Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Procurement Operations Branch, MS2500, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817

B -- WHITE PAPERS SOUGHT IN SUPPORT OF THE TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT & RESEARCH (TA&R) PROGRAM IN THE AREA OF DECOMMISSIONING OPERATIONS SOL 1435-01-99-RP-31018 DUE 063099 POC J.S. Callas, Contracting Officer; L. Donley or L. Richardson, Procurement Technicians; (703) 787-1354 WEB: TA&R portion of the MMS web page AND MMS web page, http://www.mms.gov/tarp/home.htm AND http://www.mms.gov. E-MAIL: see body of text, see body of text. This announcement is issued to solicit White Papers no more than 5 pages in length for specific areas of interest to the Minerals Management Service (MMS) TA&R Program concerning decommissioning operations. (Note that cost estimates are not to be included. The White Papers will be evaluated only on technical merits.) This announcement shall remain open until June 30, 1999 (specific details are provided below). The areas of interest are as follows: (1) FLUSHING PIPELINES DURING DECOMMISSIONING OPERATIONS -- The MMS is seeking a review of the requirements for flushing/filling out-of-service pipelines. The review should evaluate the time frame for flushing and filling out-of-service pipelines with inhibited seawater based on risk factors such as the type of service (processed/unprocessed production, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide) and the age of the pipeline. The review should also consider the effectiveness of an inhibitor and the MMS pipeline decommissioning requirements. The MMS will use the information to review its pipeline decommissioning requirements. (2) STATE OF THE ART OF REMOVING LARGE PLATFORMS LOCATED IN DEEP WATER -- The MMS is seeking a review of the technology available for removing large platforms (jackets that weigh over 10,000 tons) in deep water. The review should include options for the removal of the large platforms in the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf Region (POCSR). Some platforms in the POCSR nearing the end of productive life, have jackets that weigh more than 10,000 short tons in air. When these platforms are removed, they will be the largest platforms, located in the deepest waters, removed to date. The review should consider economics, risk, and include non-explosive and explosive methods of removals and the possibility of partial removals for conversion to an artificial reef. Include information that is relevant to future deep water Gulf of Mexico platform removals. The MMS will use the information to assess decommissioning plans. (3) LEAKING OF ABANDONED WELLS—The MMS is seeking an assessment that will determine if abandoned wells in the OCS are leaking. The assessment should physically evaluate a representative sampling of the wells abandoned in the OCS. The sampling should be determined by the risk of leaking and the potential for pollution. The MMS will use the information to evaluate its well decommissioning requirements. (4) EFFECTS OF USING EXPLOSIVES TO REMOVE WELL HEADS -- The MMS is seeking a qualitative assessment verified thorough field or laboratory testing of the risk of damaging the integrity of well plugs and the potential for leakage associated with the practice of using explosives to remove wellheads. The assessment should also include the effectiveness of using measures to minimize the effect of through-water shock on nearby structures and sea life. Also the assessment should determine the energy that remains below the mud line. FURTHER INFORMATION: The MMS is interested in research initiatives relative to the subject areas noted above. As a result of the White Papers, selected proposals will be sought and evaluated for funding under the direction of the TA&R Program, and only efforts directly relevant to the technical issues listed above will be considered under this request. The MMS anticipates a $400,000 total budget for these projects (combined total for fiscal years (FY) 1999 and 2000) and/or a one-third to one man-year level of effort for each project selected. Offerors should bear this in mind when responding to this request for White Papers. Multi-year funding of projects is acceptable. HOW TO RESPOND: White papers must reference the area of interest under which it is to be considered and an ORIGINAL PLUS TEN copies submitted to the above address. To be considered for award in the third quarter of fiscal year 1999 or in early fiscal year 2000, White Papers MUST be received and accepted ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1999 by 12:00 P.M (Eastern Daylight Time) to our Herndon, Virginia office. ELECTRONIC COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED (e.g. via e-mail attachments, telefaxes, etc.). White papers should define the proposed research scope to include the level of effort. Note that cost estimates ARE NOT to be included. The White Papers will be evaluated only on technical merits. If selected, a proposal will be requested and the costs evaluated at that time. Projects will be selected for funding from all or part of the technical issues listed depending on the interest and scope of White Papers received. The MMS will evaluate the responses, and those deemed to have merit will be furnished information to assist in the preparation of a complete proposal. This constitutes a request for proposal (RFP) but does not constitute commitment by the Government to award nor does it restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will solicit those firms meeting the screening criteria in this synopsis. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation or the information submitted. Responses shall be evaluated on the following criteria in order of importance: (1) Innovative or creative approaches or solutions; (2) feasibility of the approach or solution; (3) the offerors understanding of the technical issues being presented for consideration; (4) the offerors ability to implement the proposed approach as determined by adequate detailed analysis and supported by specific accomplishments in the technical field to be studied; (5) the offeror's record of past performance with similar efforts; (6) the availability of qualified personnel with the requisite expertise to accomplish the study as proposed; and, (7) the participation and/or funding by the oil and gas industry or other groups in the research effort (may be conducted as a joint industry project (JIP) if significant industry interest exists). Questions should be sent as soon as possible to fax number (703) 787-1387; or, E-mail addressed to Jaci.Callas@mms.gov WITH COPIES TO Lane.Donley@mms.gov AND Linda.Richardson@mms.gov. THE RFP NUMBER MUST BE IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE E-MAIL! All questions should additionally include your full name and title, RFP number, your organization, complete address, and telephone and fax numbers. Telephone inquires WILL NOT be accepted. Written inquires should be sent to the above office. A separate White Paper shall be submitted for each study the offeror wishes to propose. The White Paper shall identify clearly the offeror's company/organization, point of contact, and telephone number, E-mail address, fax number, as well as addresses. Responses will be accepted ONLY through JUNE 30, 1999 (12:00p.m. EDT -- refer to the separation of the fiscal year commitments discussed above). If offerors desire to hand deliver their capability statements, then they are informed that this is a secure office complex and MUST NOT enter the building beyond the lobby. There is a courtesy telephone near the elevators to which you must call extension 1354 for a procurement official to pick-up your submittal. Posted 06/02/99 (W-SN337917). (0153)

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