B01_-_SAM_Synopsis_-_Notice_of_Intent_to_Sole_Source_1.pdf

SPECIAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT

TO

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

FOR

THE PROJECT TITLED “EXAMINING DROPLET COALESCENCE BEHAVIOR

RESULTING FROM SUBSEA MECHANICAL DISPERSION (SSMD)”

This Notice is issued in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 5.2, Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), Acquisition Operations Branch, is the contracting office for this procurement. The purpose of this Notice is to announce the Government’s intent to negotiate a sole source contract with Texas A&M University (TEES) to investigate oil coalescence behavior, plume dynamics and oil particle interactions to understand mechanically dispersed oil droplet behavior and compare it to no intervention and subsea dispersant injection (SSDI), based on the contractor’s demonstrated unique capability in accordance with FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source. This requirement will utilize FAR Part 15 acquisition procedures.

Under Dr. Scott Socolofsky's leadership, TAMU researchers have studied subsurface hydrocarbon intrusions, conducted flume tank tests and developed subsea plume modeling platforms. TAMU has unique experience building and/or using various tanks to study dispersed oil behavior. Using results from these and other experiments, TAMU has also developed a model for predicting fate and transport of oil and gas from subsea releases. This experience makes TAMU uniquely qualified to investigate the oil coalescence behavior and overall plume dynamics of subsea mechanical dispersion and compared it to subsea dispersant injection as an oil spill response option. Results from this project would continue to enhance the oil spill models and improve oil spill response decision-making.

Dr. Socolofsky conducts research through his 50% appointment in the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).Therefore, this acquisition will result in a sole source contract to Texas A&M University - (TEES) in accordance with FAR part 6.302 and FAR part 15.

The anticipated period of performance is thirty-six (36) months. The place of performance is at the contractor’s facility.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. However, any firm believing itself capable of investigating oil coalescence behavior, plume dynamics and oil particle interactions to understand mechanically dispersed oil droplet behavior and compare it to no intervention and subsea dispersant injection (SSDI) may submit technical documentation to establish their capability.

Such documentation must be submitted to the Contracting Officer by 6:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time June 07, 2024 (within 15 calendar days of electronic posting of this notice). A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses received lies solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or to proceed on a sole source basis. Documentation shall be submitted in writing to Rebecca Hayes via email at rebecca.hayes@bsee.gov, with the email SUBJECT LINE – RFP 140E0124R0009 - Examining Droplet Coalescence Behavior. Telephone responses will not be honored.