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Articles

Volume 1, Number 1 (2000)

NOAA Contractor Partnership: How NOAA Uses Private Industry to Support Nautical Charting

Submitted
August 9, 2013
Published
2000-01-01

Abstract

NOAA is responsible for providing accurate nautical charts for the U.S.Exclusive Economic Zone. NOAA has designated 43,000 square nautical miles of this area as 'in critical need of modern surveys.’ Using only NOAA hydrographic survey vessels, it would take 40 years to survey just these critical areas. In an effort to more quickly reduce the backlog, NOAA turned to contracting. This article describes the NOAA process of awarding a contract. The process begins with an announcement in the Commerce Business Daily. A Source Evaluation Board then reviews the submissions and scores the firms based on qualifications- based selection procedures. At least three of the highest ranking firms are interviewed by telephone, then the Board makes the final ranking of the firms and presents recommendations to the Source Selection Official. The successful partnership between NOAA and private industry has helped increase hydrographic survey production in support of nautical charting.