Naval Research Laboratory (NRL-SSC),Attn:Code 3250:NC,Stennis Space Cntr, MS 39529-5004

A -- DEEP OCEAN RELOCATION OF DREDGE MATERIAL SOL NRL-SSC BAA 96-2 DUE 073196 POC Nancy M. Camp, Contracting Officer, (601) 688-5784. Technical POCs Philip J. Valent 601-688-4650 or David K. Young 601-688-5507. The Naval Research Laboratory - Stennis Space Center (NRL-SSC) is seeking proposals (technical and cost) for basic and applied research, not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement, required to monitor the potential release and transport of pollutants from dredged material relocated to the deep sea floor. Proposals are hereby solicited to identify existing and promising new sensor technologies for (a) monitoring the potential release and transport of pollutants from potential future deposits of dredged material at optimal isolation sites on the abyssal seafloor (greater than 3,000 meters water depth), and (b) quantifying the partitioning of potential pollutants in the abyssal environment into insoluble, soluble, and biochemically active phases. Proposals are also solicited for development of the monitoring system architecture, or elements thereof, to support optimized, efficient deployment, operation, maintenance, and data recovery for selected sensors over periods of several months in the rigorous and harsh abyssal environment. The program does not include the in situ test and demonstration of sensors and supporting systems. An information package concerning the research and proposals preparation can be obtained by requesting, in writing, a copy of information related to NRL-SSC BAA 96-2. Facsimile requests for the information package may be transmitted to 601-688-6055. NRL-SSC will attempt to honor written requests that the package be sent, at the requestor's expense, by express courier. Such requests must include arrangements for express shipment including the courier and current account number. This notice and the information package constitute a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated in FAR 6.102(d)(2). More than one award or none at all may be made depending on the merits of the proposals. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay any response preparation cost. Proposals may be evaluated as they are received or they may be collected and reviewed periodically by Government evaluation team(s) consisting of a group of scientists or scientific peers. This BAA will remain open for 45 calendar days from the date of this publication. Selection will be based on scientific evaluation of the proposals received (technical and cost as it relates to the technical effort) to determine the relative merit of the technical approach in response to any portion of this announcement or the information package referred to in this announcement. Innvoative solutions, approaches, or techniques which address the stated objective will be ranked highest in the evaluation process. Cost will be weighted less than technical factors. The evaluation of proposals will take the following into consideration: (a) Technical merits of the proposal, (b) Potential contribution of the effort to the overall program objectives, (c) Offeror's approach for achieving the proposal objectives, (d) Qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed Principal Investigator, team leader, or key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objectives, (e) Realism of the proposed cost, (f) Potential contribution of the proposed effort to fulfilling one or more parts of the program objectives over a period of time, and (g) Criticality of the proposed effort to demonstration experiments. Proposal preparation instructions are stated in information package mentioned above. The typical range of funding for award under this NRL-SSC BAA is $50K to $250K. It is estimated that contracts awarded as a result of this NRL-SSC BAA will be one to two years in duration. Proposals must reference NRL-SSC BAA 96-2 and be submitted in an original and three copies not later than 45 calendar days from the date of this publication. Acknowledgment of receipt of proposals will not be made. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers, acting within the scope of their authority, are legally authorized to commit the Government regarding this announcement. (0173)

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