B09 - RFP 140M0120R0008 AMENDMENT 2--11.6.2020_0002.pdf

(x)

140M0120R0008 x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

M10

Sterling VA 20166-9216 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-AMD

BOEM-HQ

11/06/20200002

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

09/29/2020

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Amendment 2 to Solicitation/Request for Proposals (RFP) 140M0120R0008 for the Government's

Requirements Titled: "Geophysical, Geological, and Environmental Data Collection and

Analysis supporting Outer Continental Shelf Marine Minerals Stewardship."

The purposes of Amendment 2 are to: 1) provide answers to questions received in response to the Solicitation/RFP; 2) incorporate changes to Solicitation/RFP 140M0120R0008; and, 3) extend the due date and time for proposals.

1) Answers to questions received in response to the Solicitation/RFP 140M0120R0008 are hereby provided via the attached addendum.

Continued ...

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Mario Gray

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 165

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140M0120R0008/0002

2) To the extent that the answers to questions, received in response to the Solicitation/RFP

140M0120R0008, resulted in changes to the requirements of Solicitation/RFP 140M0120R0008, changes to text are identified via 'track changes.' Therefore, the 'track changes' method of added and deleted text is hereby used to provide details for changes to Solicitation/RFP

140M0120R0008. As a result of this Amendment 2, Solicitation/RFP 140M0120R0008 is hereby re-issued in its entirety with 'track changes.'

3) The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is hereby extended to 11/30/2020, 5:00

P.M. Eastern Time.

4) Questions will NOT be accepted, considered or answered.

THE OFFEROR MUST SIGN THIS AMENDMENT (SF-30) AND

SUBMIT THE SIGNED AMENDMENT, ACKNOWLEDGING

ACCEPTANCE OF THE CHANGES HEREIN, WITH THE

OFFEROR'S PROPOSAL.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION 1:

For evaluation of the Sample Task Order, the RFP states on Page 121, regarding Task 1, that "the contractor shall perform stakeholder coordination, review and synthesize existing data and the location and character of potentially beach compatible sediment resources that exist proximal to potential project area(s). Based on the above the contractor shall refine the study area." This task requires a number of assumptions in the technical approach in order to price the level of effort. Each proposer could make perfectly logical assumptions and propose different study areas.

Without the study area specifically defined in the RFP, how will the Bureau be able to evaluate pricing between proposers when the study areas may not match?

ANSWER 1:

Section C.2 (BACKGROUND of the Sample Task Order Statement of Work) outlines the Sample Task Order’s nexus with the findings of the USACE South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS) and associated Sand Availability and Needs Determination (SAND) sub-group. The Offeror shall leverage the results from the SAND study and associated reports to best define high priority areas where projected demand for OCS sediment resources outpaces known resources in the areas of interest. The summary report was recently released and can be found at the link in Section C.2.

Section C.4 (SCOPE OF WORK of the Sample Task Order) initially identified high priority areas offshore of Carteret, Onslow, or Brunswick Counties in North Carolina, and Northeast to Central Florida coast (north of St. Lucie County) where there were current and upcoming federal or locally sponsored projects. The Offeror may assume reconnaissance-level investigation and determine the number of mobilizations necessary to collect both geophysics and vibracores in areas of interest, incorporating at least one each of the major NC and FL project areas. To better constrain the level of effort, the Government limits that the total cost of the Sample Task Order must not exceed $1.5 Million Dollars. The density of data collection shall be proportional to the potential targets/features of interest identified.

Task 1.1 requires coordination with stakeholders to finalize the target area and approach. The Sample Task Order is designed to have Offerors nominate the best solution to our broadly defined research problem and give contractors flexibility in approach. As a part of Task 1, the selected Offeror, would work with BOEM, to finalize exact investigation areas, integrating input gathered from other federal, state, and local partners, avoiding areas previously surveyed, and leveraging any third-party concurrent surveys to avoid duplication of efforts.

BOEM suggests contractors consider regional bathymetry and available information about geologic context to best identify potential targets/features of interest in at least two project areas.

The Offeror shall account for the geomorphology in the areas of interest, such as cape-associated features, sparse, disconnected features, broad shoals, and the presence or absence of hardbottom.

While avoiding areas that have been previously and sufficiently surveyed, new surveys shall be focused in a zone that is 3-8nm offshore (or further if water depths allow) and within roughly 20 miles of potential project areas, such that resources identified will be economically recoverable by the target communities. Water depths can be assumed to be <90 feet (30 meters) based on current U.S. dredging fleet technology and typical operating parameters.

Section L.8 ASSUMPTIONS, CONDITIONS, OR EXCEPTIONS requires Offerors outline the assumptions they made when designing their technical solution and corresponding cost estimates. Each technical proposal will be evaluated on its own based on technical merits and approach, to determine the best value to the Government, which may not necessarily be lowest price.

