B09_-_Q_A_12AUG2026_0001.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 20 KB Posted Aug 13, 2026

Attached to: Sand, Sediment, and Critical Mineral Investigation
Solicitation number: 140M0126Q0018
Issued by: Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

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Written by GovTribe AI · Aug 13, 2026

This is a Questions and Answers document providing clarifications and responses to 39 contractor inquiries regarding Amendment 1 to RFQ 140M0126Q0018 for a Sand, Sediment, and Critical Mineral Investigation in Federal Waters Offshore Louisiana (Ship Shoal).

The procurement requires contractors to conduct geophysical surveys (500 line-miles of CHIRP and Boomer data), collect 35 vibracores (20-30 feet preferred), perform geotechnical and critical mineral testing, and optionally conduct 10 deep borings (minimum 50 feet). Key deliverables include an integrated Investigation Plan covering geophysical, geotechnical, and critical mineral activities; a Core Collection Plan; final boring logs using gINT or equivalent software; and archived core samples in cardboard or PVC boxes (vibracores in one-meter sections, borings in two-meter sections). Testing requirements include laser particle size analysis on all selected sand/sediment samples, 70 critical mineral samples analyzed, and laboratory testing quantities specified in the SOW's Table 1. Investigation plans and core collection plans should be priced under CLINs 00030 (Geophysical Surveys) and 00040 (Core Collection) respectively, while reports and data deliverables belong under CLIN 00070. The Technical Approach is limited to 15 pages (12-point font, excluding cover page and key personnel resumes), and a Partial Delivery Payment Schedule must be submitted with the price quotation. Award will be made on a best-value basis considering technical capability, past performance, and price to a responsible quoter whose quotation represents the most advantageous combination. No prevailing wage requirements or Service Contract Labor Standards apply, as this is a professional scientific services procurement under NAICS 541360 issued as a small business set-aside under RFO Part 12.

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File	Type	Posted
Sol_140M0126Q0018_Amd_0001.pdf	PDF	Aug 13, 2026
B08_-_Attachment_A_-_SOW.pdf	PDF	Jul 31, 2026
B08_-_140M0126Q0018_-_30Jul2026_-_Final.pdf	PDF	Jul 31, 2026
Attachment_7_-_Sample_CM_Tables_SHARC_MMIS_20260728.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 31, 2026

