February 21, 2024

The U.S. maintains a world-class science program in Antarctica to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to ensure an active and influential role in the Antarctic Treaty System, now in force for over 50 years. By presidential mandate, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) acts on behalf of the U.S. government as the single-point manager of the United States Antarctic Program. To carry out its responsibilities, NSF operates three year-round research stations in Antarctica and two purpose-built research vessels. 

The current icebreaking research vessel, RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer (NBP) is reaching the end of its service life and needs replacement. The Antarctic Research Vessel project will deliver a new, more technologically advanced, and capable icebreaking research vessel that will replace the NBP and thus ensure the U.S. research community has a more viable, safe, and effective platform for supporting Antarctic science for up to 40 years beyond the retirement of the NBP. To keep this effort moving forward, a solicitation for a new Vessel Integrator has been announced that will support the final design, construction, and delivery of this new vessel.

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov. 

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The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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