V -- Deployment of Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami's (DART) Buoy

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This announcement is a Request for Quote (RFQ). The solicitation number is QA1330-04-RQ-0031 and incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-24. This procurement is subject to the availability of funds. The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 requires service to exchange one Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami’s (DART) buoy and Bottom Pressure Recorder (BPR) in accordance with the following statement of work (SOW): 1.0 PURPOSE This Statement of Work (SOW) provides contractor information necessary to prepare bids to exchange one and service another Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami’s (DART) buoys with Bottom Pressure Recorder (BPR) used for early detection of Tsunami’s. The (2.6 meter) DART buoys and its associated BPR are used to provide deep-ocean bottom pressure measurements in real time for early detection of tsunamis. This SOW provides specifics for the service visit to service visit to 46403 and the exchange of a DART buoy at station 46402 and its BPR. The contractor shall submit bids to load at the ships home port, and return to home port or a port chosen by the contractor that has facilities to off load all National Data Buoy Center, NDBC, equipment and personnel. 2.0 SCOPE The mission is scheduled to commence on or about August 15, 2004 and shall conclude with returning to the designated port. Twenty –one hours of service is required on each station. One DART buoy at station 46403 location 52 degrees 38 minutes 60 seconds N, 156 degrees 55 minutes 41 seconds requires a service visit only. Another DART buoy is to be established on station 46402 at GPS coordinates 50 degrees 26 minutes 31 seconds N, 165 degrees 01 minute 41 seconds W. The DART Buoy is foam filled fiberglass hull with stainless steel frame which is discus in shape with a diameter of 103 inches and weighs 4000 pounds. The buoy will be placed on the existing mooring. While on station the mooring will be visually inspected. If the existing mooring is in bad condition the mooring will be required to be replaced and a new Government supplied mooring will be installed while on station. In addition to the surface buoy a Bottom Pressure Recorder will need to be recovered and exchanged while on station 46404. The BPR consists of five pairs of 17 inch glass balls with each set separated with a small section of galvanized chain. The upper set is equipped with a red bicycle flag for recovery. The first and second sets are separated by 10 meters of 1/2 inch Yalex. The remainders of glass floats are separated by 3-meter sections of 3/4 inch nylon line. Following the glass floats is a 1.5 inch shackle and 50 meters of 1/2 inch Yalex. The BPR anchor is 48 inch x 39 inch x 1-1/2 inch steel plate which is released by acoustic release on recovery. The BPR weight is 1,500 lbs. The vessel is required to remain on station a minimum of six hours for system testing. After the system has been successfully deployed and tested, vessel will transit back to designated port. There are maximum sea states in which the vessel is expected to operate. The decision whether to go or no-go when considering weather conditions shall be made by mutual agreement between the NDBC representative and the vessel Captain, with the Captain having the final authority to postpone, cancel, or delay a mission. Due consideration will be given to the safety of the vessel and personnel aboard at all times. A no-go decision because of weather will not be considered cancellation of the contract. 3.0 REQUIREMENTS 3.1 The contract will be a firm fixed price, per day charge. The per day charge will include all costs necessary to perform the contract, including but not limited to the following: estimated transit times from port to site and port-of-return, vessel charter, vessel reconfiguration and restoration costs (if applicable), fuel/ oil consumption, and food and accommodations for 3 NDBC representatives. 3.2 Captain shall be licensed for offshore transportation to the location specified estimated at 350 nautical miles from land. The vessel must meet all United States Coast Guard/ABS requirements. Vessel specification sheets shall be provided with the bid. Vessel must have a current and valid United States Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection for the carriage of personnel, equipment and cargo described in this statement of work. 3.3 The contracted vessel will load the NDBC gear, personal, and buoy at either the U.S. Coast Guard Base Astoria, OR and preferably return to the same location. Or, as stated in paragraph 1.0 above, depart and return from/to, the vessels homeport. 