SOLICITATION NOTICE
U -- Notice of Intent to Sole Source
- Notice Date
- 7/11/2008
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 611699
— All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Engineer District, Huntsville, US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, P. O. Box 1600, Huntsville, AL 35807-4301
- ZIP Code
- 35807-4301
- Solicitation Number
- W912DYULCDIVER
- Response Due
- 7/18/2008
- Archive Date
- 9/16/2008
- Point of Contact
- chaquandra, 256-895-1897
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- NOTICE OF INTENT: Due to lack of other known sources the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, AL intends to award a sole source purchase order to Florida Keys Community College for a 160 hour classroom and water based instruction course in diving techniques, diving equipment, diving psychology, the work diving environment, diving supervision procedures, and emergency procedures. Attendees for this course will be United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) employees that engage in activities including but not limited to the following: under water inspection, underwater rigging, air lifting, and structural repair. The place of performance will be the contractors facility. The period of performance is September 02-26 September 2008.. Topics of Discussion: As a minimum the course presentation shall contain the following topics. 1.1.1.SCUBA Equipment Use and Care 1.1.2.Basic Skin Diving Skills 1.1.3.Basic SCUBA Skills 1.1.4.Working Divers Environment 1.1.5.Psychology of Diving - Stress 1.1.6.Untethered Scuba Self-Rescue and Air Sharing 1.1.6.1. Demonstrate the proper ascent rate of 30 feet per minute. 1.1.6.2. Demonstrate proper dependent and independent procedures for untethered out-of-air emergencies to include: buddy breathing (stationary and swimming), alternate air source ascent and emergency swimming ascent. 1.1.6.3. Demonstrate the above out-of-air procedures simulating the stress of an actual emergency situation. 1.1.7.Accident Prevention and Potential Victim Detection 1.1.8.Untethered SCUBA Rescue Techniques 1.1.8.1. Identify the behavior of a diver experiencing distress and/or panic while on the surface, and demonstrate the appropriate measures for response and stabilization by another diver. 1.1.8.2. Demonstrate the proper techniques for response, stabilization, in-water resuscitation and transport of an unconscious, non-breathing diver found on the surface or submerged. 1.1.8.3. Identify the behavior of a diver experiencing distress and/or panic while submerged, and demonstrate the appropriate measures for response by another for situations involving: entanglement, injury, uncontrolled ascent/descent, and termination of air supply. 1.1.9.Diving Physics and Gas Laws NOTE: THIS TOPIC NEEDS TO BE TAUGHT IN NON-TECHNICAL LANGUAGE. 1.1.10.Diving and C.P.R. Physiology 1.1.11.Direct Effects of Pressure 1.1.12.Gas Toxicity and Indirect Effects of Pressure 1.1.13.Decompression Sickness 1.1.14.Thermal Stress 1.1.15.Protective Suits 1.1.16.Tethered Scuba Procedures 1.1.16.1.Demonstrate the proper procedure for set-up and pre-dive inspection of a tethered scuba station including full-face masks and two-way voice communications. 1.1.16.2.Demonstrate proficiency in the proper procedures for operating a tethered SCUBA station with full-face masks and 2-way voice communications under actual conditions. 1.1.16.3.Demonstrate primary diver responsibilities for tethered scuba operations with two-way voice communications. 1.1.16.4.Demonstrate stand-by diver responsibilities for tethered scuba operations with two-way voice communications. 1.1.16.5.Demonstrate tender responsibilities for tethered scuba operations with two-way voice communications. 1.1.16.6.Demonstrate supervisor responsibilities for tethered scuba operations with two-way voice communications. 1.1.16.7.Demonstrate the ability to maintain composure and work efficiently while in a low visibility environment using tethered SCUBA with 2-way voice communications. 1.1.16.8.Explain and demonstrate how to take down a tethered dive station with full-face masks and communications. 1.1.16.9.Demonstrate effective procedures for clearing a fouled tethered diver, including self rescue and standby diver assistance. 1.1.16.10.Demonstrate the proper procedures for managing tethered SCUBA out-of-air emergencies including use of a manifold block and emergency swimming ascents. 1.1.16.11.Demonstrate procedures for removing an unconscious tethered diver from the water, both with and without assistance. 1.1.17.Work Dive Management and Documentation 1.1.17.1.Identify regulations applying to USACE diving operations. 1.1.17.2.Describe the application of local policies and procedures to USACE diving operations. 1.1.17.3.Review safe practices manual for compliance to standards. 1.1.17.4.Describe the functions of a Dive Supervisor. 1.1.17.5.Explain the responsibility of the diving supervisor in determining the operational safety of a dive site. 1.1.17.6.Prepare an activity hazard analysis for various diving activities. 1.1.17.7.Prepare an accident management plan. 1.1.17.8.List the information contained on a supervisors pre-dive and post dive checklist. 