Maritime Vessel Stopping Occlusion Technologies (MVSOT) Support

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Divisions intends to issue a sole source contract to the University of Michigan (UM), 500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (CAGE code: 03399) on a sole-source basis, for engineering services to model propeller occlusion of Polymer Kelp (PK) variants against outboard motors, and to characterize material responses to environmental conditions for Maritime Vessel Stopping Occlusion Technologies (MVSOT). The contract effort is to procure labor support and Other Direct Charges to model, test, qualify, and report the characterizations of propeller occlusion with PK. The contract action will be for a Base Year of 12 months and two (2) Option periods of 12 months each. This procurement is sole source for the following reasons. - UM is the only responsible source capable of providing the required results and expertise in the required schedule. Under contract FA8075-14-D-0014 Task Order FA807517F1310 Subcontract number SUB1138240 01, UM successfully modeled propeller occlusion with Polymer Kelp (PK) and validated results utilizing tow tank and wind tank facilities, as well as PK at-sea testing completed by NSWC PCD. - This acquisition is of refinement of results previously developed and highly specialized models. The University of Michigan Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory (MHL) is the only entity that has studied and reported on the effects of propeller occlusion. Moreover, the MHL modeled PK-propeller interaction in FY18-19 efforts and is the only entity with in-house resident expertise on PK and propeller occlusion. Another group would require 18 months minimum to establish the knowledge base and expertise that MHL built during these previous efforts. The MHL possesses state-of-the-art testing facilities that, combined, are unique to other hydrodynamic modeling groups. The researchers in this group are acknowledged as leaders in the field of marine hydrodynamic modeling and their knowledge and skill set are essential to maintaining schedule and cost for the MVSOT program. - The Navy has previously contracted modeling research and development support from the University of Michigan under contract FA8075-14-D-0014 Task Order FA807517F1310 Subcontract number SUB1138240 01. This contract is for the continued research and development support of the University of Michigan to further develop and refine specialized propeller occlusion models based on MVSOT test materials. For another contractor to develop the necessary knowledge, expertise and inherent technical data to develop these same models and capabilities along with the same level of accuracy would take in excess of two to three (2-3) years. This notice of intent to negotiate a sole-source action is not a request for competitive proposals. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a response, which will be considered. All responses should be directed to kayla.m.nelson@navy.mil and must be received within fifteen (15) days from the publication date of this synopsis or by COB 04:00 central 14 August 2019. NAICS 325220. Small Business Size Standard is 1,000 employees. PSC AC34.