Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Procurement Operations Branch, MS2500, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 22070-4817

B -- NORTHEASTERN GULF OF MEXICO PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY PROGRAM: CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY AND HYDROGRAPHY SOL RFP 3851 POC Sandra McLaughlin, Contracting Officer, 703-787-1361 or Jenny Taylor, Procurement Technician, 703-787-1355 WEB: Click here for general info about MMS and its programs., www.mms.gov. E-MAIL: Click to contact Contracting Officer by e-mail., sandra.mclaughlin@smtp.mms.gov. The Minerals Management Service (MMS) intends to contract for performance of a study entitled "Northeastern Gulf of Mexico Physical Oceanography Program: Chemical Oceanography and Hydrography." This is a planned 4-year effort which will examine spatial and temporal variation of temperature, salinity, oxygen, and nutrients, among other parameters in the study area. Study area: approximately but not larger than enclosed between the latitudes of 28 N and 31 N, and longitudes 82 W and 89 W. The study will examine the processes responsible for creating the prevailing distributions and variations of these fields and variables studied. Study objectives include: (1) create an effective and efficient experimental design of research cruises on the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico (NEGOM). Spatial cover of cruises should be enough to cover the entire study area and of sufficient frequency as to resolve seasonal variations of chemical oceanography and hydrographic parameters. Variables to be measured include but are not limited to: seawater conductivity/salinity, temperature, depth, oxygen, nutrients, associated with OCS activities, suspended particulate matter, and light transmission/penetration and transmissivity; (2) collect the necessary ancillary data to complement and analyze data collected during research cruises, e.g. river discharge, meteorological info, Loop Current and associated eddies, etc. Also, identify and obtain historical data sets of the variables measured in this study; and (3) analyze data to describe spatial fields or distributions in the vertical and horizontal planes, temporal variations, budgets, variations, and processes (chemical, physical, or biological) which contribute to the production of the observed fields and distributions. Effort is estimated at approximately 3600 man-hours scientific, and 1400 man-hours administrative. Deliverables include annual and final reports, progress presentations and slides sets, etc. HOW TO RESPOND: In order to compete for this contract interested parties MUST demonstrate that they are qualified to perform the work by providing, WITHIN 30 CALENDAR DAYS of publication of this notice, a Capabilities Statement [one bound original and one unbound copy] detailing: (1) your key personnel (those who would have primary responsibility for performing and/or managing the study) with their qualifications and specific experience; (2) your organizational experience and facilities; and (3) specific references (including contract number & project description, period of performance, dollar amount, client identification with point of contact & telephone number) for previous work of this nature that your key personnel or organization have performed within the last two years. (References will be checked). Following review of all Capabilities Statements, a list of those deemed most qualified to perform the work will be established and the qualifiers will be notified and provided additional proposal instructions. Proposals will essentially consist of an oral technical presentation (to be conducted at MMS' Herndon Virginia office) and written cost/business proposal. Further details of proposal requirements and logistical considerations will be provided at a later date. Your Capabilities Statement will be evaluated based on your key persons' skills, abilities and experience; your organization's experience and past performance (including number, size, and complexity of similar projects, adherence to schedules and budgets, effectiveness of program management, willingness to cooperate when difficulties arise, general compliance with the terms of the contracts, and acceptability of delivered product.) Questions should be faxed or e-mailed as soon as possible to fax (703)787-1009 or e-mail "sandra. mclaughlin@smtp.mms.gov." Please include with any question(s) or correspondence your full name, the RFP No. [3851] & title, your organization, complete address, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address, if applicable. Telephonic questions or requests are strongly discouraged. Note: Any conflict in the due dates shown in this notice shall be governed by this narrative (i.e. capabilities statement ARE due 30 days from posting of this notice.) (0122)

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