V -- Title: U.S. AMLR Scientific Vessel Charter, Antarctic Region - Request for Industry Comment

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking information to aid in the chartering of a research vessel to support the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) program. The AMLR program provides information necessary to formulate U.S. policy on the conservation and international management of resources living in the oceans surrounding Antarctica. The vessel will operate out of Punta Arenas, Chile, and conduct research in the vicinity of the South Shetland Islands, and South Georgia Island. The ship will be required to transit the Drake Passage and may be required to work in the Bellinghausen and Weddell Seas. A multi-year (maximum of 5 years) seasonal charter is being considered, commencing January 1, 2005. During each year, the contract will consist of 70 calendar days (63 underway and 7 days in port) for the execution of a cruise in the Antarctic study area during the January to early March period. The vessel will be required to conduct a brief shake-down cruise, between legs, and after last leg) to resupply and exchange personnel; for a total of 70 days. Each year will also have an option for a third research leg with a maximum of 30 days underway and 3 days in port for a total of 103 calendar days (i.e. 93 days underway and 10 days in port). The scientific research includes, but is not limited to the following: bioacoustic surveys, physical oceanography studies, phytoplankton studies, zooplankton surveys, bottom trawl surveys, and seabird and marine mammal observations. Small boat operations for logistical support of field camps will be conducted from the vessel. A suitable vessel shall have a clear open deck space of 93m2 (1000 ft.2) for storage of scientific gear, four (4) side sampling stations for over-the-side sampling and towing, an on deck catch processing area of at least 18.6 m2 (200 ft.2), and an area to be used as a marine mammal and bird observation platform. The vessel shall have a ice-strengthen hull, have a minimum sustained cruising speed of 12 kts (22.3 km/hr), have the capability to maintain steerage at speeds of 2.0 knots (3.7 km/hour) in calm water for accomplishing scientific tows with drags up to 2,000 lbs. (8.9 kn), have an operational endurance of a minimum of 30 days and an operational range 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km), have deck equipment to support the deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, small boats (zodiacs) an scientific laboratories. Deck space for two (2) Government furnished vans 6.1 m x 2.4 m x 2.4 m (20 ft x 8 ft x 8ft) shall be available. If sufficient laboratory space is not available, then a third Government furnished van, with the same dimensions, shall augment the required space. The vessel shall provide meals and berthing for 22-30 scientific personnel. Access to electronic outputs from the ship's Global Positioning System, gyrocompass, positioning equipment and echosounders is required. Environmental monitoring instrumentation (e.g. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, thermosalinograph, carousel water sampler, etc.) is desired. Hull mounting of AMLR program supplied acoustic transducers is required. The Government is soliciting industry reaction/level in the above project, specifically as it relates to the following: (1) types of vessels that may be available, including technical and operational capabilities and required vessel modifications to conduct the various research operations above; (2) rough order of magnitude cost estimates and desired contract pricing arrangements; (3) ports of origin of potentially available vessels and transit time to/from the research area. Industry comment on additional factors that should be addressed in the solicitation to encourage submission of a proposal is welcome. Written responses should be received by February 23, 2004. All responsible sources may respond to the Request for Information. As a result of analyzing responses to the Request for Information, NOAA may determine that a solicitation be issued. If a solicitation is issued, an additional synopsis of the procurement will be published prior to the issuance.