This is a public announcement for a proposed contract action. In accordance with Far Part 5.101 as required by the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e) and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 US.C. 416). SOURCES SOUGHT: The U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC), Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), Miami, FL intends to award a sole source purchase order to Shedd Aquarium Society in Chicago, IL., for their Research Vessel Coral Reef II for status and exploitation of Reef Resources on Navassa Island. Shedd Aquarium is the only known research vessel that has performed past scientific charter work in this area. Hence they are the only purveyor which possesses local knowledge of this remote area and can therefore be most reasonably expected to support scientific work safely and effectively in this area. Objective: Include assessment of reef resource status including benthic communities, fish assemblages, single-beam acoustic mapping, and observations on fishing activities at Navassa Island. This project involves an expedition to the remote, uninhabited Navassa Island (US territory) that requires a research vessel with the following capabilities: 1) Accommodation for ten (10) scientists. 2) Ability to support scientific diving operations for ten (10) days on station at Navassa Island without resupply, 3) Provide for transportation of scientific gear and science party to and from Miami to Navassa. 4) Crew with competence and local knowledge to undertake transit and diving operations at Navassa Island. The requirement for local knowledge is particularly important as the area is remote and under disputed international sovereignty (i.e. with Haiti). The island is uninhabited but frequented by Haitian fishers. Such remoteness represents potentially hazardous conditions. The charter is to occur on or about November 1, 2006 thru November 21, 2006. The anticipated performance period is from date of award through January 31, 2007. Deliverables: Charter vessel including captain/crew to provide for at least nine working das on station at Navassa Island (not including transit time).-transit of gear from/to Miami, FL., Transit of science participants from/to Miami, FL., accommodation and food for a party of 10 scientists, diving support for science participants including air compressor and small rescues boat (SEFSC will provide NITROX breathing gas compressor system), charter vessel and operations will be in accord with NOAAA Charter Vessel Policy. The proposed contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all proposals received within ten (10) days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the agency. Interested firms shall include, in writing, the company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, and business size; a statement regarding their capabilities and qualifications, references, and any additional supporting literature. Submit requests to the attention of Sharon Walker, at 816-426-7470. Faxed responses send to 816-274-6983 or email to
[email protected]. Submissions received in response to this notice shall be evaluated based on the technical ability and demonstrated past experience to meet the requirements described in the description section above. Experience in providing successful charter trips, supporting scientific survey work or coral reef in Navassa or similar remote areas. Demonstrated knowledge of the Navassa Island, local fishers and habitats, and diving operations. Vendor must provide a DUNS number (http://www.dnb.com/us/ ) and register with the Central Contractors Registration (http://www.ccr.gov/ ).