July 26, 2024

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to further engage with industry and to continue its efforts to capture industry feedback to improve planning for the follow-on Antarctic procurement contract, Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract. The Draft RFP is part of NSF’s continuing commitment to ensure the future Antarctic contract is supportive of NSF’s science mission in the region through the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP).

Through this commitment to science, NSF and USAP aim to support scientific research that expands fundamental knowledge of the region, fosters research on global and regional problems of current scientific importance, and use the region as a platform from which to support research that can only be done or is best done in Antarctica.

NSF has the following objectives for this acquisition.

• We are looking for a partner in enabling a world class Antarctic science program, with seamless integration between operations and research support.
• We seek innovation that will keep USAP at the cutting edge of working in Antarctica.
• USAP has a complex mission which requires world-class expertise in information, operations, and logistics.
• USAP is in a period of significant upgrades to facility and research infrastructure; a track record of project delivery is a must.
• Safety is paramount as is a work environment that is free of harassment.
• Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of NSF and USAP priorities, as is having a strong anti-harassment/assault policy.

Included in the Draft RFP is an acquisition schedule that will be of value to interested parties. To read the full announcement, visit 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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