RFI_DOIEFBO260006_1.pdf

SPECIAL NOTICE – REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT

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RFI Number: DOIEFBO260006

Title: Vessel Atlantic Ops Physical Inspections

Requirement Title: Vessel Atlantic Ops Physical Inspections

1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF RFI

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) as part of early market research for a future requirement titled “Vessel Atlantic Ops Physical Inspections.”

This RFI is strictly for information and planning purposes and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as a Government commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The

Government will not pay for any information submitted in response. This RFI is being issued early in the development process to ensure the requirement and acquisition strategy are informed by industry expertise. A statement of work or performance work statement has not been drafted for this requirement yet. The purpose of this RFI is to:

1.1 Determine industry availability and capability to provide a Walk-to-Work (W2W) / articulated gangway -equipped offshore vessel suitable for conducting physical inspections of offshore facilities located on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

1.1.1 Shall be capable of operating in accordance with IMCA M254 Rev 1 or equivalent standard.

1.1.2 Walk to work system must be capable of transferring personnel to a deck height of:

Wind Turbine Generator (WTG)/ Monopile (MP)/ Transition piece (TP) up to 21.802 mMSL and the Electrical Service Platform (ESP) / Offshore Substation (OSS) up to

24.63 mMSL. (This is the primary focus of the RFI and the information related to this is the most sought after to assist in our ability to meet the requirement, if you respond please address this at the beginning of your response along with the information listed within 5.1 of this RFI.)

1.1.3 Vessel crew shall be competent to safely lead and support all such activities.

1.1.4 Vessel SMS is certified and has procedures for such activities.

1.1.5 Does vessel currently exist to meet these needs or will they need to be modified and if modified how much time will be needed?

1.2 Obtain information about vessel ownership, availability, independence, and any conflicts of interest related to inspection of regulated turbine or facility owners.

1.3 Gather industry recommendations, including contracting approach (e.g., IDIQ with a vessel broker vs. standalone C type charter).

1.4 Understand best practices, innovative approaches, and operational considerations that the

Government may not be aware of.

1.5 Identify vessels capable of serving as a multi-use platform supporting environmental, scientific, and ROV operations.

PLEASE NOTE: THAT VENDORS CAN SUBMIT ANY INFORMATION THEY WOULD

LIKE TO THIS RFI AND ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ADDRESS EVERYTHING IN THIS

SAM POSTING. PLEASE DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED IF YOU CANNOT REPLY TO ALL

SECTIONS.

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2. OBJECTIVE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT DESCRIPTION

DOI seeks information on a W2W-capable offshore vessel able to:

2.1 Support a 45day continuous charter period.

2.2 Conduct up to 21day excursions without returning to port.

2.3 Visit up to 93 offshore facilities across the Atlantic OCS.

2.4 Safely conduct personnel transfers using a motion compensated gangway in Atlantic sea states.

2.5 Vessel must be able to house at least six BSEE personnel. Berthing must be able to accommodate a maximum of two personnel per state room. Dedicated showers shall be provided to each stateroom. It would be informative if you could share the max number of personnel you could accommodate as well how facilities are provided for more than one gender if necessary.

2.6 Laundry facilities and health and sanitation services (exp. Berthing/shower cleaning) must be available for use of BSEE personnel.

2.7 Exercise equipment and area must be available for use by BSEE personnel

2.8 Wifi must be available for use by BSEE personnel suitable to have video calls, live stream

ROV footage, upload and download photographs, and transmit electronic records and reports. Must be able to host APPS such as Global Protect.

2.9 Vessel shall have working spaces for BSEE personal performing administrative functions

2.10 Vessel shall have locker room or equivalent capable or PPE storage and changing outside of accommodation area.

2.11 Galley must be able and capable to support BSEE working hours.

The vessel will primarily support Government physical inspections of offshore structures but may also support complementary missions (see Section 8).

3. RFI DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION

This RFI is not an Invitation for Bids (IFB), Request for Quote (RFQ), or Request for Proposal

(RFP). Nothing in this RFI should be interpreted as a commitment by the Government.

Responses are voluntary and will not be returned. Please mark any data as proprietary when appropriate. Please note that responses to this RFI may be shared with other Federal

Government partners.

4. REQUESTED BUSINESS INFORMATION

Respondents are asked to include the following on the first page:

4.1 Company name

4.2 Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration status

4.3 Mailing address, email address, and telephone number

4.4 Website (if available)

4.5 Business size and socio-economic category under the anticipated NAICS code

4.6 Authorized Point of Contact

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5. TECHNICAL INFORMATION REQUESTED

5.1 Vessel Specifications

Respondents shall provide detailed information regarding:

• Vessel type, class, age, and dimensions

• Dynamic positioning rating (DP2 minimum)

• W2W gangway manufacturer, model, and operational envelope

• Deck space (square footage, layout, deck strength)

• Berthing capacity for inspectors, crew, and mission personnel

• Fuel, freshwater, and waste storage capacities for 21-day endurance

• Communications capability, including bandwidth for scientific/ROV operations

• Safety equipment and certifications (USCG, ABS, etc.)