QUESTION 2:

For evaluation of the Sample Task Order, the RFP states on Page 127, regarding Task 4.6, that "the contractor shall conduct a marine archaeological and sensitive benthic habitat resources assessment before geological sampling." The findings from this task would have significant price implications on subsequent tasks. How will price be evaluated based on these assumptions?

ANSWER 2:

BOEM must ensure that any seafloor-disturbing activities do not impact archaeological or benthic habitat resources, and that appropriate steps are taken by its contractor(s) to avoid adverse impacts or ensure any impacts are mitigated to the extent possible.

In the case of the sample Task Order, which requires at least reconnaissance-level vibracoring along promising near-shore sand resource areas, a geophysical survey (with magnetometer) must be conducted and acquired data interpreted by a qualified marine archaeologist to identify potential targets for avoidance. A good-faith effort includes sufficient geophysical data coverage (or direct observation in the absence of remote sensing) to have confidence that archeological and habitat resources can be avoided where samples will be taken. That does not mean that a design-level survey or equivalent must occur to accomplish the objective; for example, a vibracore can be taken along or in close proximity to a geophysical track line.

BOEM has endeavored to answer several questions to help reduce uncertainty that could otherwise implicate an Offeror’s technical solution and corresponding price submission. BOEM recognizes, in the face of uncertainty, there are cost implications to these type of clearance activities. As a result, the price may depend on the nature of the technical solution proposed by the Offeror.

Section L.8 requests that the Offeror specify any assumptions, conditions, or exceptions that may influence the consideration and evaluation of a technical or cost proposal. The basis for selection and award is discussed in detail in Section M.3, including the Government’s intent to award the Offeror whose conforming proposal provides the overall best value to the Government, given technical evaluation factors, all other evaluation factors, and price considered. Relevant priorities and weighting across factors are discussed therein. Section M.5 describes the process we will use to evaluate the cost proposal before determining best value. The evaluation of an offeror’s cost proposal will be Offeror-specific and ensure that 1) the proposal adequately reflects a clear understanding of the Government’s requirements; 2) the proposal is reasonable for the work to be performed; and, 3) the proposal is consistent with the Offeror’s technical proposal.

QUESTION 3:

Is it acceptable to consider/label the technical work plan for the sample task order as "proprietary/confidential commercial information" (per p. 92) to protect this information from our competition?

ANSWER 3:

Yes. Pages with confidential or proprietary information should be labeled according to Section L.4 or L.8.

QUESTION 4:

Is there any prohibition against bringing on team members (subcontractors) for specialty services as-needed after contract award?

ANSWER 4:

No. Major labor categories and labor rates should be identified in your proposal. Any key personnel required by the ID/IQ SOW or task order must be included and identified in the proposal.

QUESTION 5:

Please confirm that "Factor B: Technical Understanding and Approach for the Sample Task Order" is included in the Technical Proposal 60 page limit.

ANSWER 5:

Yes. Any response to any technical factor is part of the technical proposal and, thus, subject to the 60-page limit.

QUESTION 6:

We respectfully requests an extension of the due date for this proposal by at least one week. Would that be possible?

ANSWER 6:

Previously, the Government extended the due date for proposals to 11/16/2020. The due date for proposals is further extended to 11/30/2020, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

QUESTION 7:

We have completed our initial review of RFP 140M0120R0008 titled “Geophysical, Geological, and Environmental Data Collection and Analysis supporting Outer Continental Shelf Marine Minerals Stewardship” and is very interested in producing a quality proposal submittal.

We have found the RFP to include extensive potential services for which we plan on showing qualifications and contains a very detailed Sample Task Order, both of which will require a significant amount of time to address. We are currently conducting geophysical survey operations in the Gulf of Mexico, and our Headquarters is based in the U.S. Both operations are expected to be impacted by major Hurricane Delta in the coming days, and as such, our ability to respond to the detailed RFP may be temporarily curtailed. In face of these situations, we realize that our earlier request for a week extension would be inadequate and respectfully requests a considerably longer extension of the proposal due date.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out directly. Thank you for considering our request.

ANSWER 7:

Previously, the Government extended the due date for proposals to 11/16/2020. The due date for proposals is further extended to 11/30/2020, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

QUESTION 8:

L.12 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRCTING PLAN – Does BOPEM have specific small business subcontracting goals for this IDIQ?

ANSWER 8:

Reference Section I, FAR Clause 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug 2018), ALT II (Jun 2020). Reference Section L.12 SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN.

QUESTION 9:

ATTACHMENT 2: Sample Task Order, Scope of Work – What are BOEM’s expectations for in-person and virtual stakeholder meetings (format, #’s locations)?

