The Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) in Miami FL, has a requirement to acquire vessel charter services for SEFSC scientists and collaborators to monitor reef fish visual census, benthic community composition, coral condition and quantification of coral recruitment and crustose coralline algal colonization on Navassa Island. The project involves the expedition to the remote, uninhabited Navassa Island (US territory) and requires a vessel that accommodates 10 to 12 scientists; has the ability to support scientific diving operations for 10 days on stations at the Navassa Island without re-supply; provides transportation of scientific gear from Miami to Navassa; and, must have crew with competence/local knowledge to undertake transit and diving operations at Navassa Island. The Research Vessel Coral Reef II is the only vessel known and proven to meet all of the requirements. The Government plans to request a quote from only one source, John G. Shedd Aquarium, for this requirement under the authority of FAR 6.302 and following the guidelines in FAR Part 12 Commercial Acquisitions and FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisitions. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotes. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all responses received within 15 days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any responsible firm interested in this requirement may submit its qualifications via fax to (816) 426-5067, Attention Sharon Clisso or e-mail Ms. Clisso at
[email protected]. Information should reference number NFFN7020400170SKC. The DOC requires that all contractors doing business with the Government be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). No award can be made to a company not registered in CCR. For additional information and to register in CCR, please access the following web site: http://www.ccr.gov . In order to register, all bidders must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate or by phone at (800) 333-0505.