bid form (see the document ``Bid Form and Envelope'' that is
included in the Final NOS package).
Unlawful Combination or Intimidation
BOEM warns bidders against violation of 18 U.S.C. 1860, which
prohibits unlawful combination or intimidation of bidders.
Bid Withdrawal
Bids may only be withdrawn by written request delivered to BOEM via
any parcel delivery service, or in-person prior to the bid submission
deadline. Withdrawals will not be accepted via email. The withdrawal
request must be on company letterhead and must contain the bidder's
name, its BOEM qualification number, the map name and number, and the
block number(s) of the bid(s) to be withdrawn. The withdrawal request
must be executed by one or more of the representatives named in the
BOEM qualification records. The name and title of the authorized
signatory must be typed under the signature block on the withdrawal
request. The BOEM GOA RD, or the RD's designee, will indicate approval
by signing and dating the withdrawal request.
Bid Rounding
Minimum bonus bid calculations, including rounding, for all blocks
are shown in the document ``List of Blocks Available for Leasing'' that
is included in the Final NOS package. The bonus bid amount must be
stated in whole dollars. If the acreage of a block contains a decimal
figure, then prior to calculating the minimum bonus bid, BOEM will
round up to the next whole acre. The appropriate minimum rate per acre
will be applied to the whole (rounded up) acreage. The bonus bid amount
must be greater than or equal to the minimum bonus bid, as calculated
and stated in the Final NOS package.
IX. Forms
The Final NOS package includes instructions, samples, and/or the
preferred format for the items listed below. BOEM strongly encourages
bidders to use the recommended formats. If bidders use another format,
they are responsible for including all the information specified for
each item in the Final NOS package.
[[Page 5259]]
1. Bid Form
2. Sample Completed Bid
3. Sample Bid Envelope
4. Sample Bid Mailing Envelope
5. Telephone Numbers/Addresses of Bidders Form
6. Survey Parameters Worksheet
7. GDIS Form
8. GDIS Envelope Form
X. The Lease Sale
Bid Opening and Reading
Sealed bids received in response to the Final NOS will be opened at
the place, date, and hour specified under the DATES and ADDRESSES
sections of the Final NOS. The venue will not be open to the public.
Instead, the bid opening will be available for the public to view on
BOEM's website at <a href="http://www.boem.gov">http://www.boem.gov</a> via live streaming. Bidders
participating in Lease Sale BBG2 who have gained the required clearance
as stated in the ``In-person Bid Submission and/or In-person Bid
Reading'' section will be allowed to view bid reading in person. The
opening of the bids is for the sole purpose of publicly announcing and
recording the bids received; no bids will be accepted or rejected at
that time.
Bonus Bid Deposit for Apparent High Bids
Each bidder submitting an apparent high bid must submit a bonus bid
deposit to ONRR equal to one-fifth of the bonus bid amount for each
such bid. A copy of the notification of the high bidder's one-fifth
bonus bid amount can be obtained on the BOEM website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2">https://www.boem.gov/Sale-BBG2</a> under the heading ``Notification of EFT 1/5
Bonus Liability'' after 1:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. All payments
must be electronically deposited into an interest-bearing account in
the U.S. Treasury by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time the day following the bid
reading (no exceptions). Account information is provided in the
``Instructions for Making Electronic Funds Transfer Bonus Payments''
found on the BOEM website identified above.
Bidders must submit payment to their financial institution as soon
as possible on the day of bid reading and no later than 7:00 p.m.
Eastern Time on the day of bid reading. This will help ensure that
deposits have time to process through the U.S. Treasury and post to
ONRR. ONRR cannot confirm payment until the monies have been moved into
settlement status by the U.S. Treasury.
BOEM requires bidders to use EFT procedures for payment of one-
fifth bonus bid deposits for Lease Sale BBG2, following the detailed
instructions contained on the ONRR Payment Information web page at
<a href="https://www.onrr.gov/ReportPay/payments.htm">https://www.onrr.gov/ReportPay/payments.htm</a>. Acceptance of a deposit
does not constitute, and will not be construed as, acceptance of any
bid on behalf of the United States.
Withdrawal of Blocks
The United States reserves the right to withdraw any block from
this lease sale before issuance of a written acceptance of a bid for
the block.
Acceptance, Rejection, or Return of Bids
The United States reserves the right to reject any and all bids,
regardless of the amount offered. Furthermore, no bid will be accepted,
and no lease for any block will be awarded to any bidder, unless:
1. The bidder has complied with all applicable regulations and
requirements of the Final NOS, including those set forth in the
documents contained in the Final NOS package;
2. The bid is the highest valid bid; and
3. The amount of the bid has been determined to be adequate by the
authorized officer.
Any bid submitted that does not conform to the requirements of the
Final NOS, OCSLA, or other applicable statutes or regulations will be
rejected and returned to the bidder. The United States Department of
Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will review the results of the
lease sale for any antitrust issues prior to the acceptance of bids and
issuance of leases.
Bid Adequacy Review Procedures for Lease Sale BBG2
To ensure that the U.S. Government receives fair market value for
the conveyance of leases from this sale, BOEM will evaluate high bids
in accordance with the bid adequacy procedures that are effective on
the date of the sale. This is the second lease sale to use the revised
bid adequacy procedures that BOEM finalized in 2024. The bid adequacy
procedures are available on BOEM's website at <a href="https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/leasing/bid-adequacy-procedures">https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/leasing/bid-adequacy-procedures</a>.
Lease Award
BOEM requires each bidder who is awarded a lease to complete the
following:
1. Execute all copies of the lease (Form BOEM-2005 [February 2017],
as amended);
2. Pay by EFT the balance of the bonus bid amount and the first
year's rental for each lease issued in accordance with the requirements
of 30 CFR 1218.155 and 556.520(a); and
3. Satisfy the bonding requirements of 30 CFR part 556, subpart I,
as amended.
ONRR requests that bidders use only one transaction for payment of
the balance of the bonus bid amount and the first year's rental. Once
ONRR receives such payment, the bidder awarded the lease may not
request a refund of the balance of the bonus bid amount or first year's
rental payment.
XI. Delay of Sale
The BOEM GOA RD has the discretion to change any date, time, and/or
location specified in the Final NOS package if the RD deems that an
emergent event could interfere with a fair and orderly lease sale. Such
events could include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (e.g.,
earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), wars, riots, acts of terrorism,
fires, strikes, civil disorder, or other events of a similar nature. In
case of such events, bidders should call (504) 736-1729 or access the
BOEM website at <a href="http://www.boem.gov">http://www.boem.gov</a>, for information regarding any
changes.
Matthew N. Giacona,
Acting Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2026-02289 Filed 2-4-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4340-98-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 5, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.