V -- Support Vessel, Remotely Operated Vehicle, Scientific and Laboratory Support for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Research

This publication serves as notice of intent to procure services for the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, on a sole source basis with Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). In early 2006, two expeditions will be mounted - to the Davidson Seamount and to the site of the wreck of the USS Macon dirigible. On these expeditions, scientists will study coral environments and population characteristics of corals; make high definition video of corals; document features of the dirigible wreck site; record details about specific artifacts; and assess environmental hazards and biological activity around the wreck. After conclusion of the cruise, the contractor will analyze data, and develop a video program. The contractor will provide the vessel and ROV, and scientists to participate in the research. The Government intends to negotiate solely with this contractor. Scientists from MBARI have participated in past cruises to the seamount and wreck site and have unique knowledge of the locations themselves, as well as of past research performed. MBARI vessels - support and ROV - are the only vessels which have worked these locations so their crews have a unique familiarity with operating conditions and limitations. MBARI has a shore based laboratory which will be used to analyze all video tapes from the cruises. This organization has done this analysis in the past, so having this work done by another source could result in inconsistency of data. The Government intends to negotiate a firm fixed price contract. This notice represents the only official notice of this solicitation. See Numbered Note 22. NAICS Code is 483112. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Any interested concern which believes it can satisfy this requirement should send a qualifying statement to this office by 10 August 2005. *****The Western Administrative Support Center, Acquisition Management Division, requires that all contractors doing business with this acquisition office must be registered with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) before October 1, 2003. After this date, NO award can be made unless the vendor is 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 with the CCR and to be eligible to receive an award from this acquisition office, all offerors must have a Dun & Bradstreet Number. A Dun & Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun & Bradstreet on-line at https://www.dnb.com/product/eupdate/requestOptions.html or by phone at (800)333-0505.*****