Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract, Draft Solicitation Release
ID: ASESC_DraftRFPType: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATIONNATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATIONOFFICE OF POLAR PROGRAMSALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314, USA

NAICS

Facilities Support Services (561210)
Timeline
    Description

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is releasing a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC), aimed at providing essential services for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). This procurement seeks industry feedback on various aspects of the draft RFP, including technical and contractual requirements, fee arrangements, and site visit allotments, to enhance clarity and mutual understanding before the final solicitation. The contract will encompass a wide range of operational support services, including facility management, food services, and logistics in Antarctica, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and support for scientific missions. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their questions and comments via the provided Q&A matrix by monitoring updates on SAM.gov, as NSF does not intend to release a second draft of the RFP at this time. For further inquiries, contact NSF ASESC Procurement at recompete.usap@nsf.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    NSF ASESC Procurement
    recompete.usap@nsf.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the solicitation and contract details for an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract issued by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The contract encompasses various services including project management, science support, and IT communications, structured to address long-term, complex tasks without pre-determining every detail before award. It emphasizes performance-based acquisition techniques and includes procedures for ordering, invoicing, and fee structures, detailing a minimum contract period of 20 years with a maximum quantity of $8 billion. The document articulates the roles of contracting officer representatives, outlines acceptance criteria, and mandates comprehensive financial reporting and property management. It encompasses a variety of reporting schedules, specifying contractor responsibilities for equipment and software management, including acquisition, depreciation, and condition assessments. The overarching purpose of this RFP is to facilitate efficient government contracting by establishing clear guidelines that ensure accountability and effective execution of services.
    The Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) provides example task orders related to essential services for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). These orders outline various operational support necessities, including management of facilities in Christchurch, food services at USAP research stations, lodging and janitorial support, and support for the Long Duration Balloon Facility in Antarctica. Each task order specifies supplies, pricing structures, technical requirements, performance standards, and assumptions related to the operation duration. For example, the management of the Christchurch facilities requires the contractor to handle airport operations and logistics support for personnel associated with USAP, ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining service quality. Similarly, food services at the USAP stations encompass comprehensive meal provisions, adhering to safety standards, and accommodating the unique logistical challenges of Antarctic operations. Overall, these task orders are structured to ensure seamless operations across varied Antarctic sites, focusing on safety, efficiency, and support for scientific missions. The documents reflect the intricate planning and resource management required to sustain the U.S. presence in Antarctica while fulfilling governmental obligations.
    The Cost Template Instructions document outlines the procedures for pricing task orders in government contracts, emphasizing the categorization of direct and indirect costs. It includes detailed guidelines for entering and organizing costs across different years, specifying categories such as Labor, Materials, Other Direct Costs (ODC), Subcontract, and Other. Key instructions include the need to document inflation assumptions, assign costs to appropriate categories, and apply various rates for burden, overhead, and general administrative costs. The document also highlights the importance of completing the DD FORM 1547 for justifying any profit percentage. Additionally, it provides templates for entering cost details over a multi-year period and consolidating totals in a summary tab. The objective is to ensure transparency and compliance in budget proposals submitted to federal and state grant programs and RFPs while maintaining accurate cost accounting for government projects.
    The document outlines guidelines for submitting questions or comments related to a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by a federal agency. It specifies a structured format for a Comment Resolution Matrix, emphasizing proper formatting and detail inclusion such as document section, subsection, and page number for references. It instructs submitters to limit each row to one question or comment and defines how to indicate impact levels, particularly concerning aspects like Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Additionally, it warns against including proprietary information without proper markings and states that the agency may choose to disregard such content. The purpose of this document is to facilitate clear communication and streamline feedback collection from stakeholders participating in the RFP process, ensuring that all questions and comments are systematically addressed.
    The Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) outlines requirements for the Antarctic Support and Logistics Service Contract, structured to enhance operational capabilities in support of U.S. Antarctic Program activities. Key sections detail evaluation factors such as past performance, management approach, and competitive ranges for offerors, with a strong emphasis on evaluating team experience and capabilities. It addresses proposals that might involve joint ventures or team agreements and clarifies the contractual framework, which could incorporate different contract types such as Time and Materials, Firm Fixed Price, or Cost Plus types. Significant areas requiring clarity include the standards for past performance evaluation, the definition of "state-of-the-art" facilities, and contractor responsibilities for various logistical tasks, including medical evacuations and postal services. The document also poses questions for government clarification on cost structures, required information submissions, potential organizational conflicts of interest (OCI), and the expectations regarding subcontractor roles. Overall, this draft serves as a foundational tool for guiding contractors in presenting proposals that align with the government’s Antarctic operational objectives, ensuring compliance, and evaluating technical capabilities effectively.
    The Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) outlines the performance work statement for the National Science Foundation's (NSF) support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). The contract focuses on enabling scientific research in Antarctica, emphasizing logistics, operational efficiency, and safety in a challenging environment. Key tasks include management of research facilities, supply chain logistics, environmental compliance, operational safety, and workforce diversity. The contractor must ensure effective service delivery for USAP by planning and executing science support and engineering activities while fostering an inclusive culture. While preserving a safe environment, the contractor is responsible for managing various operational components, such as laboratory services, vessel operations, and telecommunications. In addition to ensuring high-quality research output, the contractor must adhere to environmental stewardship and incorporate effective safety management systems. The goal is to enhance USAP's capabilities, support ongoing and future research in Antarctica, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including federal agencies, international partners, and research institutions. Overall, this contract represents a comprehensive framework for advancing scientific knowledge in the Antarctic region through structured support and innovative management practices.
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