V -- Sole source charter of Manned Submersible

This publication serves as notice of intent to contract with, on a solesource basis, Delta Oceanographics, for used of a manned submersible. The submersible will be used for research on such matters as determining effect of fishing gear on groundfish habitat, and the distribution and ecology of coral. Work is anticipated in Oregon and Alaska, and other west coast waters. The total system shall include the submersible, support ship, launch and retreival system, crew, and scientific laboratory space. The period of performance is expected to be three years. The Government intends to negotiate solely with this contractor because of the need for scientific continuity on ongoing projects. Further, if a vessel other than the Delta were to be used, the government would have to make extensive and costly changes in scientific protocols and procedures, and purchase substantial quantities of Government Furnished Materials to be compatible with some other vessel. Finally, the vessel must have the capability of maintaining continuous contact with the seafloor. This is not a request for a competitive proposal. Any interested concern which believes it can satisfy this requirement should send a qualifying statement to this office by 26 April 2003. See Note 22.