U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, WASC, Acquisition Management Division WC3, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bin C15700, Seattle, WA 98115-0070

V -- SCIENTIFIC VESSEL CHARTER, ANTARCTIC REGION SOL 52ABNF900028 DUE 042099 POC KRISTINA R. RODABAUGH, (206) 526-6379, for copy of Solicitation call (206) 526-6425) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking to charter a research vessel to support the U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) program. The vessel will operate out of Punta Arenas, Chile, and conduct research in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula. A five (5) year seasonal charter with each year having an option for a third research leg with a maximum of 33 days is anticipated. The first year's cruise will commence o/a January 1, 2000 and will consist of a brief shake-down cruise of approximately 3 days duration for equipment check-out and then two legs (approximately 30 days each in length), and port calls for a total of 70 calendar days (63 underway days). The first cruise would end o/a March 10, 2000. Additional option days, if exercised, would take place after the two-leg charter, and end o/a April 12, 2000, and total 103 calendar days (93 underway days). The scientific research includes: bioacoustic surveys, physical oceanography studies, phytoplankton studies, zooplankton surveys, bottom trawl surveys, and seabird and marine mammal observations. Small boat operations for logistical support of field camps will be conducted from the vessel. A suitable vessel shall have clear open deck space of 93 m^2 (1000 ft^2) for storage of scientific gear, four (4) side sampling stations for over-the-side sampling and towing, an on deck catch processing area of at least 18.6 m^2 (200 ft^2), and an area to be used as a marine mammal and bird observation platform. The vessel shall have an ice-strengthened hull, have a minimum sustained cruising speed of 12 kts (22.3 km/hr), have the capability to maintain steerage at speeds of 2.0 knots ( 3.7 km/hr) in calm water for accomplishing scientific tows with drags up to 2,000 lbs. (8.9 kn), have an operational endurance of a minimum of 30 days and an operational range of 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km), have deck equipment to support the deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, small boats (zodiacs) and scientific laboratories. Deck space for two (2) Government furnished vans 6.1 m x 2.4 m x 2.4 m (20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft) shall be available. If sufficient laboratory space is not available, then a third Government-furnished van, with the same dimensions, shall augment the required space. The vessel shall provide meals and berthing for 22-30 scientific personnel. Access to electronic outputs from ship's Global Positioning System, gyro compass, positioning equipment, and echo sounders is required. Environmental monitoring instrumentation (e.g. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, thermosalinograph, carousel water sampler, etc.) is desired. Hull mounting of AMLR program supplied ACOUSTIC transducers is required. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which will be considered by the agency. See Numbered Notes 1. Posted 03/04/99 (W-SN305266). (0063)

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