B -- DEEPWATER PROGRAM: EXPLORATORY STUDY OF DEEPWATER CURRENTS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Notice Date

July 5, 2001

Contracting Office

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

ZIP Code

20170-4817

Solicitation Number

1435-01-01-RP-31152

Response Due

July 26, 2001

Point of Contact

Michael W. Hargrove, Contracting Officer 703-787-1367 & Terry W. Carroll, Procurement Technician 703-787-1383

E-Mail Address

Contracting Officer & Procurement Technician (Michael.Hargrove@mms.gov or Terry.Carroll2@mms.gov)

Description

B -- Historical data and results from numerical models suggest that the Gulf of Mexico can, to first order, be approximated as a two-layer system. The upper layer has vigorous circulation driven by the Loop Current and associated eddies, and atmospheric disturbances. The lower layer shows cyclonic circulation and influences of topographic Rossby waves (TRW) and/or cyclonic/anticycloinic eddy pairs. Recent current measurements reveal very high speeds (50-100 cm/s) and time variations of 10-15 days near the bottom in 2,000 m. These measurements also show near barotropic flows below 1,000 m and bottom intensification suggesting TRW. Current measurements from the 1980's also show nearly barotropic flows below 1,000 m and bottom intensification, but the speeds were smaller and time variations of 15-30 days. While these findings provide useful information, they raise far more questions and highlight our knowledge gap in deepwater oceanography. To address this knowledge gap the MMS is conducting this exploratory study. The objectives of this study are: (1) to increase our deepwater current database and knowledge of the deep circulation in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) to gather sufficient information to estimate oceanographic parameters needed to make experimental designs of full scale physical oceanography studies in deepwater; and (3) to collect sufficient current data to test eight (8) hypotheses concerning the deepwater circulation of the Gulf of Mexico. The performance period of this study shall be forty (40) months, but the fieldwork of this study shall last eighteen (18) months at the beginning of this contract. The remaining time ( 22 months) shall be devoted to analyses, synthesis of results, and completion of all deliverables. The study area is the region over the continental slope and rise of the northern Gulf of Mexico. The specific area is the region between 88W and 94W and 1,000- to 3,000-m water depths. Cost of this study is estimated to be between $4,500,000 to $5,000,000. This study consist of four (4) main tasks: (1) establishing a Science Review Group; (2) conducting a post award meeting; (3) field work and data collection (two moorings arrays and deep drifter deployments) over eighteen (18) months; and (4) complete all data analyses and report preparation. The study includes an Option to deploy and retrieve six (6) near-bottom single-current meters in water depths between 2,100 and 3,350 meters and working with the U.S. Navy. To Respond: In order to compete for this contract, interested parties must demonstrate that they are qualified to perform work by providing Capabilities Statements by 07-26-2001 Detailing: (1) Your key personnel, scientific and technical, (those who would have the primary responsibility for performing and/or managing the project) with their qualifications, specific expertise, and experience. Particularly relevant is their expertise in the fields of physical oceanography (Eulerian and Lagrangian data analysis and fieldwork experience) and remote sensing as demonstrated by qualification and authorship in peer-reviewed publications. Information about technical personnel who will be responsible for the organization of information and the production of documents and manuscripts must be provided. (2) Your organization's experience with this type of work and a description of your facilities. Specifically we will look at your ability to timely complete projects, adhere to schedules and budgets, effectively control costs, and the quality of products delivered. The degree of comparability of past projects to the current project, including number, complexity, and size will also be considered. Information about your subcontracts, partners, and quality of cooperation between organization, staff, key personnel, and the client must be provided. (3) Specific references (including project identifier/contract number and description, period of performance, dollar amount, client name, and current telephone number) for work of this nature that your personnel or organization is currently performing or has completed within the last three (3) years. Also, please include any negative references and your rebuttal explaining your side of the story. All references will be checked to validate the information provided. Offerors shall submit an original and four (4) copies of the Capabilities Statement to Mr. Michael W. Hargrove, Contracting Officer, Minerals Management Service, Procurement Operations Branch, 381 Elden St., MS 2510, Herndon, VA 20170-4817. Ten (10) additional copies shall be submitted to Ms. Connie Landry, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, MS 5431, New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that the Capabilities Statements are received by the dates and time set forth above. Timeliness of receipt of submissions will be determined by the time received in the Procurement Operations Branch, Herndon, Virginia. Your capabilities statement will be evaluated based on: (1) Past performance which includes: adherence to schedules and budgets, effectiveness of cost control, the acceptability of previous products delivered, effectiveness of program management, and the Offeror's willingness to cooperate with the customer in both routine matters and when confronted by unexpected difficulties. (2) The degree of comparability of past projects to the current project, including number, complexity, and size; (3) The experience and expertise of all scientific and technical Key Personnel. Evaluation factors include the length and quality of experience for each person assigned to perform specific tasks, their experience and expertise in the fields applicable to the performance of this study and their level of effort commitment towards this study. (4) Your Project Manager's demonstrated leadership ability and experience with managing a large team and ability to control costs and to keep project performance and document preparation on schedule. Following Step (1) which is the review and evaluation of all Capabilities Statements, only those determined from the evaluation factors described above to be most qualified to successfully perform the effort will be invited to Step (2) and provided a detailed Request for Proposal. All offerors will be contacted after Step (1) by telephone. Questions regarding this procurement should be faxed or e-mailed as soon as possible. Please include the RFP Number 31152, as well as your full name, organization name, address, phone and FAX numbers. MMS fax number is 703-787-1387. TELEPHONIC QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010709/BSOL006.HTM (W-186 SN50Q974)