ANSWER 9:

Requirements for the number, location, etc. of in-person or virtual meetings will be described in each individual task order issued. For the purposes of the sample Task Order, as outlined in Task 1, coordination shall occur with BOEM and key federal partners in addition to state and local partners in both North Carolina and Florida. Generally speaking, Tasks 1.1.1. and 1.1.3.

require informal coordination that the Offeror can use to clarify or further delineate the project areas. Subtask 1.1.2. is the element of Task 1 that may require more formal meetings(s) (virtual or in-person) to assess need of the stakeholder(s).

For example, the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management is located in Raleigh, while Florida Department of Environmental Protection is in Tallahassee. Since both locations are distant from potential project areas in their respective states, the Offeror will have to gauge how best to garner their input and data in the process, as well as that of other entities, if warranted.

QUESTION 10:

ATTACHMENT 2: Sample Task Order, Scope of Work – Will BOEM provide the contractor access to previous geophysical, geological and environmental data to assist with the synthesis of existing data (post-award)?

ANSWER 10:

Yes. Post-award, BOEM will work with the Contractor to provide access to any existing data in our possession and included in MMIS holdings, that may assist the contractor when planning and conducting operations associated with Task Orders. Additionally, Task Orders will likely include provisions that the Contractor coordinate with relevant agencies and academic institutions that may be able to provide additional data or input to improve the reconnaissance survey design and assessment plan.

BOEM will not provide any data directly to Offerors to address the Sample Task Order beyond what may already be publicly available on the Marine Minerals Information System and similar data portals: https://www.boem.gov/marine-minerals/marine-minerals-mapping-and-data

QUESTION 11:

ATTACHMENT 2: Sample Task Order, Scope of Work – What are the minimal and maximum water depths targeted for data acquisition?

ANSWER 11:

BOEM jurisdiction is strictly on the Outer Continental Shelf, beyond 3 nautical miles from shore (except on the west coast of Florida and Texas), where minimum water depth is variable and based on different geomorphic features. For the Sample Task Order, BOEM recommends Offerors target site selection in greater than 30 feet (10 meters) of water to allow for vessel draft of the typical hopper dredge plant. Maximum water depth of the target site should be <90 feet (30 meters) based on current US dredging fleet technology and typical operating parameters.

QUESTION 12:

B.2.2 SAMPLE TASK ORDER PRICING – The solicitation requires a firm fixed price total for the sample Task Order, however, in the ATTACHMENT 2: Sample Task Order, C.4 Scope of Work indicates that Once the SAND study yields high-priority study areas and the USACE identifies those areas to survey using separate funding, the Contractor will work with BOEM and key stakeholders to finalize distinct target survey areas, and then plan and execute surveying in those target areas. To provide a basis for costing the sample project, can BOEM provide either an anticipated number of survey line miles and geotechnical samples or the size of the area to be surveyed?

ANSWER 12:

Section C.2 (BACKGROUND of the Sample Task Order Statement of Work) outlines the Sample Task Order’s nexus with the findings of the USACE South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS) and associated Sand Availability and Needs Determination (SAND) sub-group. The Offeror s leverage the results from the SAND study and associated reports to best define high priority areas where projected demand for OCS sediment resources outpaces known resources in the areas of interest. The summary report was recently released and can be found at the link in Section C.2.

https://www.boem.gov/marine-minerals/marine-minerals-mapping-and-data

Section C.4 (SCOPE OF WORK of the Sample Task Order) initially identified high priority areas offshore of Carteret, Onslow, or Brunswick Counties in North Carolina, and Northeast to Central Florida coast (north of St. Lucie County) where there were current and upcoming federal or locally sponsored projects. The Offeror may assume reconnaissance-level investigation and determine the number of mobilizations necessary to collect both geophysics and vibracores in areas of interest, incorporating at least one each of the major NC and FL project areas. To better constrain the level of effort, the Government limits that the total cost of the Sample Task Order must not exceed $1.5 Million Dollars. The density of data collection shall be proportional to the potential targets/features of interest identified.

Task 1.1 requires coordination with stakeholders to finalize the target area and approach. The Sample Task Order is designed to have Offerors nominate the best solution to our broadly defined research problem and give contractors flexibility in approach. As a part of Task 1, the selected Offeror, would work with BOEM, to finalize exact investigation areas, integrating input gathered from other federal, state, and local partners, avoiding areas previously surveyed, and leveraging any third-party concurrent surveys to avoid duplication of efforts.

BOEM suggests contractors consider regional bathymetry and available information about geologic context to best identify potential targets/features of interest in at least two project areas.

The Offeror should account for the geomorphology in the areas of interest, such as cape-associated features, sparse, disconnected features, broad shoals, and the presence or absence of hardbottom. While avoiding areas that have been previously and sufficiently surveyed, new surveys should be focused in a zone that is 3-8nm offshore (or further if water depths allow) and within roughly 20 miles of potential project areas, such that resources identified will be economically recoverable by the target communities. Water depths can be assumed to be <90 feet (30 meters) based on current U.S. dredging fleet technology and typical operating parameters.