1.1.17.9.List the responsibilities of supervisors, divers and tenders in conducting a pre-dive equipment check and post-dive activities. 1.1.17.10.Participate in planning workshops for a variety of work diving scenarios. 1.1.18.U.S. Navy Dive Tables 1.1.18.1.Describe the theoretical model on which the US Navy Dive Tables are based. 1.1.18.2.State the definitions of the terms and the rules used in calculating the US Navy Dive Tables. 1.1.18.3.Demonstrate how to calculate both decompression and no-decompression repetitive dives. 1.1.18.4.Demonstrate specialized dive table procedures including: cold and strenuous dives, accidental overstays at depth, omitted decompression, aborted decompression, high altitude diving, high flying after diving. NOTE: THIS TOPIC MUST BE APPLIED TO WORK DIVING SCENARIOS. 1.1.19.Diving Accident Management 1.1.19.1.Explain how effective accident management can contribute to diving safety. 1.1.19.2.Identify the cause, nature, signs and symptoms, and management of emergency medical problems common to the diving environment. 1.1.19.3.List the equipment necessary to handle a diving related accident and explain what training on-site personnel should possess to direct emergency actions. 1.1.19.4.Demonstrate emergency management of medical problems common to the diving environment, including O2 use. 1.1.19.5.Describe the emergency medical system (EMS) including the role of first responder, mobile medical units, hospital and recompression chamber. 1.1.19.6.Describe the history, current status and various regional differences in the emergency medical system. 1.1.19.7.Explain the importance of coordinating diving accident management planning with local EMS resources. 1.1.19.8.Explain how to activate the emergency medical system via telephone and radio communication, and how to identify what information will be useful once the EMS is contacted. 1.1.19.9.Explain how to interact effectively with EMS personnel once they arrive on site of a diving accident. 1.1.19.10.Explain and demonstrate in actual scenarios the ability to hand off a diving accident victim to the EMS for both land and air (helicopter) evacuation. 1.1.20.Hyperbaric Chamber Operations 1.1.20.1.Describe the basic design and operation procedures for hyperbaric chambers. 1.1.20.2.List four safety practices that should be observed following a hyperbaric chamber operation. 1.1.20.3.Complete a recompression chamber experience equivalent to 132 feet seawater, using a double lock chamber. 1.1.21.Rigging and Lifting Techniques 1.1.21.1.Describe how lifting and rigging techniques are used on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. 1.1.21.2.Define the critical aspects of rigging and lifting operations planning including the collection of data, analysis of potential hazards, and selection of appropriate lift points. 1.1.21.3.List the minimal equipment items needed to conduct an adequate lift under normal conditions. 1.1.21.4.Demonstrate proficiency at securing underwater objects for safe lifting. 1.1.21.5.List the various types of natural fiber, synthesis fiber and wire used for underwater salvage operations and the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each. 1.1.21.6.Demonstrate several types of knots, hitches, and splices used to secure lines for underwater salvage operations and the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each. 1.1.21.7.Demonstrate how to calculate the load weight and use this information to determine the proper rig for use in an underwater salvage operation. 1.1.21.8.Demonstrate the proper procedure for bringing a rig to the surface safely and in control once it has been secured. 1.1.21.9.List the various types of controlled mechanical lifting devices used for underwater salvage operations and the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each. 1.1.21.10.Demonstrate the various types of inflatable lifting devices used for underwater salvage, operations and the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each. 1.1.22.Underwater Inspection 1.1.22.1.Describe and demonstrate procedures for the underwater assessment of structures including visual, tactile and hardwire video. 1.1.22.2.Demonstrate proper techniques and reporting procedures for the inspection of sea walls, docks, and dolphin systems. 1.1.23.Deep Dive Operations 1.1.24.Introduction to SAS Diving Equipment 1.1.24.1.Identify major surface air supplied equipment items, including masks and helmets, communicators, umbilicals, air manifold systems/rack boxes, and personal diving equipment. 1.1.24.2.Describe the important features of SAS equipment operation, selection/use criteria, and primary maintenance procedures. 1.1.24.3.List the common line-pull signals as a means of communication between divers and tenders. 1.1.24.4.Describe the key personnel of a SAS dive team and the primary responsibility of each. 1.1.25.SAS Operations Planning 1.1.25.1.Explain the advantages of SAS diving over SCUBA given the requirements of most Corps of Engineers diving operations. 1.1.25.2.State the pre-dive procedures for SAS diving to include personnel requirements, equipment selection/operation, and safety checklist components. 1.1.25.3.List the required components of a SAS dive station. 1.1.25.4.Describe the procedure for dressing a SAS diver. 