NOAA/Systems Acquisition Office (SAO), 1315 E. W. Highway, Mail Code SAOX2, Silver Spring, MD 20910

19 -- FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSELS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DUE 051598 POC Michael Knowles, (301) 713-3478, Fax (310) 713-4155 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting a market survey to determine potential sources for the detailed design, construction and provision of one, and possibly two, new classes of Fisheries Research Vessels (FRVs). These complex vessels are required to be acoustically quiet and are intended to support a broad spectrum of living marine resources, research, conservation, and management programs administered by NOAA. Requirements for the FRVs have been developed through a comprehensive assessment of National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) mandated survey needs, which considered current technology for improved survey efficiency, safety and comfort of scientific personnel and crew, ecosystem survey responsibility, and commonality of vessel requirements between various NMFS regions. A feasibility design study was conducted for the first vessel class to verify that at least one acceptable solution is possible and to provide NOAA with sufficient detail to produce a reliable program cost estimate for budgetary purposes. Design and engineering investigations have been ongoing to minimize the technical risks associated with acoustic quietness, vessel stability, electrical propulsion and power generation, and arrangement of work spaces. NOAA contemplates that these vessels will replace the Agency's existing fleet of aging FRVs with expanded capability using new technology and improved design. Missions include stock assessment and life history, physical and biological oceanography, marine mammal assessment and biological research, habitat studies, fisheries research gear evaluation, atmospheric and sea surface observations and measurements, and development of advanced technologies for fisheries research and assessment. An extensive suite of state-of-the-art mission gear and laboratories to support stock assessment and sampling, diving and oceanography will be required. Dimensional constraints were analyzed and an overall vessel length of about 65 meters is anticipated for thefirst vessel class, along with an air draft less than 41.4 meters. A 40 day vessel endurance is required, with accommodations for 38 persons (19 in crew, 19 in scientific party). It is intended that the vessels comply with all U.S. and International Rules and standards applicable to oceanographic research vessels, including those of the U. S. Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, as well as the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) radiated noise standard for hydroacoustic survey operations. A vessel requirements document, a feasibility design study and the proposed approach for acquisition of the new class of FRV are available for review and comment by potential sources. Recipients are encouraged to provide input concerning technical aspects of the FRV requirements document and feasibility design, as well as Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates of expected vessel final design and construction costs, and other pertinent information such as component or subsystem costs, etc., useful to government program managers to establish credible budgets. Industry comments and recommendations are also requested concerning the acquisition approach and contracting considerations. This announcement is not a Request for Proposals (RFP) nor an announcement of solicitation. Current plans include release of a formal Request for Proposals in Fiscal Year 1999. Active industry involvement is sought for refining the current approach and contributing to overall future program success. Comments are requested by May 15, 1998 to allow sufficient time for inclusion in the acquisition planning process. The following documents, on compact disk, are available upon request: 1. Forty Day Endurance Fisheries Research Vessel Requirements (in MS Office 95) 2. Fisheries Research Vessel -- 40 Day Endurance Feasibility Design (in MS Office 95, with electronic drawings in AUTOCAD 12) 3. FRV Acquisition Approach (in MS Office 95) 4. (Notional) FRVProcurement Schedule (in MS Office 95) For copies of the above information, interested firms should contact Mr. Michael Knowles at 301-713-3478 (Voice) / 301-713-4155 (Fax). (0075)

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