Section L.8 ASSUMPTIONS, CONDITIONS, OR EXCEPTIONS requires Offerors outline the assumptions they made when designing their technical solution and corresponding cost estimates. Each technical proposal will be evaluated on its own based on technical merits and approach, to determine the best value to the government, which may not necessarily be lowest bidder.

QUESTION 13:

We request a three (3) week extension to the submission date?

ANSWER 13:

Previously, the Government extended the due date for proposals to 11/16/2020. The due date for proposals is further extended to 11/30/2020, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

QUESTION 14:

Objective Sought:

Setting a nominal Level-of-Effort guidance for comparison of respondents methodologies/pricing.

Sample Task-Order size (area-of-interest) is stated, uniformly understood by respondents Full understanding of area size and nominal distance-from-shore allows for optimal selection of work platform (e.g. vessel day-tripping or live-aboard)

-- Reference Section -- BOEM Solicitation 140M0120R0008 -- Ref. Attachment-2, Sample TO Page 127 - Section 4.2.1.1

# 1 Clarification Sought:

Description of Area-of-Interest does list nominal water-depth BUT does not appear to call out a specific (nominal) area of seabed to be investigated Can BOEM please set a nominal block dimensions or area-size ( sq-miles or km2).

Can BOEM state that this baseline area-size, and contractors associated winning price, will then be used as the cost basis for eventual work awards.

Is there a nominal distance-from-shore (or not to exceed distance) that should be considered for these workscopes.

ANSWER 14:

The location information in ATTACHMENT 2: Sample Task Order, C.4 Scope of Work, 2nd Paragraph, notes the current location targets offshore of FL and NC (“... current high priority areas are offshore Onslow, Carteret, New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties in southeastern North Carolina, as well as offshore Flagler County and potentially others in north to central Florida.”). The exact area of seabed to be investigated will be finalized through tasks required in the SOW, such as Tasks 1 and Tasks 3 (i.e., development of the acquisition plan.

Task orders issued from this ID/IQ will communicate information, such as water depth and area of investigation to the extent possible, but some uncertainty may need to be managed by the Offeror. For the Sample Task Order, the target area of investigation shall be beyond the Submerged Lands Act boundary, which is three nautical miles from shore and is the landward limit of BOEM’s jurisdiction. The target resources should generally be within 20 miles from the potential project areas needing sand resources, so that the resource is economically recoverable by the communities of interest. The target resources should generally be in less than 90 feet (30 meters) of water so that the resources are technically recoverable by the US dredge fleet using typical operating parameters. Areas where adequate information already exists shall not be resurveyed.

Please see answers to related questions regarding project area selection, proposal evaluation, and cost comparison.

QUESTION 15:

Objective Sought:

Clarify RFP intent with increased definition -- offering improved visibility to potential scope, geographic & WD range that might be requested Methodologies, vessels and depth of technical resourcing will vary according to the regional project areas intended, and their respective water depths.

-- Reference Section -- BOEM Solicitation 140M0120R0008 Page 9 - Section C

C. BACKGROUND:

Field work, including new geophysical and geological data collection, may be required in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific, and Alaska OCS. Data synthesis may also address potential resources offshore U.S. territories and possessions.

C.3 OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) are to support the development of a National Offshore Sand Inventory (e.g., identification and characterization of sediment resource areas), determine the locations of potential OCS hard/critical minerals in the development of a National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory, and collect baseline data to better understand and characterize potential physical, chemical, biological, and cultural impacts from marine mineral extraction.

#2 Clarification Sought:

Description of background offers indication that deepwater 'hard minerals' in remote territories (e.g. Pacific) may fall within this IDIQ While predominant through the RFP, and exhibited in the Sample-TO, is a focus on coastal sand/gravel repository mapping as show in databases like MMIS Can BOEM please advise interest in submitting parties showing global capabilities & technologies related to deepwater seabed (hard) mineral mapping/characterization & recovery Should submitting parties include scope for deepwater surveys within the survey approach proposed ?

ANSWER 15:

From Section C.1: “This scope of work includes identification, characterization, and delineation of OCS sand to further MMP’s development of a National Offshore Sand Inventory, as well as other marine minerals in support of development of a future National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory.”

Marine minerals of interest for the National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory occur in a range of environments which include, inter-alia, near-shore placer deposits, seafloor hydrothermal systems, seamount ferromanganese or phosphorite crust, and abyssal plain manganese nodules.

The Offerors shall describe their capabilities and general technical approach related to the mapping and characterization of hard mineral resources in the OCS. If BOEM issues an individual task order focused on hard mineral resources, BOEM will provide additional detail about the proposed areas of interest, including what is known of the deposit characteristics and the nature of geophysical and geotechnical data required.