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Sheet1

Amendment 1 to 140M0126Q0018: Responses Questions
Item	Question/Comment	Response
1	Does the investigation have to comply with the Sand EA? If so, please confirm that the selected contractor needs to follow all Sand EA mitigations including Geological Sampling Plan, PSO, and any other mitigation. Also, since the Sand EA currently does not allow for 30 ft cores, will BOEM be seeking the regulatory authority to collect the 30-ft cores, or will the contractor be required to do so?	BOEM anticipates the contractor will comply with applicable environmental mitigations and approvals that govern offshore sand/critical mineral investigations in the AOI. The SOW already requires archaeological clearance, metadata standards, and coordination notices. BOEM will not require the contractor to seek separate regulatory authority to collect 30‑ft cores—the solicitation permits 20–30 ft vibracore barrels (30 ft preferred) and defines refusal; the government will coordinate any additional authorizations if needed.
2	Is the contractor expected to conduct any desktop study or field planning prior to field operations and if so, will it be outlined as part of the Project Management Plan as mentioned in Task 3 in section 2.4.3.1?	No desktop study is required; however, pre‑field planning, investigation plans, and mobilization actions are part of Task 2 (Mobilization, Notices, and Field Coordination) and the Project Management Plan (Task 1). Your desktop review and field planning approach should be described in the PMP and reflected in the Investigation Plan deliverables.
3	The SOW references development of "one geophysical, geotechnical and Critical Mineral investigation plan" (Section 2.3), a "Final Investigation Plan" deliverable for geophysical surveys, and a separate "Core Collection Plan" deliverable. Please clarify whether BOEM expects a single integrated Investigation Plan covering geophysical, geotechnical, and critical mineral activities, or separate plans for each phase of work. Furthermore, please clarify under which task the Investigation Plan(s) should be proposed and priced.	BOEM expects one integrated geophysical, geotechnical, and critical minerals Investigation Plan, plus the Core Collection Plan prior to coring. Price the Investigation Plan effort under CLIN 00030 (Geophysical Surveys) and the Core Collection Plan under CLIN 00040 (Core Collection), consistent with the SOW task/deliverable structure.
4	In reference to section 2.4.3.4 and 2.4.4 Core Collection Plan: Will the core plan requested under the deliverables for section 2.4.4 be used as the Activity Review, or is there a Geological Sampling Plan or Archaeological/Benthic Clearance Technical Memorandum expected to be submitted as part of the vibracore location coordination prior to geotechnical operations? What is included in the geological investigation plans and what form with the archaeological/benthic clearance take in this deliverable?	The Core Collection Plan is the planning deliverable BOEM will use alongside the preliminary geophysical review and archaeologist clearance to finalize vibracore locations. Geological investigation plans are delivered under Task 3. Archaeological/benthic clearance is documented via side‑scan contact tables, magnetometer anomaly tables, and archaeologist clearance records; no separate Geological Sampling Plan memo is required beyond the Core Plan and the listed deliverables.
5	During Task 5, is the contractor expected to incorporate historic data to determine potential borrow areas or only utilize data collected as part of this study for volume assessment?	Yes. Task 5 relies on geophysical and geological results; use both newly collected data and relevant historical datasets to delineate potential borrow areas and prepare volumetrics, with proper citation/metadata.
6	Does the core repository that BOEM will ultimately send the cores to for long-term storage have specific requirements for core box dimensions? Does the repository have specific requirements for core section lengths? We typically cut the cores into 5 ft sections. Smaller sections will require more handling and potentially more storage boxes that might have to be custom ordered to fit the 1m/2m requirement	The SOW requires archiving vibracores in cardboard or PVC core boxes and cutting into one‑meter sections (vibracores) or two‑meter sections (borings). BOEM will coordinate delivery and long‑term storage with the GOAR Representative; repository‑specific box dimension guidance will be provided during that coordination. Contractors may note US‑standard box sizes in their plan; BOEM will consider reasonable alternatives that preserve integrity and labeling.
7	Are the optional 10-boring/50-ft program anticipated to be exercised at award, or should it be solely treated as an evaluated option?	The 10 deep borings (minimum 50 ft) are an option (CLIN 00080). They are evaluated in pricing but may or may not be exercised at award. The government may exercise the option later by written notice.
