The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued an RFI (Request for Information) identified as DOIMFBO250002 to assess the market for a forthcoming Gulf Coastal Air Quality Monitoring Study. This RFI aims to gather data on industry capabilities, obtain vendor feedback regarding a draft statement of work (SOW), and receive approximated costs for the project.
The document clarifies that this RFI is not a solicitation for bids or proposals, and the government has no obligations to remunerate any responding companies. Interested vendors are prompted to respond via email with specific business information and answers to questions about the draft SOW, including possible ambiguities, organizational experience, and estimated costs. Responses must be submitted by November 26, 2024.
The RFI serves as a tool for market research to inform procurement strategies, following federal regulations which stipulate that responses will be treated solely as information and not proposals. This initiative underscores the commitment of BSEE and BOEM to engage potentially qualified industry players for a significant environmental monitoring project in the Gulf region.
The Gulf Coastal Air Quality Monitoring document outlines a multi-year plan for assessing and ensuring air quality in the Gulf region. The plan includes a series of tasks, primarily focused on quality assurance, field operations for air quality monitoring, weather monitoring, and various optional tasks that may involve additional monitoring instruments and reporting requirements. Each task has designated months for execution, but as of the current report, all tasks indicate a completion status of 0%, suggesting that none have commenced. The timeline spans a proposed base year and options for two subsequent years, with specific activities scheduled for each period. Overall, the document serves as a structured guide for the monitoring and evaluation of air quality, essential for regulatory compliance and public health considerations, in line with federal and state environmental initiatives.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) seeks to monitor air quality in the Gulf of Mexico region using a mobile monitoring station to gather baseline data ahead of implementing renewable energy projects. The initiative aligns with BOEM's mission of responsible management of offshore resources while addressing environmental justice concerns in coastal communities. Specific areas selected for monitoring include Texas and Louisiana, especially focusing on marginalized populations. The project comprises multiple tasks, including developing a quality assurance plan, conducting field operations for air pollution data collection over at least one year, analyzing the data for impacts, and preparing a comprehensive study report and presentation. The monitoring aims to inform future environmental assessments required by the National Environmental Policy Act. The deliverables will include various reports and a database of analyzed data to support decisions regarding offshore energy development. Through this initiative, BOEM aims to enhance data availability and understanding of air quality effects related to energy transitions, ensuring informed decision-making that prioritizes community health and environmental justice.