The Office of Coast Survey's Hydrographic Surveys Division procures and oversees hydrographic surveying and related support services from contractors, in accordance with Part 36.6 (Architect-Engineer Services) of the federal acquisition regulations.

Since 1994, Coast Survey has awarded approximately $360 million in contracts for hydrographic surveying and related support. There are seven active contracts (awarded in 2008) and two contracts (awarded in 2010) still in effect. Since 2008, contractors have surveyed Alaska, the West Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and the East Coast for charting updates. Private contractors have also conducted response surveys for hurricane damage in the Gulf of Mexico, and for collaborative projects with other agencies on the East Coast. 

Synopsis of contracting opportunities are published at the Federal Business Opportunities site below. NOAA hydrographic surveying services contract synopsis would appear under procurement classification code "C-Architect and Engineering Services," by using the search term "hydrographic."