Antarctic Support Contract   2

This is a Sources Sought Synopsis. There is no solicitation available at this time. This Sources Sought Synopsis is published for Market Research purposes only. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking qualified sources for science, operations, maintenance, information technology, communications, engineering and construction support for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). The USAP represents the national effort for scientific research in Antarctica. Individuals from various U.S. academic institutions, working under grants awarded by NSF, and personnel from other federal agencies perform research and specialized services in the Antarctic under USAP auspices. The contractor's primary role is to provide the aforementioned support for individuals deploying to Antarctica -- including deploying the researchers and their cargo, ensuring their survival and safety, and enabling the performance of field and laboratory work while deployed. The primary function is performed within the context of sustaining the existing infrastructure, and establishing new support facilities and/or capabilities as required by the NSF. To perform these functions the Government provides substantial support from its own resources (primarily property, equipment, and transportation). Presently, operations are staged from Port Hueneme, CA; Christchurch, New Zealand; and Punta Arenas, Chile. The USAP maintains three permanent stations in Antarctica: McMurdo Station on Ross Island at 77 51'S, 166 40'E; Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station at 90 S; and Palmer Station on Anvers Island at 64 46'S, 64 03'W. Other camps and locations are occupied on a seasonal or temporary basis. Oceanographic research is performed from the Ice Breaking Research Vessels Nathaniel B. Palmer and Laurence M. Gould. A draft Statement of Objectives is attached to provide respondents a better understanding of the needs of the USAP and the respondent's potential ability to meet NSF's requirement. The purpose of this synopsis is to identify interested vendors large businesses, small businesses, non-profits or other interested parties and to determine if a set-aside is warranted. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561210 - Facilities Support Services, which has a small business size standard of $32.5M. Only a brief statement of qualifications (not to exceed ten (10) pages) is requested at this time. At a minimum, provide the following information in your submittal: 1) Name of company; 2) Name of company's point of contact, including address, phone, and e-mail; 3) Identify the type of entity (large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, non-profit institutions, woman-owned small business, HUBZone small business or service disabled veteran-owned small business, and also indicate if the firm is foreign-owned); and, 4) Identify intent to team, and, if possible, the anticipated teaming arrangement. Interested small businesses should review and understand the requirements in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19 and FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting. In addition, the statement of qualifications should include information that clearly demonstrates the respondent's capabilities, expertise and experience to perform the requirements, or serve as a prime systems integration contractor to perform the requirements, contained in the draft Statement of Objectives. General marketing material should not be included. The Government will neither award a contract solely on the basis of this Sources Sought Synopsis nor will it reimburse the respondent for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. This synopsis does not constitute a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor does this issuance restrict the Government's acquisition approach. The Government reserves the right to reject in whole or in part any industry input as a result of this announcement. The Government recognizes that proprietary data may be a part of your submittal. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. All submittals received will be reviewed for informational purposes. NSF reserves the right to independently verify all information submitted. Interested vendors are encouraged to identify themselves as such at the FedBizOpps website for purposes of furthering teaming arrangements and subcontracting opportunities. Submittals may be made individually or as a prospective team. Send submittals to: National Science Foundation, Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support, ATTN: Ms. Karen Millisor, Contracting Officer, 4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22230 or e-mail to kmilliso@nsf.gov. Submittals are requested within 15 calendar days from publication of this synopsis. Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted. An advisory multi-step process may be employed as part of this acquisition (see FAR Subpart 15.202) at a later date. A tentative milestone schedule for the USAP competition along with other USAP information can be located at the USAP website at http://www.nsf.gov/about/contracting/rfqs/support_ant/index.jsp.