R -- OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY REGULATORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT The following is a Request for Comment (RFC). This synopsis is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal. The Research and Special Programs Administration's (RSPA) Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) is contemplating issuing a RFP for the following two requirements: 1) Oil Pollution Act (OPA) Response Plan Review, and 2) Identification of Unusually Sensitive Areas (USAs). The purpose of this RFC is to allow industry to provide comments on any perceived issues with regard to the draft performance-based work statements and quality assurance plans and to enable the government to benefit from industry expertise. The primary goal is to identify potential problem areas and better alternatives or recommendations to improve our proposed approach to enhance the likelihood of success. The government encourages all industry feedback and is receptive to ideas which could result in limiting unnecessarily constraining requirements, realizing cost savings, or highlighting potential technical or contractual problem areas associated with the proposed acquisition. Any comments should not be viewed as a vehicle for presenting a specific approach or product intended to be proposed, but as an opportunity to improve a potential solicitation package. Comments are solicited regarding the following anticipated parameters (which are all subject to change if an RFP is subsequently issued): 1. RSPA anticipates the award of two cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery-indefinite quantity contracts with an objective, measurable Quality Assurance Plan (as described in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter 91-2, Service Contracting). The award fee will be negotiated before award and will be earned by the contractor based on the successful completion of work in accordance with the performance requirements, standards and measurements set forth in the contract. 2. Contractor selection will be based on the offer that provides the best value to the government. Oral presentations may be used as part of the proposal process. 3. RSPA will require offerors to identify key personnel with initial submission of proposals. RSPA will require offerors to provide comprehensive experience and educational backgrounds of all proposed key personnel. 4. To view draft Statements of Work and Quality Assurance Plans, which are written as Performance-Based Requirements (as described in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter 91-2, Service Contracting) go to: www.rspa.dot.gov/contracts.html 5. Comments, whether supportive or critical, are earnestly solicited regarding every aspect of the proposed acquisition. Replies are not mandatory. Replies will be separated from, and have no bearing on, any subsequent evaluation of proposals submitted in response to any resulting RFPs. The use of comments received from industry to complete final solicitation package is at the discretion of RSPA. Any subsequent solicitation will be synopsized prior to release. Eligibility in participating in any future solicitation is not dependent onresponse to this notice. The government will not critique a potential offeror's comments, nor should the RFC be used by potential offerors to market their products or services. The government will not pay for the information solicited and will not recognize any costs proposed that are associated with responding to this RFC. Proprietary information is not solicited. Any information submitted that is considered proprietary should be identified as such. Responses to this notice must be submitted to Thomas H. Scott, III, Contracting Officer, in writing (via e-mail or regular mail), at the following address no later than August 14, 2000: U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Special Programs Administration Office of Contracts and Procurement (DMA-30) 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 7108 Washington, DC 20590-0001 e-mail: tom.scott@rspa.dot.gov WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www2.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=S&ProjID=Reference-Number-DTRS56-00-RFC-0002&LocID=137. E-MAIL: Tom Scott, tom.scott@rspa.dot.gov. Posted 07/24/00 (D-SN477901).

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