Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Procurement Operations Branch, MS2500, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817

B -- WHITE PAPERS SOUGHT FOR PROPOSED RESEARCH PROJECTS TO BE CONDUCTED IN SUPPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM (ESP) SOL 31000 DUE 050799 POC Wallace O. Adcox, Contracting Officer, (703) 787-1362 WEB: MMS Homepage (contains general information on organization, http://www.mms.gov/. E-MAIL: Contracting Officer's e-mail address, wallace.adcox@mms.gov. This announcement is to solicit White Papers, no more than 10 pages in length including curriculum vitaes, to address research of physical oceanographic processes of the slope and rise in the Gulf of Mexico using numerical models. Physical processes of interest to the Minerals Management Service (MMS) ESP are: (1) generation and behavior of topographic Rossby waves in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) mid-water column jets; (3) eddy-topography interactions; (4) bottom and surface boundary layers behavior; (5) kinematic and dynamical evolution of eddies in the Gulf of Mexico; and (6) effects of submarine canyons on flows. However, white papers can discuss other physical processes not mentioned. Background: The ideal means for understanding the dynamics and processes controlling the deep water circulation of the Gulf of Mexico is through intensive field work. However, the cost of such endeavors is prohibitive and impractical. Numerical models and analytical analyses are reasonable alternatives. Recent advances inhardware and numerical techniques will provide results that are realistic. Another reason for embarking on the proposed study is the completion of a synthesis of historical data in deepwater of the Gulf of Mexico, that should provide guidance on relevant processes and help assess the realism of the numerical model results. The MMS anticipates a $2,500,000 total budget for these projects and a maximum duration of four (4) years for each project. Offerors should bear this in mind when responding to this request for white papers. Offerors shall provide an estimate of the total cost for their project, but not a detailed cost breakdown. Include an estimate of the total level of effort for the project in terms of man-hours. White papers will be evaluated only on technical merits. If selected, MMS will request a proposal and a detailed budget. We will evaluate project cost at that time. Projects will be selected for funding from all or part of the research topics, depending on the scope of white papers received. Responses will be accepted through May 7, 1999. White papers must reference the area of interest under which they are to be considered and an original and ten (10) copies submitted to the address provided above. The MMS will evaluate the responses, and those deemed to have merit will be furnished information to assist in the preparation of a complete proposal. This synopsis constitutes an RFP but does not commit the Government to award nor does it restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will solicit those firms meeting the screening criteria in this synopsis. Respondents will be notified of the results of the evaluation or the information submitted. Responses will be evaluated on the following criteria in order of importance: (1) the offeror's understanding of the technical issues being presented for consideration; (2) the applicability to MMS' information needs; (3) feasibility of the approach; (4) the offeror's record of past performance (5) the availability of qualified personnel with the requisite expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed research; and (6) the offeror's ability to implement the proposed approach as demonstrated by adequate detailed analysis and supported by specific accomplishments. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Inquiries should be sent to the above office. A separate white paper shall be submitted for each study for which the offeror wishes to propose. The white papers shall identify clearly the offeror's organization, point of contact, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers as well as mailing addresses. Posted 04/07/99 (W-SN317193). (0097)

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