B -- SURVEY OF MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT MODELS

Notice Date

August 22, 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

31185

Response Due

September 14, 2001

Point of Contact

Bill Thomas

E-Mail Address

Contracting Officer (thomasw@mms.gov)

Description

DESC: The Department of Interior, Minerals Management Service (MMS) intends to competitively award a contract to provide a thorough and objective review of the state-of-the-art in marine environmental impact assessment models. The MMS has the responsibilities of leasing submerged federal lands and overseeing oil and gas production operations. The MMS must also ensure the protection of the marine and coastal environments. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 USC 4321-4347) requires that all Federal Agencies use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences in any planning and decision making that may have an effect on the human environment. MMS endeavors to use the best available information and methods to meet its legal responsibilities for environmental analyses. The study has two objectives: (1) to provide a comprehensive and unbiased reporting of the capabilities and functions of existing marine environmental impact models, and (2) to provide a comparative analysis of their strengths and weaknesses without advocating or recommending any particular methodology or product line for implementation. To fulfill these objectives, the selected contractor shall conduct a thorough review of pertinent scientific literature and develop a draft and final study plan. The plan will identify for examination a variety of existing oil spill (and possibly other) models, factors affecting model suitability and effectiveness such as the treatment of physical, biolgical and environmental variables, model features and capabilities, and any other considerations that affect model performance and suitability for impact analysis. The plan will identify a systematic testing methodology that will provide valid results for comparative analysis. The plan will be developed and executed in consultation with MMS and a Science Review Group (SRG). The SRG will provide advice on science issues and project modifications, and will review draft and final documents. The Contractor shall prepare a slide presentation and present a paper at each of the three MMS Regional ITMs summarizing the findings of the study. HOW TO RESPOND: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE NOTICE CAREFULLY AS IT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY NOTICE THAT WILL BE ISSUED. In order to compete for this contract, interested parties MUST demonstrate that they are qualified to perform the work by providing, by 4:00 P.M., EST, 091401 a Capabilities Statement detailing: (1) your key personnel (those who would have primary responsibility for performing and/or managing the study) with their qualifications and specific experience and your organizational experience and facilities with: (A) oil and gas operations on the United States Outer Continental Shelf; (B) evaluating impacts from offshore oil and gas facilities; (C) NEPA documentation and the process of environmental impact analysis; and (D) use and application of environmental impact models; (2) past performance including specific references (including contract number & project description, period of performance, dollar amount, client identification with the point of contact & telephone number) for previous work of this nature that your key personnel or organization has performed within the last four years. (REFERENCES WILL BE CHECKED). Offerors shall submit their Capabilities Statement in original and four copies to, Minerals Management Service, 381 Elden Street, MS-2500, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817, Attention Bill Thomas. Your Capabilities Statement will be evaluated based on; (1) key personnel skills, abilities and experience; your organization's experience and (2) 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 products. Following review of all Capability Statements, we will establish a list of those seemed most qualified to perform the work. Qualified offerors will be notified and provided additional proposal instructions. Proposals will essentially consist of an oral technical presentation, written program management plan and written cost/business proposal. Further details of proposal requirements and logistical considerations will be provided at a later date. The period of performance of the contract will be from date of award through March, 2003. With a cost range of $120,000 to $140,000. Questions should be faxed or Emailed as soon as possible to: Fax (703) 787-1387 or Email thomasw@mms.gov. Please include with your question(s) your full name, the RFP number & title, your organization, complete address, and phone and fax numbers. Telephonic questions or requests are strongly discouraged.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010824/BSOL005.HTM (W-234 SN50V762)