This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only. This is NOT a solicitation and does not constitute a Government agreement to contract. The Department of Transportation, Maritime administration is seeking a contractor to provide diver services to support the collection of biological samples from the hulls of the three (3) vessels per the Statement of Work (SOW) work: SOW The aim is to support Maritime Administration-supplied marine biologists conducting a survey of the biofouling community associated with the hull and underwater appendages of three (3) vessels at the Beaumont Reserve Fleet. The surveys will contain two main components: 1) an image library of video and still images of the hull, propeller, rudder, stern tube and gratings; 2) samples of biota collected from the areas surveyed by camera. Sea chests and internal piping will also be examined if possible (based of diver capabilities and conditions). Sea chest strainer plates and/or hull blanks covering the sea chests, if installed, shall not be removed. The scientists must be given the ability to view/communicate from the dive boat but if this is not possible, then there must be a capability to communicate from a position aboard the ship (which means a long "tether" to the diver). For the hulls of vessels sampled in the past, samples were taken from transverse transects from bow to stern at three depths; waterline (just below), mid depth and flat bottom at approximately 30 foot intervals. Samples were also taken from the rudder, propeller, any recessed areas/sea chests, appurtenances, and any other areas of interest to the scientists. It is anticipated that this will be the same method employed during this contract. Approximately 50 samples will be taken per sampling event. 1. The survey and sampling will be conducted at The Beaumont Reserve Fleet. 2. Divers must have surface air, surface audio and visual communications, and will provide recordings (DVD and mini disks) of the survey. 3. The use of a Clearwater box was essential during earlier sampling projects. Divers should have this capability even though the visibility may not be bad. 4. Divers will be directed by the scientific (surface) team and will take images and samples from different locations all around the hull and on the rudders, propellers, stern tubes, struts, gratings etc. 5. Samples will be collected in scientist-supplied bags. The bags will be provided by the science team and will be pre-labeled. Approximately 50 samples per sampling event will be collected. 6. Divers shall provide still photographs of sample locations along the hull using a camera box with standardized field of view for each photo. The photo of the hull must be taken adjacent to where a biological sample will be collected in order not to disturb the sample area. The sample is to be collected after the photo has been taken. For a scientifically robust sampling, a two-person dive team is recommended. 7. Underwater video of the sample collection process should also be provided. 8. Initial sorting of samples will be conducted by the science team on dock side. Deliverables. a. The offeror shall provide the following documentation to the Maritime Administration Contracting Officer's Technical Representative, (COTR) for the three vessel that undergo biological sampling in the BRF only. 1. Four copies of the underwater video of the sample collection process shall also be provided. Submittals shall be in digital format on CD-ROM or DVD as appropriate. The video shall be submitted to the Maritime Administration COTR within two weeks after completion of the sample collection process 2. Still photographs taken of the sample locations during collection of the biological samples shall be provided. Submittals shall be in digital format on CD-ROM as appropriate. The still photographs shall be submitted to the Maritime Administration COTR within two weeks after completion of the sample collection process All reports whether interim or final shall be signed versions and shall be digitally scanned onto a CD-ROM in either Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word document format. The diving contractor shall prepare and deliver four (4) copies of the final CD and the original report shall be submitted to the Maritime Administration COTR. Sources interested in this requirement shall submit a capability statement which will include at minimum: (1) a corporate overview which highlighting your experience in this area; (2) at least 2 references in which similar services was performed. You must include the company name, a valid contact name and phone number and a description of services provided; and (3). Your package shall not exceed four pages. A cover sheet (not included in the page count) shall include the following: contact name, address, telephone and fax number, your business entity (i.e., large business, small business), status (8(a), Hubzone, Service Disabled Veteran, Woman Owned, etc.), and GSA schedule number (if applicable) under NAICS code 561990. The Government will not pay for information furnished in response to this notice. Your capabilities statement shall be submitted electronically to Theresta Lanier at
[email protected] by 2pm Friday August 24, 2007.