Lease of R/V Hugh R. Sharp

NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive proposals. This is not a solicitation or request for offers. No solicitation package is available and telephone requests will not be honored. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This purchase will be made utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures: � FAR Part 13.501 (a) for purchases exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) intends to award a sole source purchase order to the University of Delaware of Lewes, DE to furnish: A Fourteen (14) Day Lease of R/V Hugh R. Sharp The Oceanography Division of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) requires the use of a vessel, rated for oceanographic operations, to conduct a 14-day study in the Atlantic Ocean outside of the Delaware Bay. The field effort is required to deploy and recover oceanographic instrumentation that will collect data for the "Intermediate trophic levels (InTro)" project funded by NRL. The R/V Hugh R. Sharp is a research vessel of the University-National Laboratory Systems (UNOLS) and owned by the University of Delaware. NRL requires an acoustically quiet (ICES 209 sound emission standards), regional class (>40 m) research vessel with a cruising speed of at least 9 knots, which will allow for the required continuous operation for fourteen days in all weather conditions. The vessel must be capable of deploying and recovering large oceanographic equipment (various moorings), and towing an undulating vehicle with real-time data acquisition and monitoring. It must be equipped with a winch, an A-frame, and a crane for deployments of and recoveries of instruments (all rated for at least 6000 lbs). The vessel must be equipped with basic oceanographic and atmospheric equipment (ADCP, CTD rosette with auxiliary instruments, anemometers, hygrometers, and barometers) as well as Internet and satellite phone connections. It must accommodate (bed and meals) a science party of at least 14 people involved in the experiment for 14 days. Additionally, a crew is expected to provide 24-hour assistance or scientists and technicians with deployments and recoveries of oceanographic instrumentation. Therefore, the crew must have past experience with basic oceanographic operations. At least two days of pre-cruise mobilization time and one day of post-cruise demobilization is required. Only the R/V Hugh R. Sharp, owned by the University of Delaware will meet the stated requirements above. Only the University of Delaware provides a far more cost effective approach at this time, as it is the only vendor capable of supplying the stated requirements in the required location, making it the most advantageous position for the Government and tax payer. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency. Any response to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed purchase order based upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No reimbursement for any cost connected with providing capability information will be provided. The point of contact is: Steven Vandercook email: steven.vandercook@nrl.navy.mil. Please reference this Notice of Intent number (N00173-18-SV007) on your correspondence and in the "Subject" line of your email. This notice will close on: April 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM EDT.