The Minerals Management Service is replacing the previous announcement of the same number posted on May 24, 2006 in its entirety and changing it's title to Broad Agency Announcement: MMS Technology Assessment and Research (TA&R) Program, Operational Safety and Engineering Research (OSER) DESCRIPTION: The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI), MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE (MMS), solicits White Papers, of not more than five (5) pages in length for specific topics of interest to the MMS Technology Assessment and Research (TA&R) Program, Operational Safety and Engineering Research (OSER). For your information, the MMS web site has descriptions of OSER activities, the scope of MMS interests, and past projects. The web site address is: http://www.mms.gov/tarphome/index.htm. BACKGROUND: Research sponsored by MMS through the TA&R Program is used to acquire basic engineering information needed to oversee the orderly development of offshore oil and gas operations. New challenges and informational needs arise as companies use new equipment or procedures based on technological changes or as operations expand into new or different environments such as the deep water areas of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The principal objective of this request for White Papers is to address innovative or technological advancements among topics of current interest to MMS. As a result of the White Papers submitted in accordance with the terms of this announcement, selected proposals shall be requested. Projects selected for eventual funding by MMS shall receive funding from FY 2007 funds. The MMS anticipates a total of approximately $ 1,000,000 may be available for the initiation of new research proposals addressing OSER topics in FY 2007 with projects being identified through this announcement. NOTICE: MMS may share the white papers with other government agencies for review. Potential contractors should let MMS know if they do not want the Papers/proposals shared. OBJECTIVES: The topics for the FY 2007 OSER activities include ONLY research on the following: 1. Provide best practices guideline and assess well completion options and methodologies for high pressure/high temperature/ and sour (H2S) wells. 2. Evaluate the fatigue life of risers and floating structures and review the fatigue modeling process and begin to write a replacement standard. 3. Initiate a joint industry project to develop and test an on-line integrity monitoring system for offshore platform structures. The system would minimize dive inspections, improve safety, and assist in returning a platform back to production quicker. This joint industry project could be tested by monitoring 10 - 20 platforms for 3 - 5 years. 4. Conduct a technology assessment for Outer Continental Shelf, Oil and Gas Operations in the Cold Regions to determine what may be technically feasible -- given both ice-challenges, and also open water with large fetches and waves. 5. Evaluate superstructure icing of the both drilling and production vessels and platforms as it relates to conducting activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. 6. Assess the design options for pipelines and provide a risk analysis for strudel scour, upheaval buckling and ice gouging in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. 7. Assess methods for using a sub sea instrumentation cable to evaluate technology for use in the Arctic. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The MMS is interested in research initiatives relative to safety and pollution practices for offshore operations. As a result of the White Papers, proposals will be sought and evaluated for funding. Efforts to be considered should address the above stated issues. HOW TO RESPOND: White Papers of not more than five (5) pages in length, an ORIGINAL PLUS three (3) copies and one (1) electronic copy in PDF format, on a CD shall be submitted to the address below. WHITE PAPERS SENT THROUGH EMAIL AND FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. White Papers should define the proposed research scope and include the level of effort. NOTE THAT COST ESTIMATES ARE NOT TO BE INCLUDED. The White Papers shall be evaluated only on technical merit. If your white paper is selected for further evaluation, a proposal will be requested and you must also submit a cost proposal at that time. Projects shall be selected 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 announcement constitutes a solicitation for white papers, but does not obligate the Government to consummate award. Respondents WILL NOT be notified of the results of the evaluation on the information submitted. WHITE PAPERS SHALL BE EVALUATED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (1) feasibility of the approach or solution; (2) the Offeror's understanding of the technical issues; (3) the Offeror's ability to implement the proposed approach; and (4) innovative or creative approaches or solutions including the participation and/or funding by other groups in the research and/or oil and gas industry; (5) past performance. A separate White Paper shall be submitted for each study on which the offeror wished to propose. The White Paper shall identify clearly the offeror's company/organization, point of contact, address, telephone and facsimile numbers. Responses will ONLY be accepted until June 23, 2006, 4:00 PM EDT. ADDRESS FOR SUBMITTAL: NOTE: It is the Offeror's responsibility to ensure/verify the Government receives their submission on or before the time specified. Submit White Paper to: Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service Procurement Operations Branch, MS 2101 381 Elden Street Herndon, VA 20170 Attn: Ms Olivia F. Adrian Phone: 703-787-1151 and email at: olivia.adrian@mms.gov If the offeror desires to hand deliver their responses, they are informed that MMS is a secure office complex and they MUST NOT enter the building beyond the lobby. You MUST contact Olivia F. Adrian, Contracting Officer at (703) 787-1151 and set up an appointment 24 hours in advance of dropping off your submission. A staff member will meet the courier to receive the submittal. For any questions, include your full name, the Pre-solicitation number & title (Proposed Research to Support the Technology Assessment and Research Program), your organization name, complete address, and phone and fax numbers. Questions must be submitted to the Contracting Officer no later than 4 P.M. EDT on 2 June 2006. Email your questions to Olivia Adrian at olivia.adrian@mms.gov. PHONE CALLS ARE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.