QUESTION 16:

Given that Oct-12th is closing date for questions/clarifications.

-> Would you be able to confirm that these questions are being received OK ?

ANSWER 16:

Previously, the Government extended the due date for proposals to 11/16/2020. The due date for proposals is further extended to 11/30/2020, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time—QUESTIONS are received and ANSWERED.

QUESTION 17:

Objective Sought:

Support the MMIS, an enterprise geographic information system (GIS) featuring OCSmarine minerals data and information. MMIS is deployed on the ESRI platform, including ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcSDE with Microsoft SQL Server, and ArcGIS Pro/Desktop, custom applications, and a public-facing web viewer.

-- Reference Section -- BOEM Solicitation 140M0120R0008 Page 23 - Section 9

#4 Clarification Sought:

The MMIS back-end infrastructure describes Enterprise as the platform. We would like clarification on the back-end logistics required to support BOEM's MMIS GIS.

Can BOEM clarify if their web GIS utilizes Portal for ArcGIS or ArcGIS Online?

Would BOEM require access to our Portal for utilizing MMIS map services or would map services need to be consumed by BOEM enterprise environment?

Alternatively, would a collaborative group need to be set up between Fugro and BOEM's Portals to distribute MMIS GIS data?

ANSWER 17:

The MMIS is housed within a Dept. of Interior-hosted, cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Access to the cloud environment and associated BOEM network drives will be facilitated by BOEM. The logistics required to support BOEM’s ESRI-based MMIS GIS in the VDI include support and versioning on development and production tiers (e.g., web server, ESRI ArcGIS Server, and SQL server) for all components of the ESRI platform noted on Page 23 – Section 9. A successful Offeror shall, at a minimum, be able to fill the following roles needed to complete the tasks outlined on Page 23 – Section 9: geospatial analyst(s), technical software architect, software engineer/programmer, and ArcGIS database administrator with ability to manage rest services and web services for multiple datasets.

BOEM has the capacity to utilize the Portal for ArcGIS or ArcGIS Online, but at present, the BOEM MMIS does not currently use the Portal due to security restrictions.

BOEM would require or provide access to any agreed upon platform for which large data packages are to be exchanged or received. The potential consumption of map services by BOEM would also depend on the individual task order and proposed solution, but BOEM does have the ability to host and or consume services if that is what the requirements of the task order call for.

For an individual task order, BOEM recommends establishing protocols for sharing data and accessing data as early and clearly as possible. Certain technological solutions may be subject to Department of Interior approval processes and security testing.

QUESTION 18:

C.3 OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) are to support the development of a National Offshore Sand Inventory (e.g., identification and characterization of sediment resource areas), determine the locations of potential OCS hard/critical minerals in the development of a National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory, and collect baseline data to better understand and characterize potential physical, chemical, biological, and cultural impacts from marine mineral extraction.

#5 Clarification Sought:

Description of ID/IQ objective refers to a determination of locations of OCS hard/critical minerals for a National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory. Can BOEM advise interest in submitting parties show capability for determining locations and sampling for heavy mineral sands that may include critical minerals such as are listed in the federal register https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/16/2018-03219/draft-list-of-critical-minerals. Should submitting parties include scope for sampling and reporting heavy mineral sands within the nearshore survey approach proposed?

ANSWER 18:

From Section C.1: “This scope of work includes identification, characterization, and delineation of OCS sand to further MMP’s development of a National Offshore Sand Inventory, as well as other marine minerals in support of development of a future National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory.”

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/16/2018-03219/draft-list-of-critical-minerals https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/16/2018-03219/draft-list-of-critical-minerals

Marine minerals of interest for the National Offshore Critical Mineral Inventory occur in a range of environments which include, inter-alia, near-shore placer deposits, seafloor hydrothermal systems, seamount ferromanganese or phosphorite crust, and abyssal plain manganese nodules.

The Offerors shall describe their capabilities and general technical approach related to the mapping and characterization of hard mineral resources in the OCS. If BOEM issues an individual task order focused on hard mineral resources, BOEM will provide additional detail about the proposed areas of interest, including what is known of the deposit characteristics and the nature of geophysical and geotechnical data required.

In any individual task order related to sand, gravel, and other aggregate resources, BOEM may request delineation of heavy minerals, or other critical minerals. Each Offeror’s technical proposal shall address this possibility and its capability, assuming it could be requested in an individual task order. Each offeror does not need to assume it is a universal requirement for all sampling. However, BOEM recommends each Offeror’s proposal briefly identify any unique geophysical or geological sampling protocols that may be necessary. For example, BOEM may request that descriptions of vibracore samples include hand-sample estimates of percent opaque minerals, and/or mineral identification by a qualified geologist. BOEM may also request special sample preservation and catalogue methodologies to preserve discrete samples for later mineral analysis.

