B--Marine Biologist Services

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Maritime Administration, Office of Environmental Activities (EA) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Marine Biologists capable of characterizing the extent and type of fouling on ships hulls. Work is to include on-site processing and preserving living (and/or non-living) marine biological samples obtained by divers from the hulls of ships; the divers will collect samples per vendor's direction. The vendor shall: (1) analyze samples and/or arrange for taxonomic analysis to characterize the type and extent (abundance) of organisms associated with the underwater surface of the hull; (2) provide information on the dominant species including taxonomic information; (3) determine biogeographical characteristics including natural occurrence, ecology, and environmental tolerances; (4) provide life history information including introduction, establishment and/or invasion; and (5) identify the potential of invasion of these species in the event of a move of a hull to Baltimore, New Orleans, or Brownsville, Texas. In the event more samples are obtained after a cleaning process, analyses of the effectiveness of removal of the biological material from the hull may be required; in this case the sampling and analyses described above will be required. In other cases, similar sampling will be required at the final destination (Baltimore, New Orleans, or Brownsville at this time). Award of a fixed price five (5) year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is anticipated. A decision of the approach (i e., full and open competition versus an 8(a) or other set-aside competition) has not been made. A combined Synopsis/ Solicitation will be issued once a determination has been made. The solicitation will ultimately be posted at FedBizopps.gov and http://ideasec.nbc.gov. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only. It is not a notice of a solicitation, and does not bind the Government to any agreement or contract. Interested sources shall submit a capabilities statement which includes : the firm's name, address, phone number, contact name, business entity (i.e.. large business, small business, 8A, hub zone, whether you hold a GSA/GWAC schedule, etc.,) and a brief description, not to exceed three (3) pages explaining how you meet the requirement of this synopsis. Large, small and disadvantaged business are encouraged to team in support of one DOT contract. Respond no later than 5pm on Monday, April 04, 2007. If you have any questions regarding this Sources Sought please email them to: [email protected] by close of business April 04, 2007. No phone calls please. Responders, ensure that you reference Source Sought announcement number DTMA1Q07005. Facsimile will not be accepted. The Government does not pay for any expenses incurred in the preparation of this request. Any entity responding SOURCES SOUGHT should ensure that its response is complete.