3.4 The ship requires a minimum working deck area of 30 feet X 30 feet, with a Crane/Boom with the ability to reach 12 feet from ship’s side (either side) and capable of lifting a minimum of 12 tons. It must have sufficient pad-eyes or hold-downs on the deck to accommodate equipment during transit, and for the conduct of operations. The hold-downs or pad-eyes must be capable of supporting a spare mooring consisting eight each railcar wheels weighting of 6,850lbs. Winches and capstans are not required, but are very helpful to serve as cross deck working appliances. 3.5 On-board equipment must be provided for welding, acetylene cutting, and electrical power of 120/208 VAC, for sponsor laptop computers. Communications equipment to maintain contact with shore based personnel. 3.6 The ship must have the ability to hold position (within 10 meters) in Beaufort Force 4 and have GPS for marking the position of the anchor. Beaufort Force 4 is defined as a moderate breeze, winds range between 11-16 knots, seas small waves becoming larger, fairly frequent white horses. Dynamic Positioned System, not required, but, can be helpful. 3.7 The amount of notice needed to ship equipment: 15 days, the number of personnel traveling to station: 3 support contractors. The ship will provide a crane operator and sufficient personnel to assist in handling of tag lines while on-station. Time on station: 6 - 14 hours. 3.8 A small boat (minimum 7 meter RHIB) and operator is required to assist in servicing the DART buoy if it is damaged during deployment. The boat must be capable of operating in Beaufort Force 4 seas. Small boat fuel is to be contractor provided. 3.9 The ship must be capable of conducting deck operations in Beaufort Force 4. (Sea State 3). Paragraph 3.6 defines. 3.10 Comfortable/adequate quarters and mess facilities for as many as 3 NDBC personnel for the duration of the trip. 3.11 NDBC reserves the right to conduct a survey of the vessel prior to awarding the contract. 4.0 TASKS 4.1 Prior to commencing the operation, NDBC technicians will conduct a meeting with all vessel personnel to assure everyone understands the details of the operation and what each person must do to assure a safe and successful mission. Agreement between the ship’s operator(s) and NDBC personnel regarding safety and operational procedures shall be reached prior to commencement of the trip. Inability to settle any disagreement between parties to the satisfaction of NDBC as a result of failing to follow NDBC procedures shall be forwarded to the PCO for resolution to include cancellation if necessary. 4.2 Transit to the deployment site DART station 46403 at GPS 52 degrees 38 minutes 60 seconds N, 156 degrees 55 minutes 41 seconds W to allow NDBC representatives to service the buoy. Transit to the deployment site DART Station 46402 at GPS coordinates 50 degrees 26 minutes 31 seconds N, 165 degrees 01 minute 41 seconds W. Recover the BPR and mooring. Exchange DART surface buoy w/government supplied buoy on the existing or new government supplied mooring. Deploy the fresh government supplied BPR. After deployment, the crew will need a minimum of 6 hours on station to verify the operation. If the mooring is missing, deploy the buoy on new mooring. 4.3 Return to port and unload equipment. 5.0 DELIVERABLES A vessel capable of the requirements listed in section 3. Proof of insurance. Captain’s/Vessel certifications. 6.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT 2.6 meter buoy deployed on station 46502 and BPR deployment, Spare mooring, BPR assembly, Test equipment. All offerors shall submit a firm-fixed price quote. The quote shall include the unit price based on a daily rate. For estimating purposes, offerors shall assume a four-day performance period. The daily rate shall include all costs associated with this effort. The following FAR provisions or clauses apply to this acquisition: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial; 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items; 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Order-Commercial Items; 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans; 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities; 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration; 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration; 52.247-21 Contractor Liability for Personal Injury and/or Property; 52.232-18 Availability of Funds. Quotes may be faxed to 228-688-3153 or emailed to [email protected], or mailed to: National Data Buoy Center, Attn: Dennis Morris, Building 1100 Room 360, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529. This solicitation is 100 percent set aside for small business. The NAICS Code is 483113 and the small business size standard is 500 employees. See Numbered Note 1. IMPORTANT: Vendor must provide proof of insurance, captain's license and vessel certifications with the response to the RFQ.