RFI_territories_06032024_1.pdf

Sources Sought

Request for Information (RFI) DOIMFBO240008

Introduction

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) oversees the exploration and development of oil, natural gas and other minerals and renewable energy alternatives on the Nation's outer continental shelf (OCS). BOEM’S Environmental Studies Program (ESP, https://www.boem.gov/environment/how-we-do-research) supports decisions made within the Department of the Interior, but also provides other Federal regulators, and the coastal states, and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner to protect both the human and natural environments. BOEM’s geographic responsibility increased substantially with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which expanded OCSLA’s definition of the OCS and gave BOEM authority for energy and mineral development in the U.S. Territories.

The purpose of this request for information (RFI) is to identify entities that have capabilities, expertise, and interest in performing environmental monitoring and studies to inform decisions on offshore wind energy as practicable and statutorily appropriate in the U.S. Territories. Proposed projects should seek to describe the existing state of knowledge, identify information gaps (e.g., data and enhanced knowledge) and clearly describe a research topic that will advance the current state of knowledge.

Sources Sought Information

BOEM/BSEE (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement) is issuing this RFI as part of market research in accordance with federal acquisition regulation (FAR) Part 10 to determine the availability and technical capability of sources to provide scientific services within the scope of this announcement.

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 this market survey 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 and for market research only. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS EXIST AT

THIS TIME.

Restricted or proprietary components, interfaces and equipment, or proprietary data provided should be clearly marked and presented as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. In the absence of such identification BOEM/BSEE will assume to have unlimited rights to all the technical data in the information paper. BSEE is seeking information from vendors that have the capability of performing the work described below in the Scope.

Responses must be identified by RFI No. DOIMFBO240008 and the following information should be included in a cover letter to your response:

1. Company name

2. SAM.gov UEI number

3. Mailing address

4. E-mail address

5. Telephone number

6. Web site address (if available)

7. Business Size and Eligibility under U.S. Government socio-economic programs (i.e., type of business -large, small, small-disadvantaged, Woman-owned, veteran-owned, or 8(a)) under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code associated with the project.

8. Confirm if your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

9. Any established pricing catalogs, rough order of magnitudes or additional pricing information an interested party is willing to share regarding their products. This information would be for market research information only.

10. NAICS code recommendations for this scope (if any).

11. Identify Research Topic(s) of interest (see scope below).

12. Geographic area – Identify the geographic scope where company or entity can provide services.

Proposed studies should focus on the U.S. Territories in light of possible offshore wind energy development on the OCS. For more information on the boundaries of the OCS, please see https://www.boem.gov/oil-gas-energy/leasing/outer-continental-shelf

13. Describe technical approach to address research topics (see scope below).

14. Estimated Budget. Pricing is not required, however estimates of price would be welcome for market research purposes.

15. Brief description of relevant experience and key personnel.

16. Science Capacity Building in the U.S. Territories. Identify your capability to support capacity building (science recruitment and training) in the Territories via your participation in the work and provide meaningful outreach and engagement with stakeholders in the U.S. Territories.

17. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Describe any capabilities to contribute to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. 1 BOEM seeks to support entities and companies that are inclusive, invite innovation and encourage diversity.

Responses should be limited to 4 pages per topic and submitted to Stacey Ellingsen at stacey.ellingsen@bsee.gov by 5PM EST, June 21, 2023.

Based upon responses received, BSEE & BOEM representatives may choose to meet (virtually) with potential vendors and hold one-on-one exchanges. Such exchanges 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. While a response to this RFI is not mandatory, the likelihood of engaging in one-on-one exchanges increased the likelihood of engaging these market research efforts with interested parties. Any participation in these efforts will not be reimbursed.

1 Justice, Equity Diversity, and Inclusion: BOEM’s Environmental Studies Program seeks to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion by establishing processes and external outreach that avoid the unwitting introduction of barriers that would preclude equitable and meaningful participation. DOI’s Environmental Justice Vision is “To provide outstanding management of the natural and cultural resources entrusted to us in a manner that is sustainable, equitable, accessible, and inclusive of all populations” (DOI, 2021).

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boem.gov%2Foil-gas-energy%2Fleasing%2Fouter-continental-shelf&data=05%7C02%7CMichael.Rasser%40boem.gov%7C5d08d06bed524b2b52dd08dc12b825c4%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638405829971785143%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vpWrqK0ltrgIOIFC1SHj2MLl6hDzPdTAH%2FdYZLIf1HU%3D&reserved=0

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this RFI is to survey the market for potential vendors to provide scientific services to support BOEM’s mission to provides other Federal agencies (including BOEM), states, and local governments with the information necessary to ensure that all stages of offshore energy and mineral activities are conducted in a manner to protect both the human and natural environments.