1.1.25.5.Describe the entry and in-water operating procedures for a SAS diver. 1.1.25.6.Identify and appreciate the differences between individual U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district operations in terms of diving equipment, diving techniques and safety aspects. 1.1.26.Introduction to SAS Diving Techniques 1.1.26.1.Demonstrate the procedure for proper pre-dive inspection of SAS equipment. 1.1.26.2.As a diver tender, demonstrate a procedure for dressing a SAS diver. 1.1.26.3.Demonstrate a procedure for determining the preparedness of a SAS diver using a pre-dive checklist. 1.1.26.4.Demonstrate a procedure for proper entry and descent when using SAS systems. 1.1.26.5.Demonstrate proper handling of emergency procedures while under water to include loss of radio communications, removal and replacement of weight/bailout assembly, out-of-air emergency, and other skills deemed appropriate by the instructor. 1.1.26.6.Demonstrate a procedure for proper ascent and exit when using SAS. 1.1.26.7.Develop proficiency in using SAS systems effectively in conditions of low to zero visibility. 1.1.26.8.Apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and pool to the open water working environment encountered during actual field situations. 1.1.27.SAS Diving Safety 1.1.27.1.Explain the responsibility of the diving supervisor in determining the operational safety of a dive site. 1.1.27.2.Prepare an activity hazard analysis for various diving activities. 1.1.27.3.Prepare an accident management plan. 1.1.27.4.List the information contained on a supervisors pre and post dive checklist. 1.1.27.5.List the responsibilities of both the diver and the tender in conducting a pre-dive equipment check and post-dive activities. 1.1.28.SAS Rescue Techniques and Emergency Procedures 1.1.28.1.Describe self-rescue procedures for SAS diving, involving fouling/entanglement, loss of buoyancy, loss of breathing gas and entrapment. 1.1.28.2.Demonstrate other - diver rescue procedures for SAS diving, involving conscious diver (at the surface and underwater) and unconscious diver (at the surface and underwater). 1.1.28.3.Describe a procedure for the management of a SAS diving accident. 1.1.28.4.Demonstrate a procedure for the proper response to the following emergency situations: fouled umbilical, suit blowup, termination of air supply at depth, severed umbilical line, entrapment, conscious diver in distress (topside and submerged), and unconscious diver (topside and submerged). 1.1.29.Underwater Tools 1.1.29.1.Describe how weightlessness, water resistance, low visibility, limited bottom time and other environmental factors affect the use of tools underwater. 1.1.29.2.Explain and demonstrate primary sources of power used for underwater work. 1.1.29.3.List and demonstrate tools used for underwater inspection work. 1.1.29.4.List, explain and demonstrate the function of commonly used underwater construction tools. 1.1.29.5.Explain and demonstrate both the topside and diver safety procedures relating to using tools underwater. 1.1.30.SAS Compressor Requirements 1.1.30.1.List the components and explain the function of both high and low- pressure compressor systems. 1.1.30.2.Identify current standards for air purity and testing. NOTE: ALL SAS TOPICS, INCLUDING SUPERVISION AND DOCUMENTATION, MUST BE APPLIED TO A SERIES OF PRACTICAL EXERCISES INVOLVING WORK DIVING SCENARIOS. 2.Government Furnished Resources: Registration Forms, End-of-Course Evaluations, EM 385-1-1, Safety and Health Requirements Manual, Desk Name Cards, Divers Log, ENG Form 4615R, 3-ring Binders for Students Training Course Manual, Test answer forms, Certification of Completion, Wallet size Certification Card Contractor Furnished Items: The contractor shall provide the following: 2.1.The Contractor shall provide: 2.1.1.A dive training facility containing: 2.1.1.1. Modern conventional classroom space, including a single classroom with a minimum capacity of 40 students and at least two additional classrooms for breakout meetings. All classrooms shall be equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. 2.1.1.2. A heated pool at least 8 feet deep, capable of supporting at least 10 SCUBA divers and at least four surface-air-supplied diver training stations. 2.1.1.3. An environmentally-controlled dive locker capable of storing and rapidly distributing diving and support equipment for up to 10 SCUBA divers and four SAS dive stations. 2.1.1.4. A sheltered open water training area at least 35 ft. (2 ATM) deep, capable of supporting at least 10 working SCUBA divers and six SAS dive stations and with access via at least four docks with gangways. 2.1.1.5. At least one double lock hyperbaric chamber capable of simultaneously compressing at least eight divers to an equivalent depth of at least 132 ft. 2.1.1.6. A breathing air supply system, including both high and low pressure compressors, capable of filling at least 40 empty 80 cubic foot SCUBA tanks in one hour or less and supporting at least six simultaneous SAS diving operations to a depth of 40 ft. This system shall be capable of supplying breathing air to at least six dive stations at the open water training area and four stations at the training pool. 2.1.1.7. Student lockers and showers. NOTE: All of the above facilities, as well as staff offices, shall be located within a reasonable walking distance (i.e. less than 100 yards) of each other to enhance student/staff transition from one training mode to another. Students in the Working Diver course shall spend approximately half of their class time engaged in practical, hands-on exercises. 