8	Is there a specific, detailed backup pricing sheet that the Government would like us to use?	No, the RFQ does not prescribe a specific backup pricing template beyond CLINs and the Partial Delivery Payment Schedule requirement.But please ensure the quotes contains a clear CLIN‑level pricing with task/assumption notes.
9	On Figure 2 of Section 6, Attachment 1of Attachment A, can you confirm the units for the contours shown?	Contour units are intended to be feet, consistent with the bathymetric data requirements (NAVD88 vertical datum). BOEM will clarify this and reissue Attachment 1 to ensure no ambiguity.
10	Subtask 2.4.4.1 b) states borings shall be cut into 2-meter sections. We propose to use the Standard Penetration Test (SPT, ASTM D1586) and split spoon samplers to advance the borings. We would use a 3-inch diameter split spoon sampler to increase the volume of material collected rather the standard 2-inch diameter sampler. During the SPT test, the split spoon sampler is hammered into the ground, so a disturbed sample is collected. The hammer blow counts are measured during driving to provide an estimate of the density if sand or strength if cohesive material. We could perform a Torvane test on the cohesive samples collected to provide an estimate of shear strength, though the strength value will be based on a “disturbed” sample. Using a 3-inch diameter split spoon, may allow us to perform a Torvane reading in the center of the sample to avoid the edges which will be more disturbed. Would this approach to sampling the borings be acceptable?	BOEM accepts SPT methods and torvane/pocket shear vane measurements for cohesive samples when consistent with SOW testing requirements. Your proposed 3‑inch split spoon approach is acceptable; ensure logging/testing follows ASTM standards and sampling frequencies meet Task 4 requirements.
11	For borings, the frequency of collecting samples can be adjusted. Shall we assume BOEM wants the samples to be collected continuously (or every 2-feet) to the boring completion depths? Will sampling begin at the mudline or near the depth of penetration of the vibracore samples?	For borings, propose continuous or 2‑ft interval sampling in your Core Collection Plan, beginning at the mudline and coordinating with vibracore penetration depths to avoid duplication. BOEM seeks sufficient sampling to characterize units from surface to base and underlying stratigraphy.
12	Subtask 2.4.4.1 b) states a licensed geologist shall log the core borings. Will it be acceptable for an engineer with an EI license to log the core borings instead?	The SOW specifies that a licensed geologist shall log the core borings. An engineer with an EI license is not acceptable for the logging requirement.
13	Subtask 2.4.4.1 b) states borings shall be photographed and placed in cardboard or PVC core boxes. Samples collected via split spoon sampler will be photographed in the field at the time of collection upon splitting the sampler before placing the sample in a plastic bag. It will be difficult to place sand samples in core boxes as they will not hold their shape and may be very wet.	BOEM recognizes sand samples may be unconsolidated/wet. Photograph split spoon samples in the field upon splitting, then archive per SOW: vibracores/borings in cardboard/PVC core boxes, labeled and photographed to spec. Use bags for loose sand within the boxes, with separators and clear labeling to maintain interval integrity.
14	Final boring logs will be generated using the gINT software. Is this acceptable to BOEM? We can provide an example of the template if needed.	Acceptable. The SOW allows agreed‑upon software or outputs similar to USACE Form 1836; gINT templates that contain the required information are fine. Provide a sample template with your proposal, and ensure final logs meet SOW content and labeling. (Sample templates are excluded from page limitations; Section 4.2 updated in amendment)
15	For the assumed testing quantity specified in Table 1, do the quantities represent tests performed on both vibracore and boring samples or just boring samples? If both, can you please specify the assumed number of tests we should assume for only the boring samples.	The quantities in Table 1 represent the total number of laboratory tests across selected vibracore and boring samples. Offerors should propose how many tests apply to each sample type while keeping the total counts unchanged.
16	Will any of the critical mineral testing listed in Table 2 be performed on samples collected from the soil borings? If so, how many tests should we estimate?	Yes, critical mineral testing may be performed on samples taken from borings and/or vibracores. The SOW specifies 70 samples for critical minerals analysis; propose the distribution across sample types in your plan.
17	Attachment A Statement of Work, page 1, Section 2.3 states the requirement for the “acquisition of 500 line-miles of geophysical survey data (CHIRP and Boomer)” appears to indicate that a Boomer system is required as part of the geophysical survey effort. Similarly, Section 2.4.3.1 states that “the geophysical field surveys shall concurrently collect seismic reflection profile CHIRP, Boomer, bathymetric data including seafloor reflectivity (backscatter), magnetometer, and side scan sonar data,” which also suggests the use of a Boomer source.