SCOPE

The vendor must have the ability to provide scientific services to support one or more of the following research topics:

A. Collaboration on Baseline Monitoring Program of Birds, Cetaceans and Sea Turtles in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have a long-standing collaborative relationship in the utilization of high-resolution aerial imagery surveys and the development of artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) computer vision algorithms for the detection and classification of seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles in marine environments. BOEM is seeking the participation and guidance of experts in the U.S. Caribbean region to contribute to survey design, project coordination involving aerial imagery surveys and computer vision development, assist in the development of AI algorithms, and leverage their expertise in annotating marine wildlife in aerial imagery for the training of deep learning models.

Complementary studies aimed at gathering additional information on the population distribution of birds, cetaceans, and sea turtles in the U.S. Caribbean may also be proposed.

Examples of such methodologies include the analysis of existing data and the employment of radar, environmental DNA (eDNA), passive acoustic monitoring, and animal tagging to acquire new data.

B. Baseline Data for Birds, Cetaceans and Sea Turtles in the Pacific: In the context of the U.S.

Pacific Territories, research may be proposed to explore concepts that facilitate the acquisition of novel data and the synthesis of existing information pertaining to the distribution of seabirds, cetaceans, and sea turtles. Examples of such methodologies include the analysis of available data, and the use of radar, environmental DNA (eDNA), at-sea distribution and abundance surveys, passive acoustic monitoring, and various tagging techniques for the collection of new data.

C. Synthesis of Social Science Research on Fisheries: This study is a secondary data query to characterize and understand the social, economic and cultural aspects of Territorial fisheries within the confines of completed research. The objective is to garner a view of what has been studied and what else we need to know about fisheries in planning for Offshore Wind. This is a synthesis exercise, not just a review. The study should also highlight vulnerable fisher groups whose activities and use of fisheries may be impacted by the development OSW along with the myriad environmental and societal changes taking place.

D. Offshore Wind Energy and Visual Resources: Culture, History, and Tourism and Recreation:

Studies are needed to understand how visual impacts by offshore wind energy development may affect the physical elements and features that make up a seascape/ landscape’s aesthetic, perceptual, and experiential aspects that contribute to its distinctive character. These impacts affect the “feel,” “character,” or “sense of place” that in turn may also affect the scenic and social values, historical and natural resources (e.g., cultural practices, historic resources, archaeological resources), tourism and recreation resources (e.g., beachgoing, scenic recreation, recreational fishing). Potential studies may capture baseline conditions (e.g., inventory of coastal scenic/ visual character, recreation/ tourism activities, user/ viewer demographics, business composition, and socioeconomics) with projections of potential changes to the baseline conditions from post-offshore energy development using tools to characterize the changes such as photo-simulations, viewshed modeling, etc. The studies would also evaluate means to avoid, reduce, and mitigate these impacts. It’s not necessary to focus on all of the impacted resources – social, cultural, historical and economic – a study may focus on several or one resource – e.g., tourism and recreation, historic properties, etc.

E. OSW Workforce Capability and Benefits: What’s needed? What exists? What can be locally sourced? What training programs would be useful? How do we ensure OSW benefits local people? There is a push to ensure large infrastructure projects don’t just meet the need (e.g., energy production, transit, recreation) of a nation or some large-scale entity, but that they also directly spur job opportunities, ancillary employment, and training for local people to the extent plausible. OSW induced employment is highest during construction and then stabilizes to a lower level during operations. This theme aims to spur queries that survey extant data on OSW infrastructure, development and employment as well as local assets (infrastructural and educational). Research may build off recent infrastructure studies and other studies to determine the nature of workforce needs. In addition, there should be an exploratory component to understand extant capacities (e.g., training centers) that can be utilized to provide necessary and reasonable technical training. This study should consider how training and associated employment may be made accessible to some of the most marginalized groups who reside, work, and play in the shadows of potential facilities (i.e., the viewshed, the OSW site, cable landing area, on shore substations, etc.).

