Sole Source Development Support for Open-Source Geospatial Libraries and Software

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office, Eastern Acquisition Division – Norfolk, intends to negotiate and award a sole source purchase order to Hobu Inc. for the development of libraries and open-source software used by the National Ocean Service (NOS), Office of Coast Survey (OCS). The work includes development support for geospatial and data processing tools such as GDAL, PDAL, PROJ, QGIS, and related libraries. The anticipated period of performance is one year, from September 11, 2026 through September 10, 2027.

According to the notice, NOAA determined that Hobu Inc. is the only source capable of providing these highly specialized technical services at the required level of quality. OCS relies on GDAL and related open-source components to continue optimizing bathymetric workflows for the National Bathymetric Source program in the United States. The agency states that Hobu has the necessary knowledge, expertise, and leadership roles within relevant open-source project communities, and that the company has no authorized partners or resellers able to provide the required services.

This notice is a pre-solicitation announcement and not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation package is available. Firms that believe they can fully meet the government's requirements may submit written substantiating documentation or request additional information within 15 days after publication of the notice. Responses will be evaluated only to determine whether the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis.