49100423R0010 ARV INTEGRATOR 20240506 Track Changes.docx

49100423R0010

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

RATING

PAGE OF

PAGES

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

5. DATE ISSUED

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

(If other than Item 7) NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

9. Sealed offers in original and _____________________________ copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in until local time _______________________ (Hour) (Date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All Offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

A. NAME

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

AREA CODE

NUMBER

EXTENSION

(X)

SEC.

DESCRIPTION

PAGE(S)

(X)

SEC.

DESCRIPTION

PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

A

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

I

CONTRACT CLAUSES

B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

C

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

J

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

G

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

H

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

M

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8)

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

UEI:

EFT:

CODE

FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS OF

OFFEROR

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

17. SIGNATURE

18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE

NUMBER

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15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

20. AMOUNT

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified) 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) ( )

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

PHONE:

FAX:

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

(REV. 6/2014)

10. FOR INFORMATION CALL:

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 33

Previous edition is unusable Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

SOLICITATION

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N/A

TBD

49100423R0010

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National Science Foundation Div. of Acq. & Cooperative Support 2415 Eisenhower Ave.

Alexandria VA 22314

4:00pm

EDT

22 April 2024

See Attached Table of Contents

1-2 X 8-13 X 14-27 X X X 30-38 X 39-41 X 42-59 X 60-88 X X 90-100 X 101-113

114-116

National Science Foundation Div. of Acq. & Cooperative Support 2415 Eisenhower Ave.

Alexandria VA 22314

National Science Foundation DFM, Phone: (703) 292-8280 Commercial Cash Management 2415 Eisenhower Ave.

Alexandria VA 22314

REFERENCE NO OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED

PAGE

ITEM NO.

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

NSN 7540-01-152-8087

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4/86)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

CONTINUATION SHEET

49100423R0010

Table of Contents

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

This single-award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract does not have a CLIN schedule at the base level – CLINs shall be captured on the orders, which may be task or delivery orders depending on the requirement. Orders will have their own CLIN schedules tailored to match the requirements of that order. Ordering procedures will be used to fulfill contractual requirements within the general scope of the IDIQ contract, generally captured as[footnoteRef:2]: [2: These categories are for illustrative purposes, the contractual requirement as it relates to the definition of the contract’s scope is captured in the ensuing contract sections. ]

1. Management/Integration Services

2. Final Design Phase

3. Construction Stage

a. Ship Builder Contract

b. Ship Builder Oversight

4. Transition to Operations

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a hybrid contract. NSF retains the ability to use the below contract types on orders. Line items on order schedules shall have their contract type identified.

1. Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF)

2. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF)

3. Cost Reimbursement (CR)

B.3 IDIQ REQUIREMENTS

Per FAR 16.504, the following are required elements for an IDIQ contract:

$5,000,000.00

B.4 ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

The following is an overview of the ordering process for orders under this IDIQ.

1. NSF will prepare a requirement to be fulfilled via order, drafting the appropriate order documentation which is provided to the Integrator.

2. The Integrator will review the order documentation and provide the Government with the necessary technical, contractual, and cost documentation to properly evaluate the order for award. Depending on the order’s requirement, offerors may be required to submit documentation including, but not limited to:

a. Technical documentation or substantiating evidence (not otherwise captured as a contract deliverable or requirement) which endorses or advocates for a particular solution to the requirement.

b. Certified Cost or Pricing data, or Other than Certified Cost or Pricing Data, such that the Government can assess the integrator’s cost or pricing as fair and reasonable[footnoteRef:4]. [4: Determination of fair and reasonable price, conforming to the requirements of FAR 15.4, is required at the order level due to the base IDIQ not having a priced schedule. As the schedule is unpriced, future task orders will not be exempt from the requirement for certified cost or pricing data on the basis of adequate price competition existing. ]

c. Small business subcontracting plans, with goals that may be recommended or required by the Government.

d. Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act, or other foreign acquisition documentation required by a task order[footnoteRef:5]. [5: The base IDIQ does not contain clauses such as 52.225-1 or 52.225-9. These clauses shall be incorporated at the task order level where appropriate. ]

3. The Integrator and the Government will negotiate the order. Failure to arrive at a satisfactory negotiated agreement may result in the cancellation of the order.

4. Pending a satisfactory agreement between the Integrator and the Government, the order is awarded.

Once an order is provided to the Integrator to propose to, the Government retains the right to revoke the order until it is awarded (signed by both parties), at which point termination procedures would be followed.

All orders, once placed, will conform to the requirements of FAR 16.505(a)(7).

B.5 FEE

To facilitate timely execution of future orders, the fee associated with use of specific contract types shall be negotiated at contract award.

All instances where the contract type of Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) is utilized on any ensuing order would use a fee rate of X%, where X is a rate that has been negotiated at contract award. NSF and the Integrator may, through mutual agreement, consider alternative rates post award.

All instances where Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) is utilized on any ensuing order will use the established minimum, maximum, and target fee rates. However, the fee adjustment formula shall be specific to each instance in order to accommodate the specific requirements of that order. Per 16.405-1(b), cost must be a considered element of the adjustment formula. It is at NSF’s discretion whether a technical performance incentive (Ex; milestone achievement, successful review, or other technical success) is included, but the nature of the technical performance incentive may be negotiated.

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Rate: X% Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) Rates:

B.6 CPIF FORMULA CONSIDERATIONS, GROUND RULES

B.6.1 DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ESTIMATED COST FOR A CPIF REQUIREMENT AND TARGET COST Instances where CPIF is utilized shall establish both a target cost and estimated cost. Target cost shall be documented separately from the estimated cost. The estimated cost shall be captured via contract line-item (“CLIN”).

Target cost and estimated cost may differ from the issuance of CPIF requirement and may further diverge over performance of the requirement. Maintaining a distinction between estimated cost and target cost facilitates the measurement of cost-related incentives.

B.6.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF TARGET COST VERSUS ESTIMATED COST

Target cost is understood to include any “contingency” or “management reserve” associated with the CPIF requirement. Estimated cost (the value captured on the order CLIN) is understood to be the current estimated cost for a requirement less contingency and any reserves. The magnitude or value of contingency or management reserve is an item for negotiation when establishing a CPIF requirement.

B.6.3 IMPACT OF NSF-DIRECTED CHANGE REQUESTS ON TARGET COST AND FEE

When NSF directs a change post-award to a CPIF requirement, and the resulting approved change request results in either an increase or decrease in the estimated cost, this change shall be assessed for its impact to target cost. Impacts to target cost shall have corresponding impacts to the minimum, maximum, and target fee values, in accordance with the established rates in B.5[footnoteRef:6]. Changes recommended by the Integrator and approved by NSF, and then incorporated into the order, may or may not impact the fee given the context. [6: Or, if mutual agreement has created rates specific to that CLIN, then the rates associated with that CLIN.]

Example: increase to estimated costs (the CLIN value) may not drive an increase to target cost (the value driving impacts to fee) if costs are due to corrective activity required by the Integrator or subcontractors. However, if those same corrective costs were still allowable, it would create an increase in the CLIN’s estimated cost.

B.6.4 IMPACT OF NSF-DIRECTED CHANGE REQUESTS ON TECHNICAL INCENTIVES

When NSF activity, such as directing a change post-award to a CPIF requirement, would make achievement of a previously established technical incentive (ex: milestone achievement) prohibitively challenging or otherwise unattainable, the Integrator shall notify the contracting officer and contracting officer’s representative in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the change’s approval. The Integrator shall provide recommendations to modify the technical incentives with supporting rationale for consideration by NSF. Change to technical incentives is at NSF discretion. Failure to provide notice of technical incentive impacts within the required time frame may result in NSF not considering the request.

B.6.5 APPROVAL OR SATISFACTORY FULFILLMENT OF TECHNICAL INCENTIVES

Achievement related to technical incentives will often be contingent on NSF approval or concurrence. NSF will endeavor to provide efficient, timely review of technical incentives but the timing of such reviews is wholly at NSF discretion.

B.6.6 INVOICING FOR FEE PRIOR TO CPIF REQUIREMENT COMPLETION

The Integrator may invoice for fee associated with costs incurred up to the established minimum fee during performance.

B.6.7 INVOICING FOR FEE AFTER REQUIREMENT COMPLETION

Due to the impacts that changing rates can have to costs-incurred post completion of a cost-type requirement, after award of a cost-type requirement NSF and the Integrator shall mutually determine a prudent time from which to “cut-off” trailing cost changes as necessary. This may result in a negotiation of a final estimated cost after completion, for the purposes of facilitating a timely contractual closeout of a completed order, thus accommodating issuance of any fee earned from incentives (when applicable).

B.7 EXAMPLE ORDER

The following is the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) schedule for the example order. The IDIQ’s initial order is anticipated to be the same as this example order, or as close as practicably possible to it. Section B.7 shall be removed on contract award. This Task Order will be binding and issued upon contract award.

B.7.1 EXAMPLE ORDER CLIN SCHEDULE

BASE PERIOD: (24 to 28 Months)[footnoteRef:7] [7: Period of performance length is an element subject to negotiation. See section L.9.7.]

Total Base Period

B.7.2 EXAMPLE ORDER CLIN DESCRIPTIONS

0001 Final Design: Capturing labor and activities related to successfully executing the Final Design Phase, Section C.2.3.

0002 Integrator Program Management: Capture of labor and activities related to execution and administration of the contract which do not directly contribute to the efforts of fulfilling Section C.2.3 through the Final Design phase.

0003 Other Direct Costs: Capture of ODCs such as software, material transportation, and travel. Travel is subject to the requirements of Federal Travel Regulation.

B.7.3 CLIN 0001, MANDATORY CPIF ELEMENTS

B.7.4 CLIN 0001, CPIF ADJUSTMENT FORMULA

B.7.5 CPIF ADJUSTMENT FORMULA DEFINITIONS

Target Date: Target date is understood to be the period of performance for the associated CLIN.

Final Design Review Approval: Approval is understood to be receipt of the FDR Panel’s approval.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

This section includes a statement of work, specifications, or other description, that reasonably describes the general scope, nature, complexity, and purpose of the supplies or services the Government will acquire under the contract consistent with FAR 16.504(a)(4)(iii) and/or other applicable authorities.

C.1 BACKGROUND

Project Title: Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Vessel Integrator for Final Design Phase and MREFC Construction Stage Purpose of the vessel and overall objective of the project. The U.S. maintains a world-class science program in Antarctica to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to ensure an active and influential role in the Antarctic Treaty System, now in force for over 50 years. By presidential mandate, the National Science Foundation (NSF) acts on behalf of the U.S. government as the single-point manager of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). To carry out its responsibilities, NSF operates three year-round research stations in Antarctica, and two purpose-built research vessels. The current icebreaking research vessel, RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer (NBP) is reaching the end of its service life and needs replacement. The Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) project will design, construct, and deliver a new, more technologically advanced, and capable icebreaking research vessel that will replace the NBP and thus ensure the U.S. research community has a more viable, safe, and effective platform for supporting Antarctic science for up to 40 years beyond the retirement of the NBP.

History of market surveillance, market research, and/or requirements development. Numerous reports developed by the science community over the last decade have strongly advocated for an Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) with enhanced capabilities. These reports and relevant recommendations include:

· “Report of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the U.S. Antarctic Program’s Research Vessel Procurement”, Office of Polar Programs Advisory Committee, 2019.

· “A Strategic Vision for NSF Investments in Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research”, National Academy of Sciences, 2015. Committee recommended:

· “Prioritize the acquisition of a next-generation research icebreaker”

· “Ship support for research in ice-covered Southern Ocean coastal areas”

· “To support the science priorities recommended by this Committee, and to retain a leadership role in both Antarctic and Arctic research, NSF will need to prioritize the acquisition of a next-generation research icebreaker… to provide critically needed field opportunities for U.S. scientists.”

· “To maintain operations at U.S. Antarctic research stations and support all U.S. research carried out on the continent, progress must be made in acquiring one or more new polar class icebreakers.”

· “More and Better Science in Antarctica Through Increased Logistical Effectiveness”, Blue Ribbon Panel Report (BRP), 2012. Second of the top ten BRP recommendations: “Restore the U.S. polar ocean fleet to support science, logistics, and national security in both polar regions over the long term.”

· “Polar Research Vessel Science Mission Requirements Refresh Project” University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), 2012 (https://www.unols.org/polar-research-vessel-science-mission-requirements-smr-refresh-project).

· “Future Science Opportunities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean”, National Academy of Sciences, 2011. “Maintain and enhance the unique logistical assets of the United States, including research stations, aircraft and research vessels…”

· “Critical Infrastructure for Ocean Research and Societal Needs in 2030”, National Academy of Science, 2011. The committee concluded that “Recover[ing] U.S. capability to access full and partially ice-covered seas” would help ensure that the U.S. has the capacity in 2030 to undertake and benefit from knowledge and innovations possible with oceanographic research.

C.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

The following sections generally describe the anticipated necessary components feeding into the development, design, construction, and delivery of the next generation Antarctic Research Vessel. Where possible, to avoid duplications, references are made to the ARV’s Project Execution Plan (PEP) and other documents to assist offerors in understanding and responding to project task elements.

C.2.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE MREFC PROCESS

A reference document[footnoteRef:9] for completing the ARV project is the National Science Foundation Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG), Document Number: nsf21107, and subsequent revisions. [9: The RIG shall be last in preference when compared to the items established in FAR clause 52.215-8, which is incorporated by reference.]

The following figure taken from the RIG shows the overall life cycle of an NSF Major Facilities project.

Figure 2.1.3-1 Progressive steps in the facility life cycle, showing the high-level review and decision points for exit and entry into each stage. The Design Stage is further broken down into phases.

The ARV project has completed the Development Stage and is currently in the Preliminary Design Phase of the Design Stage.

The Scope of Work for this contract includes the Final Design Phase and the Construction Stage. Issuance of orders related to the Construction Stage is dependent on successful completion of the Final Design Review (FDR), NSF approvals, Congressional funding for construction, and issuance of appropriate task orders.

The Construction Stage consists of a Detail Design Phase, the Ship Construction Phase, and a Transition to Operations/Warranty Period Phase, described in more detail below.

C.2.2 MREFC PHASES

C.2.2.1 Design Process through Preliminary Design Phase The ARV project successfully completed the Conceptual Design Phase and is in the process of completing the Preliminary Design Phase and related documents. The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) was successfully completed in February 2023. The finalized Preliminary Design documents are Government-provided.

C.2.2.2 Description of the Final Design Phase The Final Design Phase further refines the project definition and the Project Execution Plan and demonstrates that project planning and management meet requirements for readiness to receive funding and begin construction. This phase can also incorporate events or conditions that were unforeseen when the PDR was conducted. Final Design Phase ends with a Final Design Review (FDR) and potential obligation of construction funds following internal approvals and upon issuance of appropriate task orders. See RIG Section 2.3.3.

C.2.2.2.1 Project Execution Plan (PEP) Update the Project Execution Plan based on the expectations in NSF RIG Sections 2.3.3 and 3.4 and associated RIG Sections. Carry out project management controls in accordance with the PEP. This includes preparation for and support for the FDR.

C.2.2.2.2 Final Design Development

a. Design Agent: Propose and engage a design agent to complete the Final Design (Bid Design) and supporting documentation.

b. Design Development: Continue development of ARV design to the Final Design (Bid Design) level based on design drawings and reports delivered for the Preliminary Design Phase. These deliverables are described below and included as part of this solicitation.

c. Model Testing: The Model Testing program will be continued as needed based on results during the Preliminary Design Phase.

d. Shipbuilder Selection: The Vessel Integrator will conduct a solicitation and selection of a prospective Shipbuilder to be engaged for value engineering prior to FDR. Shipbuilder award may be phased such that this subcontract has distinct option periods allowing for value-engineering development prior to option periods for construction.

e. Shipbuilder’s Contract Specification: As part of design development (with value-engineering revisions), a Shipbuilder’s Specification that defines the requirements to build the vessel will be updated and finalized by the Design Agent and Vessel Integrator. An initial version will be used as part of the Shipbuilder solicitation by the Vessel Integrator. The initial version of the Shipbuilder’s Specification is a deliverable during the Preliminary Design Phase and will be included with this solicitation.

C.2.2.3 Description of the Construction[footnoteRef:10] Stage [10: Construction, as referenced by this requirement, is used in a colloquial or conventional means, and not to be misconstrued as the FAR 2.101 definition of “Construction”, which specifically excludes from definition “[…] the manufacture, production, furnishing, construction, alteration, repair, processing, or assembling of vessels[.]”]

C.2.2.3.1 Detail Design Phase: Engineering completion including completion of Detailed Design, production engineering and submittal of the Class Design for Regulatory Body approvals. Some long lead time purchases can take place during this phase as needed and approved by NSF.

C.2.2.3.2 Construction Phase: Construction, outfitting, testing, trials and inspections resulting in delivery of ARV that meets all performance specifications and preliminary acceptance by NSF.

C.2.2.3.3 Transition to Operations Phase: A one year Shipbuilder’s Warranty period with outfitting, science and ice trials and a Post-Shakedown Availability to complete all Shipbuilder Warranty work. This phase ends with ARV delivery to its home port in Punta Arenas, Chile, ready to support science and final NSF acceptance.

C.2.3 FINAL DESIGN PHASE

This section and the following sections describe what work the Vessel Integrator will likely perform during the Final Design Phase and the Construction Stage of the ARV project upon appropriate task order issuance. This scope of work includes all major tasks, work elements and objectives and acceptance criteria. The ARV PEP provides details of the organization and tasks necessary for successful conduct of the Final Design Phase with Sections 2, 3, 5, 7 & 14 being especially pertinent to this phase. A nominal timeline for completion of the major elements of the project is included in Section C.2.7 of this Statement of Work.

C.2.3.1 Project Execution Plan The RIG and the PEP at the end of the Final Design Phase are intended to be incorporated into orders for construction. PEP references may define the award scope, cost, schedule, risk register, and related contingencies, as well as configuration and contingency control, earned value management system, and project governance.

Some key project management elements of the PEP include:

· A deliverable-based Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as described in RIG Section 4.2.2.7.

· A Cost Estimating Plan and Cost Estimate, including a Cost Book and well-documented Basis of Estimate (BOE), in accordance with FAR, RIG Section 4.2, and the GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide (GAO-20-195G, March 2020) that follows the GAO’s twelve steps and best practices to meet the four characteristics of a high-quality estimate (well-documented, comprehensive, accurate, and credible).

· A Schedule Basis Document and Integrated Master Schedule in accordance with RIG Section 4.3 and the GAO Schedule Assessment Guide (GAO-16-89G, December 2015) that follows GAO’s ten steps and best practices to meet the four characteristics of a reliable schedule (comprehensive, well-constructed, credible, and controlled).

· Budget and Schedule Contingency calculations via probabilistic risk analysis (Monte Carlo) that are based on a risk register and uncertainties, in accordance with RIG Sections 4.2.5 and 6.2, and the GAO Cost and Schedule Guides.

· An Earned Value Management System (EVMS) plan in accordance with RIG Section 6.8 and the NSF EVM Gold Card that meets the intent of the 32 guidelines in the Electronic Industries Alliance standard (EIA-748) for EVMS.

· A Scope Management Plan in accordance with RIG Sections 3.4.1 and 4.2.5.1

· Project personnel and competencies in accordance with RIG Section 4.6.6.

The Vessel Integrator is responsible for ensuring the overall project meets RIG and PEP guidance. Specific data and documentation requirements should flow down to subcontractors to ensure sufficient supporting information is provided to the Vessel Integrator to meet the overall project requirements.

The following is an excerpt from the NSF RIG that describes the purpose and scope of the PEP.

Typical components of a construction-ready Project Execution Plan (PEP) are listed in Table 3.4.1-1 of the RIG as an example of the extensive nature of the pre-construction planning that should be conducted prior to expending construction funds to execute the project. Some topics will continue to be refined during the Construction Stage, for example, Commissioning Plans and related sub-plans.

The PEP should ideally contain or reference all project related documents and be the standalone source explaining how and why the project meets all requirements and should proceed as planned. Various components of the PEP may often be detailed in separate documents or as appendices, especially, living documents for future operations such as cybersecurity and data management plans. The PEP should reference these separate documents to summarize the complete scope of the pre-construction planning. In addition to referencing these separate plans, the PEP should provide a high-level summary, outline the associated goals, and/or identified responsibility for the specific plan.

It is important for the PEP to document all assumptions and boundary conditions driving project design and implementation. Additions or alterations to the typical PEP components listed below are likely, due to the unique nature of each specific project. Any special construction elements should be identified and addressed in the PEP or a separate document such as the work breakdown structure dictionary or design requirements, drawings, and specification documents.

C.2.3.2 Final Design Development

a. Preliminary Design and Performance Specifications The Final Design (Bid Design) will be completed based on the Preliminary Design documentation and the ARV Performance Specifications. Prior to the FDR, a series of Interim Design Reviews will be held with the NSF as described in ARV PEP Section 3.3. The following tables define the drawings, reports and documents that are part of the Preliminary Design deliverables and that will be finalized and delivered to NSF for FDR and at the conclusion of the Final Design Phase as a minimum.

Table 1 - Drawings

Centerboard, Trunk and Handling System Drawing (FD phase) Bilge and Oily Waste System

Table 2 - Analyses / Technical Documents

b. System Engineering In conjunction with vessel design activities, a robust system engineering process is required to ensure proper requirements tracking and configuration control as defined in the System Engineering Plan (PEP Appendix 13). The Vessel Integrator will be responsible to ensure the Vessel Designer and the System Engineering Team coordinate their work to produce a verifiable engineering product that aligns to the Science Mission Requirements (PEP Appendix 01) and the Performance Specifications.

c. Model Testing The Model Test Program Plan (open water and ice) and Model Test Report (open water and ice) from the Preliminary Design Phase will be provided as part of this solicitation. A stage 4 model test campaign discussed in the Model Test Program Plan will need to be conducted if not completed during Preliminary Design. This will include physical model testing of an evolved propeller design with inputs from Stage 3B testing and further testing and optimization of maneuverability and seakeeping performance.

Any Model testing for the Final Design Phase will be proposed by the Vessel Integrator and their design agent and will be included in the scope of work if approved by NSF.

d. Shipbuilder Selection Shipbuilder source selection will be completed during the Final Design Phase based on the Bid Design Package defined in Table 1 above and selected documents from Table 2 along with contract documentation developed by the Vessel Integrator.

Shipbuilder contract terms shall be developed by the Vessel Integrator, incorporating flow-down requirements from NSF.

Shipbuilder award will be phased to allow for initial value-engineering development during the Final Design Phase with an option for the Construction Stage that would be contingent on successful completion of the FDR and Congressional appropriation of the MREFC Construction funding.