• Helideck availability (if applicable)

5.2 Multi-Use Scientific and Environmental Support Capabilities (A possibility if Market

Research Supports but not mandatory for the core requirement we are seeking to fulfill)

The Government may use the vessel for multiple mission types when inspections allow.

Respondents should describe capabilities for:

• Environmental sampling and monitoring

• Biological, acoustic, or visual surveys

• Sample storage (ambient, refrigerated, frozen)

• Wet lab or modular lab space

• Dry lab and data analysis spaces

• Support for scientific personnel and equipment

5.3 ROV Support Capabilities (A possibility if Market Research Supports but not mandatory for the core requirement we are seeking to fulfill)

Provide details on:

• Clear aft deck area for launch/recovery

• Aframe, crane, or LARS capacity

• Deck load limits, tiedowns, padeyes

• Power for ROV vans and auxiliary systems

• Fiber/video routing for real-time data

• Dedicated or adaptable ROV control room space

5.4 Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)

Describe vessel capability to support:

• W2W personnel transfer operations and/or

• ROV or scientific operations concurrently, including any scheduling, safety, or operational constraints.

and/or

Capable of coordination with lease owner marine OPS for coordination of multiple SIMOPS activities.

Example:

• Other vessel activity (survey, construction, etc_

• Air Operations

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• MEDEVAC

• Vessel to vessel transfer.

• Vessel to platform transfer.

6. ACQUISITION STRATEGY FEEDBACK: IDIQ VS. C TYPE CONTRACTING

The Government requests industry recommendations on whether this requirement is better served through:

IDIQ Contracting

Using a vessel broker or multiple vendors over a multi-year period.

Stand-Alone C-Type Charter

Directly with a vessel owner for the required charter period.

Respondents should address:

• Market availability of independent vessels in the Atlantic

• The feasibility or benefits of using a broker

• Relative costs and benefits of each approach

• Lead times, seasonal constraints, and supply uncertainties

• Vessel modification needs or mobilization issues

7. CONFLICT OF INTEREST (COI) AND INDEPENDENCE CONSIDERATIONS

The Government must ensure unbiased and independent inspections.

Respondents shall clearly identify any potential COIs, such as:

• Vessel ownership or long-term charter relationships with offshore wind or energy companies subject to Government inspection.

• Situations where the vessel owner also owns or operates turbines or facilities to be inspected

• Arrangements that may limit inspector access or operational independence

• Scenarios where vessel crew have contractual ties to regulated entities

• Any perceived COI that could undermine inspection integrity or impartiality.

• Respondents should also recommend mitigation measures if applicable.

This information will also assist the Government in identifying opportunities to broaden industry participation by understanding where COI risks may be mitigated rather than serving as barriers to competition.

8. MULTI-USE CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS

The vessel may be used to support additional missions while in the offshore environment, including:

• Environmental studies

• Marine wildlife observations

• Oceanographic sampling

• ROV missions

• Scientific personnel transport

• Mixed-mission berthing and food service

• Sample preparation and field research

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Respondents should identify all applicable capabilities. These capabilities include vessel physical capabilities and the staff to perform the activities.

9. INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT (ONEONONES & INDUSTRY SESSION)

The Government reserves the right to conduct:

9.1 One-on-One Vendor Meetings

To clarify technical submissions or gather deeper insight.

9.2 Industry Day

If sufficient interest exists, the Government may host a virtual or in-person Industry Day for all respondents. Participation is voluntary and will not affect any future evaluations.

10. INDUSTRY INNOVATION AND OPEN INPUT (NO PAGE LIMITS)

The Government recognizes that this requirement is still being shaped and requests unrestricted, unlimited length, highly detailed input from industry. Respondents are encouraged to submit:

• Innovative concepts

• Operational approaches

• Vessel capabilities not listed

• Market intelligence

• Risks, constraints, or concerns

• Emerging technologies

• Information the Government may not be aware of

• Any suggestions beneficial to mission success

Any Rought order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing information you are willing to share or potential pricing concerns that they Government should be aware of that could impact competition (such as: weather delays, hurricane season timing, fuel charges, etc…)

11. SCHEDULE TRANSPARENCY (NON-BINDING)

To support industry planning:

• Calendar Year 2026 will be dedicated to market research, requirement development, and internal planning.

• The Government’s goal, which is non-binding and subject to change, is to be positioned for a potential award in Calendar Year 2027.

• No estimated date for an RFP release is available at this time.

• This RFI is part of an early engagement initiative to ensure industry input informs requirement development.

This schedule represents planning intent only and does not obligate the Government.

12. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit responses via email to: william_rilee@ios.doi.gov

Subject Line: “RFI Response – Vessel Atlantic Ops Physical Inspections - DOIEFBO260006”

13. Response Deadline

Responses are requested within 30 days of RFI posting. If additional time is needed, please submit an email to the address in section 12.