QUESTION 19:

Please elaborate on expectations for the cost proposal element of this RFP. Is it expected that the cost proposal element of this submittal only includes proposed labor rates for the various disciplines listed in the solicitation?

ANSWER 19:

The solicitation identifies key personnel required for award of the ID/IQ, including the project manager and other qualified experts. For the purpose of the cost proposal, BOEM expects that labor categories and labor rates be provided to address the nine tasks identified in Section C.4.

The solicitation identifies a number of disciplines but may not enumerate all major labor categories that may be needed to successfully perform the scope of services described. If a unique labor category is deemed required by an Offeror for a particular task order, that can be established in the context of that task order, then the Offeror can propose the unique labor category.

For the purposes of submitting a technical proposal, please note that personnel qualifications only need to be identified for the key personnel. Sections G, H and L of the solicitation provide additional instruction.

At a minimum (see Section L.7.1.3), key personnel for the sample Task Order must include:

(1) Project manager

(2) Qualified geophysicist

(3) Qualified geologist

(4) Qualified marine archeologist

Section L.7.2 provides explicit instruction for how to submit three-levels (junior, mid-level, and senior) for major labor categories that the offeror deems appropriate. Example labor categories may include GIS technician/analyst, environmental scientist, biologist, vessel operator, vessel deckhand, technical editor, graphic designer, etc., unless such costs can be legitimately represented as other direct costs. Fully-burdened labor rates must be provided for each labor category and each of the three levels. Labor Categories (including any Unique Labor Category), Key Personnel, Fully-Burdened Labor Rates, etc., information shall be applicable, shall be established and shall be incorporated at the ID/IQ Contract Level. Therefore, in order for Labor Categories (including any Unique Labor Category), Key Personnel, Fully-Burdened Labor Rates, etc., to be ALLOWABLE in Task Orders they must also be applicable, established and incorporated at the ID/IQ Contract Level. To this extent, with regards to the technical portion and price portion of each proposal, each Offeror’s proposal in response to the ID/IQ Contract Level must be comprehensive enough to cover any subsequent task order, and task order content, issued against the ID/IQ Contract.

QUESTION 20:

Is BOEM requesting the cost proposal to include a detailed cost estimate for the sample task order? If so, more specifics need to be provided in the sample task order (size of area to be investigated, density of survey and drilling data required) or the offeror will need to make gross assumptions on the detailed scope of the task order.

ANSWER 20:

Section C.2 (BACKGROUND of the Sample Task Order Statement of Work) outlines the Sample Task Order’s nexus with the findings of the USACE South Atlantic Coastal Study (SACS) and associated Sand Availability and Needs Determination (SAND) sub-group. The Offeror should leverage the results from the SAND study and associated reports to best define high priority areas where projected demand for OCS sediment resources outpaces known resources in the areas of interest. The summary report was recently released and can be found at the link in Section C.2.

Section C.4 (SCOPE OF WORK of the Sample Task Order) initially identified high priority areas offshore of Carteret, Onslow, or Brunswick Counties in North Carolina, and Northeast to Central Florida coast (north of St. Lucie County) where there were current and upcoming federal or locally sponsored projects. The Offeror may assume reconnaissance-level investigation and determine the number of mobilizations necessary to collect both geophysics and vibracores in areas of interest, incorporating at least one each of the major NC and FL project areas. To better constrain the level of effort, the Government limits that the total cost of the Sample Task Order must not exceed $1.5 Million Dollars. The density of data collection shall be proportional to the potential targets/features of interest identified.

Task 1.1 requires coordination with stakeholders to finalize the target area and approach. The Sample Task Order is designed to have Offerors nominate the best solution to our broadly defined research problem and give contractors flexibility in approach. As a part of Task 1, the selected Offeror, would work with BOEM, to finalize exact investigation areas, integrating input gathered from other federal, state, and local partners, avoiding areas previously surveyed, and leveraging any third-party concurrent surveys to avoid duplication of efforts.

BOEM suggests contractors consider regional bathymetry and available information about geologic context to best identify potential targets/features of interest in at least two project areas.

The Offeror should account for the geomorphology in the areas of interest, such as cape-associated features, sparse, disconnected features, broad shoals, and the presence or absence of hardbottom. While avoiding areas that have been previously and sufficiently surveyed, new surveys should be focused in a zone that is 3-8nm offshore (or further if water depths allow) and within roughly 20 miles of potential project areas, such that resources identified will be economically recoverable by the target communities. Water depths can be assumed to be <90 feet (30 meters) based on current U.S. dredging fleet technology and typical operating parameters.

Section L.8 ASSUMPTIONS, CONDITIONS, OR EXCEPTIONS requires Offerors outline the assumptions they made when designing their technical solution and corresponding cost estimates. Each technical proposal will be evaluated on its own based on technical merits and approach, to determine the best value to the government, which may not necessarily be lowest bidder.