Shipbuilder selection criteria will be approved by NSF and will be based on a best value evaluation of Shipbuilder qualifications and proposed cost for value engineering and a preliminary not-to-exceed cost for the Construction Stage. Exercising the Construction Stage option for the Shipbuilder contract will be contingent on the continued qualification of the Shipbuilder and agreement to a final accepted price by all parties. Additional requirements concerning shipbuilder selection are in contract section H.14.

e. Value Engineering It is anticipated that the Vessel Integrator (VI) will enter into a subcontract with the Ship Builder for Value Engineering. The Vessel Integrator and Design Agent will engage in Value Engineering with the selected Shipbuilder during the Final Design Phase to help ensure the buildability of the design and specifications. Value Engineering will also help to define the basis for a final negotiated Construction Stage cost.

f. Shipbuilder’s Contract Specification A draft Shipbuilder’s Contract Specification was developed during the Preliminary Design Phase and will be provided as part of this solicitation. The Design Agent and Vessel Integrator will update and further refine the Shipbuilder’s Contract Specification at the beginning of the Final Design Phase for use in the Shipbuilder solicitation. The Shipbuilder’s Contract Specification will continue to be updated and finalized based on continued design development and value engineering for inclusion in the final shipbuilder’s construction contract.

C.2.3.3 Preparation for Final Design Review Prepare a complete Final Design Review package that meets the requirements of the NSF Research Infrastructure Guide, Document Number: nsf21107. The FDR package will include, but is not limited to, the following:

· Project Execution Plan.

· Final Design (Bid Design) for the proposed ARV including Shipbuilder’s Specification.

· Updated risk register and probabilistic risk analysis (Monte Carlo) with defined mitigation strategies for construction, identifying enabling technologies, high-risk or long-lead items, and research and development (R&D) needed to reduce project risk to acceptable levels.

· Description of the proposed construction performance baseline (scope of work, budget, and schedule) needed to evaluate readiness for the Construction Stage.

· A bottom-up Total Project Cost for the Construction Stage C.2.3.4 Conduct of the Final Design Review The Vessel Integrator shall assist NSF in planning and managing the FDR. Activities to plan and manage the FDR include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Developing the FDR Panel’s charter,

· Preparing briefing materials for presentations to the FDR Panel,

· Presenting multiple briefing packages to the FDR Panel,

· Answering questions posed by the FDR Panel,

· Attending the FDR, which is anticipated to be three or four days and held at NSF’s headquarters building in Alexandria, Virginia,

· Managing the day-to-day activities of the FDR Panel, and

· Taking meeting minutes for each session

C.2.4 CONSTRUCTION STAGE

C.2.4.1 Detail Design (Engineering) Phase

a. Shipbuilder Contract The Vessel Integrator will enter into a contract with the Shipbuilder to deliver the ARV in accordance with the Shipbuilder’s Contract Specification and the finalized Bid Contract Design. The terms of the contract and final negotiated cost are subject to the contracting officer’s written consent, consistent with clause 52.244-2.

b. Regulatory Design Submittal The Vessel Integrator will ensure that with continued detailed design and engineering with the Shipbuilder, the Design Agent and/or Shipbuilder will submit all required drawings, reports, and specifications to regulatory bodies for review and approval. All comments and questions from regulatory bodies will be adjudicated and resolved so that the ARV will meet all requirements for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Inspection (COI) and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Notations per the Performance and Shipbuilder’s Contract Specifications. If regulatory bodies other than the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping are proposed, the Vessel Integrator will provide justification and must be approved by NSF.

Class Design approvals will be complete or pending final approvals with minimal risk to production before the start of actual construction. This will be reviewed and approved during the Production Readiness Review (PRR) described below. Any risk to production based on pending regulatory body approvals is the responsibility of the Vessel Integrator and Shipbuilder.

The Vessel Integrator will ensure that appropriate subcontracts are in place to support the regulatory review and approvals. A plan and appropriate subcontracts should be completed to support all required inspections and surveys necessary to meet all regulatory requirements during construction, tests, trials and at delivery.

c. Construction Detail Design and Production Engineering The Vessel…