U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, WASC, Acquisition Management Division WC3, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bin C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070

V -- SUBMERSIBLE DIVE DAYS OFF SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA SOL 52ABNF800049 DUE 041598 POC Kristina R. Rodabaugh (206) 526-6379 This publication serves as a notice of intent to procure, on a sole-source basis, with DELTA OCEANOGRAPHICS, for a submersible system to consist of a manned submersible, support vessel, launch and retrieval system, crew, and scientific laboratory space. The charter shall be for up to 14 days in June of 1998 plus one additional option year charter in 1999, to start and end in Kodiak, Alaska. The charter shall take place in the waters off southeastern Alaska. The submersible shall be capable of regularly operating to a depth of 360m and must be able to operate in contact with the seafloor over rugged substrate that includes boulders and coral. At least two(2) fully qualified pilots are required with the submersible. The submersible and support crew shall be capable of providing up to eight(8) hours of submergence during a normal operating day. Performance capability is critical to the success of this research. The submersible must also come equipped with an external high resolution color video camera (minimum resolution 350 lines). The support vessel shall have a minimum length of 110 ft. overall, to safely launch and recover the submersible and special oceanographic equipment; shall be capable of remaining at sea for at least fifteen(15) days without resupplying and capable of cruising at least nine(9) knots to minimize transit time between stations; shall have a complete integrated deck-mounted, hydraulic-powered launch and retrieval system with two times manned submersible weight capacity for maneuvering the submersible from deck cradle in and out of the water. The Contractor shall provide along with the support vessel and in addition to the submersible crew, berthing for at least a scientific crew of four(4), food, fresh water, etc. All interesed concerns must submit documentation demonstrating that they can supply a submersible system with the characteristics mentioned above within 15 days of the publication date of this notice. This notice may represent the only official notice of such solicitation. See Note 22. (0058)

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