QUESTION 21:

If a respondent chooses to make and define assumptions in order to provide a lump sum cost for the sample task order, how does BOEM plan to ensure that all cost proposals will be evaluated fairly (i.e. one proposal makes different assumptions on scale and volume of work to be done than another)?

ANSWER 21:

Section L.8 indicates the obligations that an Offeror has to specify any assumptions, conditions, or exceptions that may influence the consideration and evaluation of a technical or cost proposal.

BOEM has endeavored to answer questions submitted by potential Offerors to help eliminate uncertainty that could otherwise implicate an Offeror’s technical solution and corresponding price submission.

The basis for selection and award is discussed in detail in Section M.3, including the Government’s intent to award the Offeror whose conforming proposal provides the overall best value to the Government, given technical evaluation factors, all other evaluation factors, and price considered. Relevant priorities and weighting across factors are discussed therein. Section M.4 describes the specific technical evaluation criteria that will be used for evaluating technical aspects of the proposal. Section M.5 describes the process we will use to evaluate the cost proposal before determining best value. The evaluation of an offeror’s cost proposal will be Offeror-specific and ensure that 1) the proposal adequately reflects a clear understanding of the Government’s requirements; 2) the proposal is reasonable for the work to be performed; and, 3) the proposal is consistent with the Offeror’s technical proposal.

Section M.3 discloses that it may be in the best interest of the Government to consider award to an Offeror other than the lowest priced Offeror, or to other than the highest technically rated Offeror. We will use a tradeoff source selection approach to determine the proposal that represents the best overall value. The technical evaluation factors combined are more important than price. However, between submissions that are evaluated as technically equal in quality, price will become a major consideration in selecting the successful Offeror.

RFP 140M0120R0008

Geophysical, Geological, and Environmental Data Collection and Analysis

Page 3 of 15049

SECTION B:

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS:

B.1 INTRODUCTION & AUTHORITY / GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Items, the FAR Subpart 16.5 - Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, and the FAR Part 15 – Contracting by Negotiation, this is a Full-and-Open (Unrestricted) Competitive Solicitation, and Request for Proposals (RFP), issued to meet the Government’s Requirements Titled:

“Geophysical, Geological, and Environmental Data Collection and Analysis supporting Outer Continental Shelf Marine Minerals Stewardship.” The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 541620—Environmental Consulting Services, with a small business size standard of $16.5 Million Dollars, is applicable to the Government’s Requirements. The Product Service Code B529—Special Studies/Analysis-Scientific Data, is applicable to the Government’s Requirements. This solicitation has incorporated provisions and incorporated clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-07, Effective 08-31-2020.

The offeror shall provide all equipment, facilities, incidentals, labor, materials, personnel and supplies, and shall travel as necessary, to successfully perform all services and provide all deliverables in accordance with Section C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK, and, Section F: PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERABLES. The Government anticipates the award of a Single Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) Contract as a result of this solicitation. Nonetheless, the Government reserves the right not to award an ID/IQ Contract as a result of this solicitation. The Government anticipates that the first task order issued against an anticipated ID/IQ Contract will be similar to or related to the Sample Task Order (Attachment 2). The Government anticipates that the Sample Task Order (Attachment 2) will be the first task order issued against an anticipated ID/IQ Contract.

Nonetheless, the Government reserves the right for the Sample Task Order not to be the first task order issued against an anticipated ID/IQ Contract. The Government reserves the right to issue the Sample Task Order to an ID/IQ Awardee any time after the award of an anticipated ID/IQ Contract based solely on the content of this solicitation and the proposal of the successful offeror.

B.2 CONTRACT PRICING:

All task orders issued under this ID/IQ contract shall be priced in accordance with Section B.2.1.

The labor rates in Section B.2.1 serve as the maximum labor rates that the Contractor may propose under task orders against the ID/IQ. The Contractor may always provide lower labor rates and discounts, via future task order proposals, under task orders against the ID/IQ. The labor categories are anticipated to be the primary labor categories necessary for the Contractor to successfully perform all services and provide all deliverables at the task order level. Other labor categories may be added, via modification to the ID/IQ by the Contracting Officer, if the labor categories are determined necessary and applicable to successfully perform the scope/work of the ID/IQ and the task order level, and if the labor categories are proposed by the Contractor and advance approved by the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR).

Page 4 of 15049

B.2.1 CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBERS (CLIN) PRICING STRUCTURE FOR

ID/IQ:

The pricing structure of the ID/IQ is detailed as follows:

The Contractor shall provide fully burdened, fixed hourly labor rates which include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit. The labor rates shall serve as the maximum labor rates the Contractor may propose when submitting business/cost proposals at the task order level. Each task order will identify the level of effort required for the successful performance of the task order. * The fully burdened, fixed hourly labor rates proposed for each year are to be provided under the applicable CLIN.

