RFI_-_DOIEFBO260009_1.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought:

DOIEFBO260009 - Definition of Permanent Barriers

1. Purpose The Department of the Interior (DOI), Office of Acquisition and Property Management, on behalf of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), is issuing this RFI to:

1. Collect industry feedback on the Draft Statement of Work for the Definition of Permanent Barriers.

2. Identify interested entities with the expertise required to perform this study.

This RFI is for market research only and is not a solicitation for proposals. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Participation in this RFI does not create an expectation of future work.

2. Background Permanent barriers are critical elements of offshore well integrity systems. They prevent undesired fluid movement within the annulus and wellbore and provide long term protection of life, the environment, and mineral resources. While 30 CFR 250.206 specifies testing requirements for barriers, federal regulations do not define detailed minimum technical parameters for permanent barriers, leaving operators and reviewers without clearly established performance criteria. This study is not intended to update existing regulations or create new data; rather, it aims to improve BSEE’s understanding of technology‑based performance criteria that align with the current regulatory framework by compiling current existing data, thereby informing implementation approaches.

This study initiative supports the BSEE mission by strengthening the technical foundation for consistent, science based permitting and enforcement across BSEE’s regions. This study would support an ongoing effort to modernize well integrity oversight.

The proposed study will:

• Review the full range of available permanent barrier technologies used globally.

• Compile and organize existing performance data from literature, standards bodies, and technology providers to define minimum technical requirements for each barrier type.

• Peer review data from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) when necessary.

• Develop a structured database documenting barrier elements, operating envelopes, and minimum requirements to support internal evaluations.

• Create a review framework (including a scorecard) to help BSEE evaluate the effectiveness and consistently document barriers.

The full draft SOW can be reviewed as attachment “Draft SOW Definition of Permanent Barriers RFI”.

3. Feedback Requested on the Draft Statement of Work BSEE invites comments to improve clarity and feasibility of the draft SOW. Please provide feedback on the following topics:

A. Technical Requirements

• Is the proposed approach for gathering information on permanent barrier technologies (literature review and technology provider survey) appropriate to develop minimum technical requirements?

• Are there additional data sources, methods, or analyses that should be considered to fully characterize permanent barrier technologies and their minimum performance parameters?

• Are there key metrics that should be prioritized in the development of minimum acceptable parameters?

• Are there specific safety, performance, or operational indicators that should be included in the barrier scorecard?

• What specific technical expertise is needed to effectively complete the study?

B. Technology Provider Survey

• What safeguards (e.g., NDAs, independent contractor‑mediated data collection, proprietary data protection, etc.) would increase OEMs willingness to share performance and qualification data?

• Are there particular survey methods or engagement strategies that could improve OEM participation?

4. Information Requested from Respondents A. Organizational Qualifications & Independence

• What organizations are capable of performing this research without conflicts of interest or perceived bias?

• Should any part of this study be performed by an independent third party rather than BSEE or another federal entity? Please explain why.

B. Research Team & Project Execution Capability

• Please summarize your organization’s relevant experience and qualifications to conduct this study.

• Please describe your anticipated project team structure, including key roles to complete the study.

C. Schedule and Cost

• Please provide an estimated schedule and identify any constraints or considerations that may affect the timeline. Include how the period required to receive Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) clearance before the technology provider survey could be used effectively.

• Please provide a rough order‑of‑magnitude (ROM) cost estimate, if possible.

5. Response Instructions Responses to this RFI should:

• Be submitted electronically in PDF or word format, 12-point font

• Not to exceed 10 pages

• Be e-mailed to the point of contact provided in the official posting

• Reference the RFI title and number in the subject line

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

1. Company name

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

3. Mailing address, email address, and telephone number

4. Website (if available)

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

6. Authorized Point of Contact

All responses under this RFI Notice must be submitted via e-mail to william_rilee@ios.doi.gov no later than 9:00 AM Eastern Time, on July 31, 2026. Please include the RFI Title in your e-mail subject line.

Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions.

No classified information should be submitted.

6. Attachments:

1. Draft SOW

7. Disclaimer This RFI does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and it should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the Government to issue a formal solicitation or ultimately award a contract. The U.S. Government is in no way liable to pay for or reimburse any companies or entities that respond to this announcement. Any costs incurred by interested vendors in response to this announcement or incurred for participation in the RFI will NOT be reimbursed.

All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non- Government personnel and entities. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary. The results of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement and requirement development.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 - Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997):

(a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(b) Although "proposal" and "offeror" are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

(c) This announcement is issued for the purpose of gathering market research information.

Based upon responses received, BSEE representatives may choose to meet (virtually) with potential Offerors and hold one-on-one discussions. Such discussions will be considered further Market Research intended to obtain clarifications of potential capability and/or experience to assist BSEE in defining and developing its requirements.