However, on page 6, Section 2.4.3.2(f) states “The contractor shall conduct the Boomer/Sparker sub bottom survey in the target area for the purpose of identifying acoustic reflectors that define stratigraphic changes within a minimum of the upper 150 ft (45 m) of shallow surface sediment and capable of resolving bedding of less than 2 ft (0.6 m).” The use of the term “Boomer/Sparker” in this section introduces some ambiguity regarding whether a Sparker system may be used as an alternative to a Boomer source.

Please confirm whether a Boomer system is specifically required for this project, or if a Sparker system is acceptable in lieu of a Boomer, provided the stated penetration and resolution requirements are achieved?

Additionally, if a Boomer system is required, does BOEM have a preferred Boomer manufacturer, model, or operating configuration that it would like contractors to utilize?	CHIRP and Boomer are the only acceptable sources for this project. BOEM does not specify a preferred manufacturer/model; propose the configuration that best achieves the performance requirements.
	18	Confirm the correct RFQ number is 140M0126Q0018 and the Statement of Work’s references to 140M0126Q0031 are in error.	Confirmed, the SOW's reference of 140M01260031 is in error. (Amended version will correct footer)
	19	RFQ, Section 4.2A, page 13 states the technical approach is limited to 15 pages. Please confirm the maximum page amount for the Technical Approach is 15 pages, excluding a cover page and resumes/qualifications of key personnel.	Confirmed. 15 pages maximum for the Technical Approach, excluding cover page and key personnel resumes (resumes limited to 2 pages each). (There was an error of a 25 pages which has been updated in the amendment)
	20	RFQ Section 4.2 specifies that the Technical Approach shall use “12 pitch” text. Please clarify whether BOEM intends this requirement to mean 12-point font. May offerors use a smaller font for figure captions, labels, legends, and tables?	“12 pitch” means 12‑point font for the narrative text. Offerors may use smaller fonts in figure captions, labels, legends, and tables where readability is maintained; the main body text must be 12‑point. (Amended version will correct the word pitch and add langauge about smaller font being allowed in section 4.2 under Technical and Past Performance)
	21	Can costs associated with the development of reports and data deliverables be included under their associated tasks as laid out in the SOW, since the data deliverable and report development work is often connected with the collection and analysis work? This would place the cost of all deliverables under their associated task CLINs instead of CLIN 00070.	Costs for reports and data deliverables should be placed under CLIN 00070 (Reports and Data Deliverables). Collection/analysis costs belong under their associated task CLINs. If you propose an alternate costing alignment, note it clearly; BOEM prefers the structure as issued.
	22	Could the partial delivery payment schedule be submitted and negotiated upon contract award?	The Partial Delivery Payment Schedule must be submitted with your price quotation. Post‑award adjustments, if necessary, would require coordination with the Contracting Officer.
	23	Laser particle size analysis (LPSA) is listed under the Sand/Sediment Testing section 2.4.4.1(f) but not in the Table 1. Summary of Core Sample Testing. Can BOEM please confirm if LPSA is required on all vibracore subsamples, or just those selected for critical mineral analysis?	Laser Particle Size Analysis is required for all selected sand/sediment samples, even though Table 1 focuses on sieve tests. For critical mineral samples, LPSA at half‑phi intervals is also required.
	24	Can BOEM please provide additional details regarding the investigation plan requirements? Would a desktop assessment be required?	The Investigation Plan should cover survey design, instrumentation, clearance methodology, data formats/metadata, GIS products, schedule, and incorporate desktop data (existing cores, tracklines, historic datasets) to optimize field lines/locations.
	25	Does BOEM have a preferred method for the potential deeper 50-foot borings?	The SOW sets the performance requirement (minimum 50 ft) but does not mandate a specific boring method. Propose the method that achieves recovery and logging quality consistent with ASTM and SOW requirements.
	26	BOEM specifies cutting the cores into one-m sections under section 2.4.4.1(a) but then specifies two-m sections in section 2.4.4.1(b). Can BOEM please clarify which they would prefer? Would BOEM consider additional core section lengths that would allow for archiving in US standard core boxes?	Vibracores: one‑meter sections.

Borings: two‑meter sections.

BOEM will consider contractor‑proposed sectioning that facilitates archiving in US‑standard boxes if integrity and labeling are preserved.

27	Section 2.4.4.1(k) states that archived vibracores shall be stored and that delivery and storage shall be coordinated with the BOEM GOAR Representative. Could you please clarify the anticipated storage location and delivery requirements for the vibracores?	After final logs and critical mineral sampling, vibracores/borings are to be stored and delivery/storage coordinated with BOEM’s GOAR RE. BOEM will provide repository location and handling instructions during coordination.
28	Please clarify the required organization and file structure for quotation submission. Specifically, should offerors submit separate files/volumes for (1) Technical Approach, (2) Past Performance, and (3) Price, or should Technical Approach and Past Performance be combined into a single non-price volume?	Technical Approach and Past Performance may be submitted as 1 volume as long as it complies with the stated page limitations
29	The Statement of Work Section 6 attachment list identifies Attachment 1, “Investigation Areas and Potential Sand Source Maps,” as three pages; however, the issued Attachment 1 appears to contain only one page. Please confirm whether any pages are missing from Attachment 1.	Amendment 1 will correctly state 1 page. (SOW Section 6 updated in amendment 1).
30	The Statement of Work Section 6 attachment list identifies Attachment 8, “Task Pricing Excel Sheet Template,” and Attachment 9, “Vessel Information Form”; however, these files do not appear to have been provided. Please provide Attachments 8 and 9 and confirm whether each is required to be completed and submitted with the quotation. If required, please confirm whether either attachment is excluded from applicable proposal page limits.	Attachment references were included in error. Due date will remain unchanged. (SOW Section 6 updated in amendment 1).
31	If Attachments 8 and 9 are required, will BOEM extend the deadline for submission of questions to allow offerors adequate time to review the missing solicitation materials and submit any resulting clarification questions?	Attachment references were included in error. Due date will remain unchanged. (SOW Section 6 updated in amendment 1).
32	Is the 500 line-miles of geophysical survey a fixed amount, or can it change during the contract based on what BOEM needs?	500 line‑miles is the baseline acquisition. The extent may be refined by BOEM and the contractor through the approved Investigation Plan while remaining within scope.
33	If the archaeologists cannot agree on where to put the 35 vibracores, who decides and can we do fewer cores?	Final vibracore locations are determined through coordination among the contractor’s archaeologist, BOEM GOAR OE archaeologist, and BOEM GOAR RE. The requirement is 35 vibracores; any reduction requires Contracting Officer approval.
34	The 10 deep cores option in section 2.4.4.1 — must we do them, or can the government choose not to require them?	Optional. The government may choose not to exercise the deep cores option. If exercised, performance follows the option clause and CLIN 00080.
35	Can we hire another company to provide the survey vessel and equipment, or must our company own and run them?	Permitted. Identify whether the vessel is provided by the quoter or a subcontractor, and list subcontractors and scopes. Comply with Limitations on Subcontracting for small‑business set‑asides.
36	Are there any prevailing wage requirements or other labor wage rules that apply to this job?	No. This procurement is issued under RFO Part 12 for commercial services, NAICS 541360 (Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services), which consists of professional and technical scientific labor categories. As a result, Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) do not apply, because the principal purpose of this contract is professional scientific/engineering services that fall under SCLS exemptions. The requirement does not involve any construction, alteration, or repair of a public building or public work; therefore, the Davis‑Bacon Act does not apply. Because neither SCLS nor Davis‑Bacon apply, no wage determination is included or required in the solicitation.
37	Will the award go to the lowest priced technically acceptable quote, or is this a best-value tradeoff?	See section 5.2 of the RFQ: "Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation conforms to the RFQ and represents the best value to the Government, considering Technical, Past Performance, and Price. The Government may use a comparative evaluation of quotations to determine which quotation provides the most advantageous combination of technical capability, relevant past performance, and price."
38	Is this work currently under contract (a recompete)? If so, please share the incumbent contractor's name, the prior contract number, the awarded price of the previous contract, and how many quotes were received.	This is being competed as a new requirement under a small‑business set‑aside. No incumbent information is provided in the solicitation.
39	As the fiscal year closes out: does your office have other upcoming or not-yet-posted requirements in this scope area that vendors could also quote?	Future opportunities will be posted on SAM.gov but unable to provide any information on if any "not-yet-posted" requirements exist.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Aug 13, 2026.