* The Government has provided the Project Manager as a required labor category under the Government’s Requirements and the ID/IQ. Any offeror SHALL provide pricing for this required labor category: Project Manager. The Contractor shall also propose other appropriate labor categories that are determined necessary and applicable to successfully perform the scope/work of the ID/IQ and the task order level, i.e., necessary and applicable to successfully perform the scope/work described in Section C, Section F and the Sample Task Order Statement of Work in the table located in Section L.7.2 of this solicitation. * At a minimum, all labor categories and fully burdened, fixed hourly labor rates proposed for each year and for the Sample Task Order must be included in Section B.2.1.

ID/IQ CLIN 00010 - Base Year (Months 1 through 12)

Labor Category Fully Burdened, Fixed Hourly Labor Rate

* Project Manager * $________

CLIN 00010 is a Base Line Item.

The Government reserves the right not to exercise an option and a determination by the Government not to exercise an option is solely within the discretion of the Government.

ID/IQ CLIN 00020 - Option Year One (1) (Months 13 through 24)

Labor Category Fully Burdened, Fixed Hourly Labor Rate

* Project Manager * $________

CLIN 00020 is an Option Line Item.

Page 5 of 15049

(CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE)

ID/IQ CLIN 00030 - Option Year Two (2) (Months 25 through 36)

Labor Category Fully Burdened, Fixed Hourly Labor Rate

* Project Manager * $________

CLIN 00030 is an Option Line Item.

ID/IQ CLIN 00040 - Option Year Three (3) (Months 37 through 48)

Labor Category Fully Burdened, Fixed Hourly Labor Rate

* Project Manager * $________

CLIN 00040 is an Option Line Item.

ID/IQ CLIN 00050 – Option Year Four (4) (Months 49 through 60)

Labor Category Fully Burdened, Fixed Hourly Labor Rate

* Project Manager * $________

CLIN 00050 is an Option Line Item.

B.2.2 SAMPLE TASK ORDER PRICING:

Below is the pricing table for the Sample Task Order (TO) (Attachment 2). The offeror shall provide detailed pricing in accordance with the instructions in Section L, below. The Government anticipates that the first TO issued against an anticipated ID/IQ contract will be similar to or related to the Sample TO (Attachment 2) will be the first TO issued against an anticipated ID/IQ Contract.

CLIN Description Firm Fixed Price Total 00010 “Geophysical, Geological, and Environmental Data

Collection and Analysis supporting Outer Continental Marine Minerals Stewardship.”

* $TBD

Page 6 of 15049

* = Any offeror shall provide TO Level Pricing in its Sample TO Business/Cost Proposal. The description contained in table above is for illustrative purposes only and will change based on the information in the Sample TO and successful offeror’s proposal.

CLIN 00010 is a Firm-Fixed-Price line item to perform the work under the TO Level Statement of Work (SOW) to be paid in accordance with the Partial Delivery Payment Schedule in Section B.2.3.

B.2.3 PARTIAL DELIVERY PAYMENT SCHEDULE: SAMPLE TO LEVEL:

The following Partial Delivery Payment Schedule is for the Firm-Fixed-Price Sample TO requirement (CLIN 00010). Payment shall be made after services have been successfully performed/rendered by the contractor, after deliverables have been submitted by the contractor to the Government, and after deliverables have been received and accepted by the Government in accordance with FAR Clause 52.232-1, Payments.

FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

Payment Deliverable / Milestone Payment Amount

1 Service Performed/Rendered & Deliverable 1 Received and Accepted * $TBD (30%)

2 Service Performed/Rendered & Deliverable 2 Received and Accepted * $TBD (30%)

3 Service Performed/Rendered & Deliverable 3 Received and Accepted * $TBD (20%)

4 Service Performed/Rendered & Deliverable 4 Received and Accepted * $TBD (20%)

Total Firm-Fixed-Price * $TBD

* = Any offeror shall propose a Partial Delivery Payment Schedule in its Sample TO Business/Cost Proposal. The descriptions contained in table above is for illustrative purposes only and will change based on the information in the Sample TO and successful offeror’s proposal.

B.3 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM (NOT TO EXCEED CEILING) & OVERALL VALUE:

Both the Government and the Contractor agree that the minimum consideration guaranteed under this Contract is $25,000.00, subject to the availability of funds, and the ID/IQ Contract Not-to- Exceed Ceiling Amount (maximum consideration under this this ID/IQ Contract) over a five-year period is $25,000,000.00 (if all options are exercised).

B.4 TRAVEL:

Travel requirements, if applicable, will be specified on the TO Level. When travel costs are allowable under a reimbursable line item, travel costs will be reimbursed for actual, allowable, and reasonable travel and travel related costs incurred, exclusive of any fee, in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) policy in effect at the time of travel

Page 7 of 15049

(http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104790) and in accordance with the FAR 31.205-46.