The National Science Foundation has released a request for proposals for the potential 20-year, $8 billion Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract, or ASESC.
According to the RFP published Friday, NSF will launch a full and open competition for the ASESC single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract and accept offers through May 23.
What Is the Antarctic Science & Engineering Support Contract’s Purpose?
ASESC seeks to provide scientific research support services for the U.S. Antarctic Program, or USAP, over the next two decades.
USAP supports all U.S. scientific research initiatives and related logistical operations in Antarctica and aboard ships in the Southern Ocean.
According to the solicitation, the Antarctic research portfolio includes science across three key themes: research that improves understanding of interactions among the Antarctic region and global systems; research that expands fundamental knowledge of Antarctic systems, biota and processes; and research that uses the unique characteristics of the Antarctic region as a science observing platform.
Through the contract, the selected vendor will work with NSF and USAP partners to enable an interdisciplinary Antarctic research program. The agency expects the contractor to develop and implement innovative approaches and adopt practices that promote continuous improvement in accomplishing the USAP research portfolio.
The scope of work includes management, planning and integration; research and development; laboratory services and science support; Antarctic operations; vessel operations; IT and communications; infrastructure maintenance and recapitalization; medical services; and financial oversight and reporting.
In December, Parsons and V2X formed a joint venture, called Polar Science Alliance, to pursue the ASESC IDIQ contract.