Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22242-5160

19 -- SMALL WATERPLANE AREA TWIN HULL (SWATH) OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSEL SOL N00024-98-R-2304 POC Contracting Officer, Melvin Jones, 703/602-7518/Negotiator, Dea Merchant, 703/602-7518 The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) plans to release a solicitation for design and construction of a developmental Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) oceanographic research vessel. This solicitation will not be posted to the NAVSEA homepage; it will only be distributed to sources who express an interest in the effort. This solicitation will lead to an agreement with the successful offeror using the provisions of 10 U.S.C. 2371 and Public law 103-160, Section 845, Other Transactions Authority, as amended by Section 804 of Public Law 104-201. This authority allows for non-traditional contract approaches, outside the purview of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, that more closely parallel industry practice. The purpose for using this authority is to encourage industry participation and maximize the efficient use of limited funds. One industry team will be selected to complete a two phase effort. Phase I will be awarded at a firm fixed price and Phase II is planned as a contract option with a notto exceed price. After Government approval of Phase I, the Phase II option will be negotiated at a firm fixed price. Award is anticipated in the second quarter FY 98 and approximately $45M has been appropriated for the total effort. The Navy will use Integrated Product Teams (IPT's) for this program. The teams will consist of Government representatives and the industry team we are seeking. This ship is expected to replace the aging and technically obsolete Navy owned, university operated, research vessel, R/V MOANA WAVE (AGOR 22). It is anticipated that this ship will operate in coastal and deep ocean areas and conduct general purpose oceanographic research. Program phases for development of the SWATH AGOR include: Phase I -- Ship Definitization Phase: During this phase the IPTs will work together to optimize desired ship capabilities within a specific cost cap. Work required during Phase I will include, but may not be limited to the following: budget breakdown, integrated management plan, ILS cost/performance trade-off studies, finalize ship requirements, point design, some design development beyond the point design stage, performance specification development, and life cycle cost estimates. Phase II -- Design and Construction Phase. Work required during Phase II will include, but may not be limited to the following: perform model testing, complete any detail design necessary to construct the vessel, purchase all necessary material, and develop pre and post delivery trial plans. In addition, this phase will include lofting or other production design, fabrication, erection and outfitting of the ship, and system testing including all pre and post delivery trials to determine all ship performance and mission capabilities. Industry teams interested in this solicitation must respond in writing to the Contracting Officer. Responses shall be addressed to Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Attn: LCDR Mel Jones, SEA 02232, RM 5S18, 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22242-5160, or send via e-mail to Jones_ Melvin_G_LCDR@HQ.NAVSEA.NAVY.MIL. (0296)

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