A--Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Number E13PS00032 for Proposed Research on Oil S

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Number E13PS00032 for Proposed Research on Oil Spill Response Operations in the US Outer Continental Shelf DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) solicits White Papers of not more than five (5) pages in length, for specific areas of interest to the BSEE Oil Spill Response Research (OSRR) Program on Oil Spill Response Operations in the US Outer Continental Shelf. When appropriate, the research shall be conducted consistently with prior research and studies. For a summary of research recently performed, visit http://www.bsee.gov/Research-and-Training/Oil-Spill-Response-Research-(OSRR).aspx. Interested parties are encouraged to view the information presented on the site when considering submission of white papers. BACKGROUND: The BSEE OSRR Program is requesting white papers to be submitted in accordance with the terms of this announcement. Authors of selected white papers will be requested to submit full proposals. Proposals selected for funding by BSEE may receive funding via Fiscal Year 2013 allocations. The BSEE anticipates that $6,000,000 may be available for the initiation of new research and/or studies addressing topics identified through this announcement. The BSEE does not anticipate any one award exceeding $1,000,000. NOTICE: The BSEE may share the White Papers with other organizations for review. Potential contractors shall notify the BSEE if they do not want their White Papers/proposals shared outside of BSEE. The BSEE anticipates awards resultant to this announcement will be made on a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP). OBJECTIVES: Responses to the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) oil spill response research under this announcement should be limited to the following topics: 1. Development of Surrogate Oils for Oil Spill Remote Sensing Technology Testing and Training - Environmental considerations generally preclude the ability to develop/test oil spill detection and response tools in the intended operational environment with actual crude oils. There is a need for development of environmentally friendly surrogate oils that would mimic the characteristics of crude oil for use in field testing and training. BSEE is specifically interested in; A surrogate whose properties would mirror the reflective signature of crude oils for use with remote sensing technology. This surrogate would be utilized to provide realistic testing/training for technology designed to detect/map/measure spilled oil in a marine environment. A surrogate that would be appropriate for use in an Arctic environment, for example oil trapped under an ice sheet. A surrogate that could be used to test mechanical recovery equipment in field tests, specifically in an Arctic environment. 2. Flow Rate Verification - There is a need for new technology that will allow for a more precise measurement of the flow rate of oil and gas during an underwater uncontrolled release. 3. Conducting Expanded Seasonal Testing in Simulated Arctic Environment at Ohmsett - Ohmsett, the National Oil Spill Response Test Facility, located in Leonardo, New Jersey, is a government owned facility. It is the largest outdoor saltwater wave/tow tank facility in North America where full-scale oil spill response equipment testing, research, and training can be conducted with oil. With an expanded focus on testing in simulated Arctic conditions, BSEE would like to explore expansion of Ohmsetts capabilities to allow for increased testing of oil spill equipment in various simulated arctic conditions. This project should include a needs assessment, define the current limitations of the facility, and provide a roadmap for implementation of recommendations. 4. Innovative Technology Enhancements for Measuring Test Parameters at Ohmsett - BSEE would like to explore the possibility of enhancing the Ohmsett facility to allow for real-time measurement of test parameters such as percent of surface oil coverage, percent of surface ice coverage, and accurate ability to easily measure oil thicknesses during testing. 5. Review of ASTM Standards for Oil Spill Response Equipment The ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response has developed many consensus standards that pertain to many aspects of oil spill response equipment. A review of existing standards with a recommendation on any needed standards is desired. This review should encompass any special considerations required for oil spill response operations in Arctic conditions and the effort could include preparation of draft documents for consideration by the F20 Committee. 6. Assess Options for Maintaining a National Inventory of Oil Spill Response Resources Review current systems that provide partial data needed to establish a fully-populated national inventory of oil spill response resources. Provide recommendations on software requirements, data elements, methods to populate inventory and avoid duplication of entries, server requirements and hosting recommendations. The desired end-result would provide a searchable, real-time data source for oil spill response resources in the United States. 7. Methods for Removal of Oil under Solid Ice While technology to locate oil under solid ice, or encapsulated within solid ice, is being developed, there is a need for innovative methods to remove that oil once it is located. White papers are being requested for prototype development and/or testing of new technologies, or adaptations of existing technologies. This may include the use of robotic technology to assist in the cleanup process. 8. Research to Support the Prediction of Effectiveness of Dispersant Use in the U.S. Beaufort and Chukchi Seas White papers are being requested on a series of focused studies utilizing the crude oil types and operating conditions typically encountered in the U. S. Beaufort and Chukchi Seas that would provide information to support decision-making and the prediction of dispersant effectiveness. The oceanographic characteristics such as salinity, temperature, circulation and wave patterns, and the influence of sea ice coverage should all be considered. 9. Tools to support the decision-making process of the Federal On Scene Coordinator (FOSC) when determining the optimum response methods given a unique marine oil spill scenario White papers are being requested on research to develop tools that will assist the FOSC to coordinate response options via decision-making tools. HOW TO RESPOND: White Papers of not more than five (5) pages in length, an ORIGINAL PLUS three (3) copies and one (1) electronic copy in PDF format, on a CD, shall be submitted to the DOI/BSEE, 381 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170-4817, ATTN: Ms. Herma Banks, not later than 5:00 PM, EASTERN TIME on April 12, 2013. WHITE PAPERS SENT THROUGH EMAIL AND FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. White Papers shall define the proposed research scope and include the level of effort. NOTE THAT COST ESTIMATES ARE NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE WHITE PAPER. The White Papers shall be evaluated only on technical merits. IF YOUR WHITE PAPER IS SELECTED FOR FURTHER EVALUATION, A TECHNICAL AND COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL WILL BE REQUESTED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER FROM YOUR COMPANY. Projects shall be selected from all or part of the technical issues listed depending on the interest and scope of White Papers received. The BSEE shall evaluate the responses, and those deemed to have merit shall be furnished information to assist in the preparation of the complete proposal. This announcement constitutes a Request for White Papers, but does not obligate the Government to consummate award. Respondents WILL NOT be notified of the results of the evaluation on the information submitted. WHITE PAPERS SHALL BE EVALUATED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (1) feasibility of the approach or solution; (2) the Offerors understanding of the technical issues; (3) the Offerors ability to implement the proposed approach; (4) innovative or creative approaches or solutions including the participation and/or funding by the oil and gas industry or other groups in the research industry, where appropriate; and (5) past performance. IF ANY OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ARE NOT MET, THE WHITE PAPER WILL NOT BE EVALUATED. QUESTIONS can be emailed to [email protected] not later than 5:00 p.m., EASTERN TIME on April 12, 2013. The Solicitation number E13PS00032 MUST be in the subject line of the E-mail. All questions shall include the Solicitation number E13PS00032, your full name and title, your organization, complete address, and telephone and fax numbers. Telephone inquiries WILL NOT be accepted. A separate White Paper shall be submitted for each study on which the Offeror wishes to propose. The White Paper shall identify clearly the Offerors company/organization, point of contact, address, telephone and facsimile numbers. RESPONSES will be accepted ONLY until 5:00 pm, EASTERN TIME on April 12, 2013. If offerors desire to hand deliver their White Papers, they are advised that the BSEE facility is a secure office complex and Offerors MUST NOT enter the building beyond the lobby. There is a courtesy telephone at the guard station to which you must call extension 7-1070 for a procurement official to meet and receive your submittal. POINT OF CONTACT: You MUST contact Ms. Herma Banks and set up an appointment 24 hours in advance of dropping off your White Paper. Point of Contact: Ms. Herma Banks, Contracting Officer, phone number 703-787-1432 and email address at [email protected].