RFI: Vessel and ROV Blake Plateau Investigation
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- DOIMFBO250007
- Agency
-
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Department of the Interior
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334511 Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is conducting a market survey for vessel and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) services to support an investigation of the Blake Plateau. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide a vessel and ROV capable of operating at depths up to 1,000 meters to conduct a marine research survey approximately 225 kilometers from Charleston, South Carolina. Key contract objectives include collecting geological and biological data from a historic deep-sea mining test site, involving seafloor sample collection, high-resolution imagery, environmental characterization, and population ecology research. The government will evaluate proposals based on technical approach, personnel qualifications, project management strategy, and past performance, with non-cost factors being significantly more important than price. Responses to the Request for Information (RFI) must be submitted via email by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time on May 9, 2025, with the RFI number DOIMFBO250007 included in the subject line.
The pre-solicitation notice does not indicate any specific set-aside designations for the contract. The proposed contract is a Not-to-Exceed (NTE) type with a 24-month period of performance, planned for execution between April and July 2025. The project requires a vessel and mission-ready ROV with specific capabilities, including 12-18 hours of endurance, advanced navigation systems, manipulator capabilities for sample collection, and comprehensive imaging equipment. The government anticipates approximately 13 total sea days, including mobilization, transit, and on-site operations. Contractors will need to provide support for up to 7 additional government science party members and demonstrate capabilities in marine research and deep-sea exploration. While no specific award value is mentioned, the contract will involve complex scientific marine investigation services utilizing advanced technological equipment.
Notice text
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
SPECIAL NOTICE - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/ SOURCES SOUGHT: The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is issuing this RFI as part of a market survey for an upcoming procurement "Vessel and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) services to Support an Investigation of the Blake Plateau." The purpose of the RFI is to: (a) determine the availability and technical capability of industry and (b) request input (comments, questions, and suggestions) from vendors on a draft request for a proposal for a contract.
This Request for Information / Sources Sought Synopsis 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 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. The results of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement and requirement development.
BSEE is seeking information from vendors that have the capability of performing the work described in the attached draft RFP and SOW. Responses must be identified by RFI No. DOIMFBO250007 and must be written in 12-point, Times New Roman font with margins of one inch or greater on all sides, consist of five pages or less, and include the following business information:
1. Company name
2. DUNS 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 comments, questions, or suggestions related to the draft SOWs
Questionnaire: Offerors who are able to meet the requirements of this survey, have the potential capacity and capability to meet the requirements based on the information provided, and who would be interested in competing for any potential contracts, please take the time to respond to the following questions:
1. What potential ambiguities exist in the draft SOWs that would necessitate further details in order to solicit for these services?
2. Please provide a brief description (no more than 5 pages) description of your organization¿s experience and capabilities to meet the requirements identified in the draft SOW.
3. Provide the recommended NAICS code associated with the draft SOW.
4. Recommended contract type.
5. Any additional input or questions related to the draft request for proposal.
All responses under this RFI Notice must be submitted via email to William.rilee@bsee.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, 07 May 2025. Please include RFI No. DOIMFBO250007 in your email subject line. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Based upon responses received, the BSEE contracting officer may choose to meet (virtually) with potential offerors and hold one-on-one discussions which will be considered further Market Research.
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.
This notice has been amended up correct the dates in the draft RFP to state "Project dates are approximately April to July 2026" NOT 2025. This notice has been amended again to extend the due date to 5/9/2025.
Update #2 ·
SPECIAL NOTICE - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/ SOURCES SOUGHT: The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is issuing this RFI as part of a market survey for an upcoming procurement "Vessel and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) services to Support an Investigation of the Blake Plateau." The purpose of the RFI is to: (a) determine the availability and technical capability of industry and (b) request input (comments, questions, and suggestions) from vendors on a draft request for a proposal for a contract.
This Request for Information / Sources Sought Synopsis 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 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. The results of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement and requirement development.
BSEE is seeking information from vendors that have the capability of performing the work described in the attached draft RFP and SOW. Responses must be identified by RFI No. DOIMFBO250007 and must be written in 12-point, Times New Roman font with margins of one inch or greater on all sides, consist of five pages or less, and include the following business information:
1. Company name
2. DUNS 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 comments, questions, or suggestions related to the draft SOWs
Questionnaire: Offerors who are able to meet the requirements of this survey, have the potential capacity and capability to meet the requirements based on the information provided, and who would be interested in competing for any potential contracts, please take the time to respond to the following questions:
1. What potential ambiguities exist in the draft SOWs that would necessitate further details in order to solicit for these services?
2. Please provide a brief description (no more than 5 pages) description of your organization¿s experience and capabilities to meet the requirements identified in the draft SOW.
3. Provide the recommended NAICS code associated with the draft SOW.
4. Recommended contract type.
5. Any additional input or questions related to the draft request for proposal.
All responses under this RFI Notice must be submitted via email to William.rilee@bsee.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, 07 May 2025. Please include RFI No. DOIMFBO250007 in your email subject line. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Based upon responses received, the BSEE contracting officer may choose to meet (virtually) with potential offerors and hold one-on-one discussions which will be considered further Market Research.
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.
This notice has been amended up correct the dates in the draft RFP to state "Project dates are approximately April to July 2026" NOT 2025.
Update #1 ·
SPECIAL NOTICE - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/ SOURCES SOUGHT: The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is issuing this RFI as part of a market survey for an upcoming procurement “Vessel and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) services to Support an Investigation of the Blake Plateau.” The purpose of the RFI is to: (a) determine the availability and technical capability of industry and (b) request input (comments, questions, and suggestions) from vendors on a draft request for a proposal for a contract.
This Request for Information / Sources Sought Synopsis 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 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. The results of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement and requirement development.
BSEE is seeking information from vendors that have the capability of performing the work described in the attached draft RFP and SOW. Responses must be identified by RFI No. DOIMFBO250007 and must be written in 12-point, Times New Roman font with margins of one inch or greater on all sides, consist of five pages or less, and include the following business information:
1. Company name
2. DUNS 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 comments, questions, or suggestions related to the draft SOWs
Questionnaire: Offerors who are able to meet the requirements of this survey, have the potential capacity and capability to meet the requirements based on the information provided, and who would be interested in competing for any potential contracts, please take the time to respond to the following questions:
1. What potential ambiguities exist in the draft SOWs that would necessitate further details in order to solicit for these services?
2. Please provide a brief description (no more than 5 pages) description of your organization’s experience and capabilities to meet the requirements identified in the draft SOW.
3. Provide the recommended NAICS code associated with the draft SOW.
4. Recommended contract type.
5. Any additional input or questions related to the draft request for proposal.
All responses under this RFI Notice must be submitted via email to William.rilee@bsee.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time, 07 May 2025. Please include RFI No. DOIMFBO250007 in your email subject line. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Based upon responses received, the BSEE contracting officer may choose to meet (virtually) with potential offerors and hold one-on-one discussions which will be considered further Market Research.
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.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Draft_RFP_and_SOW_-_Corrected_2.pdf | ||
| Draft_RFP_and_SOW_1.pdf |
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