F. Baseline Hydrodynamic Modeling and Potential Impacts for larval dispersal – The objective of this study is to determine, via computer modeling experiments, the impacts of offshore wind farms (OWF) on hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry, including nutrient availability and primary productivity, and therefore the vulnerability of marine species. The results from this study will be used to evaluate the need for and the formation of mitigation measures. Methods would include: 1) A regional computational modeling approach would be used. The spatial domain would cover the coastal areas. 2) Experiments with simulated wind impacts from OWF would be compared to a control scenario without OWF. The model would simulate hydrodynamical and biogeochemical aspects of the regional response to OWF. The use of established regional ocean models would be beneficial for this effort. 3) Artificial intelligence (AI) methods and algorithms would be helpful for optimizing the hydrodynamic simulation and parametrizing the effects of wind turbines on mixing and waves in the ocean. Studies can focus on specific regions, for example, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam

G. Inventory and Assessment of Coastal and Submerged Archeological and Historical Sites Along the U.S. Caribbean Territories - The objectives of this study are to (1) acquire and synthesize archival information on the coastal and submerged cultural resources and historic properties along the U.S. Caribbean Territories that could be affected by offshore wind energy leasing and

(2) determine the appropriate local stakeholders and territorial government representatives to engage for NHPA Section 106 and NEPA consultations. Methodologies would include consultations involving the National Park Service (NPS) while archival research is being conducted and the creation of a geospatial database of known, reported, and potential cultural and historic sites. Visual impact simulations of offshore wind turbines at variable distances from the U.S. Caribbean Territory islands will also be needed. Archival and data compilations, geospatial database development, and the identification of Best Practices to consult with local stakeholders will be similar to the objectives of the BOEM study “Maritime Heritage of Guam and Mariana Islands,” which involves a cooperative agreement with East Carolina University

(ECU). “

H. Air Quality - Baseline study is needed discussing the current state of knowledge of air quality in Puerto Rico and that will also provide potential impacts of offshore wind to air quality. The Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to set the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six principal pollutants, called the “criteria pollutants” that are common in outdoor air, considered harmful to the public health and environment, and that come from numerous and diverse sources. The NAAQS cover six common criteria air pollutants (Carbon Monoxide [CO], Lead [Pb], Nitrogen Dioxide [NO2], Ozone [O3], Particulate Matter [PM], and Sulfur Dioxide [SO2]) that are considered harmful to the public. Hazardous air pollutants and pollutant greenhouse gas types are also considered harmful to the public (USEPA 2024; USEPA 2009). Currently, Puerto Rico has some SO2 non-attainment areas (https://www.drna.pr.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PR-SO2-NAA-SIP.pdf). In addition, a photochemical modeling platform was developed for Puerto Rico to support assessments relevant to the NAAQS (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322826/). Potential air quality impacts will be spatially allocated, assessed (emissions calculated) and modeled.

I. Coastal and Marine Space Use: The US Territories - The necessary information basis for the development of Offshore Wind (OSW) includes a thorough understanding of how relevant ocean and coastal spaces are used; by ‘whom’, for ‘what’, ‘when’ (e.g., seasonality), ‘where’, and just as importantly ‘why’. This letter invites researchers to approach this information need through a diverse array of methods as appropriate, collecting secondary and/or primary information. It also aims to capture the broad group of ocean users and incorporate the interests of the local population. ‘Space-use’ studies often address a diversity of users: fishers (of various types as locally defined), shippers, Native/Indigenous groups, recreational users, tourists, beach goers, coastal infrastructure (e.g., ports, marinas, shipyards, fabrication facilities), research areas, cultural/historic sites, etc. In addition, the inclusion of vulnerable populations that fall within the realm of environmental justice is important; to understand their access to this space, associated import, current and historic challenges, and potential concerns with OSW. Insights into mitigation (broadly interpreted, compensatory, in-kind, capacity, etc.) and avoidance measures for ‘use conflicts’ between users and development are also sought.

J. Stakeholder/Community Perspectives on OSW: Public Values, Beliefs, and Concerns: The Territories are comprised of demographically diverse (e.g., class, ethnicity, race, affiliation) populations and it’s important to gauge peoples’ varied interests in the sea and coasts, and how these relate to OSW development. For some, the introduction of a new energy source (i.e., relatively efficient, reliable, and affordable) is a positive development, whereas for others (e.g., coastal enclaves, coastal homeowners, ocean users) the use of space for an OSW may degrade resources they depend on and/or enjoy. This theme is purposely written in generalized terms to allow for flexibility in research design and goals given they are allied with the objectives of this topical area (this narrative). This topical area aims to generate study ideas that access the public’s interests as related to OSW. Potential studies should identify and document their values, beliefs and concerns as related to OSW. While this topic aims to document the diversity of interests within these regions, it’s important to highlight any vulnerable subpopulations as related to OSW, with regard to their livelihoods, their ways of life and their health (economic, sociocultural and public health).