U.S. DOE, Morgantown Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 880, Morgantown, WV 26507-0880

A -- SLIMHOLE STEERABLE AIR PERCUSSION DRILLING SYSTEM SOL DE-AC21-92MC28182 POC Contact: Lisa A. Kuzniar, (304) 285-4242 / Contracting Officer: Randolph L. Kesling, (304) 285-4490 This synopsis is published pursuant to the requirements of Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 5.2 -- The Morgantown Energy Technology Center plans to negotiate and award a contract modification by means of other than full and open competition as permitted by 41 USC 253(c)(1) with Smith International, Inc., for the development, testing and tool-hardening of a slimhole steerable air percussion drilling system. This system is a scale-down version of the conventional steerable air percussion drilling system currently being developed by Smith International under an existing Government contract. At a minimum, this drilling system will include a self-rotating slimhole hammer, diamond-enhanced flat bottom bit studded with semi-round-top diamond-enhanced inserts, directional sensors, fixed or adjustable bent subs, and associated stabilizers to permit accurate and predictable vertical, directional, and horizontal drilling. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT A FORMAL SOLICITATION -- This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government -- Interested firms may submit the procuring office within forty-five (45) days of publication of this notice, written information concerning their capabilities to perform the work as described above, and which clearly shows familiarity with the described work -- This information should include the following: 1) current and past experience in the development of steerable air percussion drilling systems; 2) evidence of possession or access to adequate facilities for the work to be performed; and 3) list of key personnel and their specific technical expertise -- Responses must reference procurement request number 28182 assigned to this research effort and must be limited to 15 pages. See Note 22. (0179)

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