Center of Excellence RFI.pdf

Request for Information for LNG Research and Development Support for the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety

General Information

Document Type: Request For Information (RFI) All Dates/Times are: (UTC-04:00) EASTERN STANDARD TIME, NEW YORK, USA Original Published Date: 11/13/2023 Original Response Date: 1/2/2024

Description

This is a Request for Information (RFI), issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in support of the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety’s (the Center) research and development (R&D) efforts. The Center shall, for activities regulated under section 60103 of title 49, United States Code, enhance the United States as the leader and foremost expert in LNG operations by:

• (1) furthering the expertise of the Federal Government in the operations, management, and regulatory practices of LNG facilities through o (A) the use of performance-based principles;

o (B) experience and familiarity with LNG operational facilities; and o (C) increased communication with LNG experts to learn and support state-of-the-art operational practices;

• (2) acting as a repository of information on best practices for the operation of LNG facilities; and

• (3) facilitating collaboration among LNG sector stakeholders.

As an initial matter, the Center is releasing this RFI to further engage with the LNG sector and to continue its efforts to capture stakeholder feedback as it establishes its LNG-related R&D program.

More specifically, this RFI seeks additional feedback related to the management of the Center’s R&D program from stakeholders that would advance the safety of the LNG sector and strengthen the quality of the Center’s R&D focus to ensure the program’s effectiveness.

The Center looks forward to establishing and perfecting a cutting-edge R&D program that plays a pivotal role in shaping the research landscape by assuming responsibility for key research activities. This will involve:

• Creating a research roadmap;

• Identifying areas of investigation and establishing direction for research endeavors;

• Gaining resources from entities with scientific expertise;

• Coordinating with stakeholders; and

• Monitoring emerging trends, industry developments, and stakeholder needs.

The Center seeks information from organizations with expertise in R&D management. Any and all potentially interested parties must respond via the attached Submission Form. Please tailor responses in accordance with the attached Submission Form versus submitting a general Capability Statement.

Vendor submissions will not be returned and will not be accepted after the due date. Generic corporate marketing materials that do not address the requirements outlined in the Submission Form should not be submitted. In order to respond to this notice, firms must be able to clearly convey their experience and/or ability to perform the services listed in this RFI and Submission Form.

Attachments/Links

Each response should include the following Business Information:

1. Company/Entity Name

2. Company/Entity Address

3. Business Size (if applicable)

4. Small Business certifications(if applicable)

5. GSA number (if applicable).

6. At least one (1) relevant Past Performance example to include:

- Contract/Agreement number

- Contract/Agreement Point of Contact

- Point of Contact phone number

- Detailed description of project

Questions may be submitted via e-mail to dwayne.cross@dot.gov by 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. All information must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, January 2, 2024 via e-mail (Dwayne Cross). Vendor submission forms may not exceed 6 pages excluding the cover page and Past Performance with font size capped at 11 points.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This Request for Information (RFI) is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as either a solicitation or obligation on the part of the U.S. Government. This notice is to determine what vendors have the ability to provide the services identified in the attached Submission Form. This is not a solicitation announcement for proposals and no contract will be awarded from this Notice. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this Notice. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this evaluation. Please tailor responses in accordance with the attached Statement of Work as opposed to only submitting Capability Statements.

Display Name Updated Date

National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety - Submission Form 11/9/2023 mailto:dwayne.cross@dot.gov

Statement of Work Research and Development Support for the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety

Background The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued an award in support of the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety’s (Center) research and development (R&D) efforts.

Pursuant to section 60103 of title 49, United States Code, the Center will enhance the United States as the leader and foremost expert in LNG operations by:

• (1) furthering the expertise of the Federal Government in the operations, management, and regulatory practices of LNG facilities through o (A) the use of performance-based principles;

o (B) experience and familiarity with LNG operational facilities; and o (C) increased communication with LNG experts to learn and support state-of-the-art operational practices;

• (2) acting as a repository of information on best practices for the operation of LNG facilities; and

• (3) facilitating collaboration among LNG sector stakeholders.

Objective As an initial matter, the Center is releasing this RFI to further engage with the LNG sector and to continue its efforts to capture stakeholder feedback as it establishes its LNG-related R&D program.

More specifically, this RFI seeks additional feedback related to the management of the Center’s R&D program from stakeholders that would advance the safety of the LNG sector and strengthen the quality of the Center’s R&D focus to ensure the program’s effectiveness.

Tasks The Center looks forward to establishing and perfecting a cutting-edge R&D program that plays a pivotal role in shaping the research landscape by assuming responsibility for key research activities. This will involve:

• Creating a research roadmap;

• Identifying areas of investigation and establishing direction for research endeavors;

• Gaining resources from entities with scientific expertise;

• Coordinating with stakeholders; and

• Monitoring emerging trends, industry developments, and stakeholder needs.

To assist with the development of this program, the Center is soliciting feedback via an RFI and Submission Form. The responses from this RFI will directly contribute to the Center’s strategic planning efforts in achieving the R&D activities listed above.

Please answer the following questions and submit the completed form as your RFI submission to dwayne.cross@dot.gov. Vendor submission forms may not exceed 6 pages excluding the cover page and Past Performance information referenced in the RFI. Font size must be capped at 11 points.

1. Which option best categorizes your organization or industrial sectors? Select all that apply.

Non-profit Educational Institution For-profit

Other (please specify)

2. Share your organization’s past performance, experience, and capabilities in managing an R&D program.

3. How would you identify R&D topics to capture stakeholder needs?

4. Please provide considerations (organizational structure, stakeholder interaction, etc.) for the administration and management of an R&D program operated by one organization leading a consortium. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of model in comparison to other models?

5. Please outline your organization’s experience working with the federal government

(leave blank if none).

6. How would your organization disseminate research findings and outline next steps to ensure stakeholders adopt best practices?

7. Please provide other considerations you wish to add regarding establishing and managing a premier R&D program (e.g., obstacles, limitations, etc.)