REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), (collectively the “Government”), intends to procure fabrication and installation services of a lighted aid to navigation/science platform. This is a 100% HubZone set-aside. The purpose of this RFI is to determine whether there is a competitive market for a HubZone set-aside. The NAICS code is 423830. The FKNMS is charged, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Development, with protecting the marine resources of the Florida Keys from Biscayne Bay through Dry Tortugas National Park. One of the most devastating causes of injury to the reefs in the Florida Keys are vessel groundings, many of which are the result of insufficient lighted aids to navigation in the area. Although Looe Key has numerous moorings and boundary buoys marking these zones, it is marked by only one true aid to navigation; a 10’ lighted marker (designated as Red “24”) on the southeast corner of the reef. There are no other lighted aids within 4 nautical miles of Looe Key “24”. The main goal of this project is to establish a lighted aid to navigation on the southwest corner of Looe Key to provide further protection from these vessel groundings. Another important function of this platform will be to mount instruments for scientific research and public outreach programs known as the Telepresence Project. The water depth is approximately 26’ at the intended installation site. This RFI is intended to identify qualified HubZone contractors interested in providing the product and services identified herein. The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, material handling for delivery to the offshore site, tools, testing devices, security, accountability, submittals, supervision, equipment, each and every item of expense necessary for transport, supply, fabrication, erection, and installation of the lighted aid to navigation. This generally includes, but is not limited to, the fabrication of the platform per the drawings and specifications to be provided by the Government, installation of the pile in the marine environment, and offshore fabrication to permanently affix the platform to the pile. The contractor will be required to comply with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, the FKNMS regulations (15 CFR 922) and any permit conditions listed in the U.S. Coast Guard Private Aide To Navigation Permit, the Army Corps of Engineers Permit, and the FKNMS Manager’s permit. NOAA will obtain the necessary Federal permits for this project. The contractor shall be responsible for incorporating any permit requirements provided by the Government into the operations. HubZone organizations possessing the qualifications to perform the duties mentioned herein, are encouraged to submit the following information to the recipient as shown below: a copy of the Small Business Administration’s HubZone Certification document; explanation of organizational structure; description of the company’s qualifications that meet the requirements of this RFI; detailed description of completed or in-process projects during the last 3 years that were similar in nature to the project identified in this RFI (identify the role played by the HubZone company, location of the project. Project description, and dollar value.); and provide 3 past performance references for whom services have been performed within the last 6 years (information must include the name and address of the organization for whom services were performed, contact person information, phone number, project name, project description, dollar value, and the date of performance). Responses are due no later than 2:00 PM CST, February 21, 2006. Submit 1 electronic and 1 hardcopy of response to: Mailing Address - USDOC/NOAA/CRAD, 601 E. 12th Street, Room 1756, Kansas City, MO 64106, Attention: Jane A. Allen (Phone 816-426-7531); Email Address
[email protected]; or Facsimile Number 816-274-6993. Telephone responses are not acceptable. It is important that all responses submitted specify on the cover page of the response or in the transmittal letter submitted with the response, RFI Number NCND6012500020JAA. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotes (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice will not be returned. In submitting a response, you are solely responsible and accountable for all of the expenses associated with your response. The following provision is applicable to this notice and is hereby incorporated by reference: FAR 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997). The full text of this clause is available at http://www.arnet.gov.