2.1.2.All equipment, mockups, models, displays, and supplies to support all phases of instruction other than those provided by the government. 2.1.3.Diving Safety Equipment and Documentation as follows: 2.1.3.1.Oxygen kits meeting requirements of ER 385-1-86 2.1.3.2.Physician approved first-aid kit 2.1.3.3.Fire extinguisher 2.1.3.4.Backboard and Stokes litter 2.1.3.5.Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 110v 2.1.3.6.Emergency communications 2.1.3.7.Diving flags 2.1.3.8.Accident management plan (EM 385-1-1) 2.1.3.9.American Red Cross First Aid Manual 2.1.3.10.Personal Flotation Devices(Type III or V) 2.1.3.11.Activity Hazard Analysis IAW EM 385-1-1 2.1.4.ALL SCUBA diving equipment for students to perform swimming and diving exercises to include: 2.1.4.1. State of the art buoyancy compensators equipped with auto inflator. 2.1.4.2. SCUBA regulators equipped with pressure gauges and auto inflator hoses and octopus second stage. 2.1.4.3. Tethered SCUBA systems including full-face masks, tether lines with integrated hard wire communications, and 30 cubic ft. pony bottles with side block assemblies. 2.1.4.4. Auxiliary equipment to include depth gauges, compasses, underwater lights, lift bags, wet and dry suits and all required underwater tools. 2.1.4.5. Masks, fins, and snorkels. 2.1.5.The contractor shall provide sufficient Surface Air Supplied (SAS) equipment to operate four (4) diving stations simultaneously. 2.1.5.1. State-of-the-art masks and hats shall be available for use by working divers. Surface-air-supplied equipment shall include diver carried Bail-out capability. 2.1.5.2. Equipment for working divers shall include hardwire underwater television with surface monitors. 2.1.6.The contractor shall provide the following special exercises: 2.1.6.1. One open water dive during the Working Diver course to a depth of 60 feet, weather permitting. In case of rough waters, a simulated deep dive, using surface-supplied-air, shall be conducted in the sheltered open water training area. 2.1.6.2. A recompression chamber experience during the Working Diver course to an equivalent depth of 132 feet of seawater (FSW). 2.1.6.3. Simulated Land (ambulance) and air (helicopter) evacuation of simulated diving accident victims as part of course. THIS IS NOT A FORMAL SOLICITATION. Contractors who feel they can provide the U.S. Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville, AL, with the above services are invited to submit in writing an affirmative response which includes firms capability, evidence of experience, and any information indicating a bona fide ability to meet this specific requirement. The contractor shall provide a minimum of four (4) instructors. Submitted resumes shall address the following areas: a.Instructors must be qualified by education and experience in one or more aspects of SCUBA and SAS diving, accident management, diving supervision, and diving medicine. As a team, they must be qualified to cover all technical areas. b.Each instructor shall have instructed at least 100 hours per year for at least three of the past five years in a recognized and organized course of instruction in SCUBA and/or SAS diving, to include education and experience in accident management, diving supervision, and diving medicine. Total experience of all instructors shall encompass all areas of experience requirements cited in the Statement of Work. c.Each instructor shall have a minimum of ten years experience in work diving safety. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement response(including a price quotation) to this synopsis, and all such responses will be considered by the agency. If no written responses are received by 18 July 2008 by 5:00 PM CT, the Government intends to continue with the sole source award of the Working Diver requirements stated above to Florida Keys Community College. Written responses should be submitted to emailed or faxed to Contract Specialist Chaquandra Wilson at email address Chaquandra.K.wilson@usace.army.mil or fax number 256-895-1197. All interested parties should provide company Duns Number, Tax Identification Number and Cage Code. All interested sources must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) before they can be considered as potential sources for the efforts listed above. Federal Business Opportunities numbered note 22 applies with the exception of the 45 day response time. The 45 day response time is not applicable to this requirement for the procurement of a commercial service. This action requirement falls within the guidelines of FAR 13.106-1(b). In additional, the commercial item procedures of FAR Part 12 will be utilized.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville P. O. Box 1600, Huntsville AL
- Zip Code: 35807-4301
- Zip Code: 35807-4301
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