INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE with The National Academy of Engineering - Independent, Technical Investigation to Determine the Root Causes of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster

The Government intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), acquisition with the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) through the National Academy of Sciences. This non-competitive action is being issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate under the authority of the Department of the Interior Franchise Fund on the behalf of the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior. This action is being processed in accordance with 6.302-5 -Authorized or Required by Statute, and solicited in accordance with FAR 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items, and FAR 13.5, Test Program for Certain Commercial Items. Background: On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred at the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon located in the Gulf of Mexico. After two days of burning, on April 22nd the rig sank. On April 27, 2010, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) commenced a joint investigation into the accident. The joint investigation is to complete a report to the Director of the Minerals Management Service and the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard within nine months of its initiation, unless more time is necessary to complete the report. DOI and DHS have encouraged the investigation team to submit interim recommendations intended to prevent similar casualties, if appropriate, early in the joint investigation. Requirement: The National Academy of Engineering will conduct an independent, technical investigation to determine the root causes of the Deepwater Horizon disaster so that corrective steps can be taken to address the mechanical failures underlying the accident. The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a highly-regarded and respected organization affiliated with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Its projects, like those of the NAS, are implemented by the Academies' operating arm, the National Research Council (NRC). Its project teams are composed of members of the NAE and other experts from academia, industry, and - when appropriate - from government. The team members are unpaid experts throughout the world with knowledge and expertise in various engineering disciplines. Similar, independent investigations have been conducted of events like the space shuttle Challenger accident. NAE and NAS analyses and technical investigations often lead to results and findings that have had enormous impact on future policy decisions. The independent NAE analysis and technical investigation will complement -- but not replace -- the on-going joint investigation that the USCG and MMS are conducting under their respective governmental investigative authorities. The period of performance for this effort is for 12 to 18 months from date of award. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities by May 28th, 2010. This is NOT a request for competitive quotes. However, all information received will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based on 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.