This Amended Request for Proposals ("RFP") is being issued in connection with the Marine Environmental Satellite Monitoring Program ("SATMON Program"), which is a proof-of-concept pilot designed to detect the presence of vessel-source oil or other hazardous substances in both coastal and offshore maritime areas and to identify potentially responsible vessels using satellite-based remote sensing data. The SATMON Program will purchase or otherwise obtain satellite-based remote sensing data and will analyze that data, in conjunction with a multitude of vessel movement data at the United States Coast Guard ("USCG") Maritime Intelligence Fusion Centers ("MIFCs") to detect potential discharges within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone ("U.S. EEZ"), correlate potential discharges with candidate vessels, and communicate unclassified actionable alerts to USCG commands. The SATMON Program will also study the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of more permanent use of satellite monitoring methods for these purposes.
Funding for the SATMON Program comes from a community service payment received by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation ("NFWF") pursuant to a plea agreement in a criminal enforcement action by the United States against Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. ("OSG") involving alleged violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, 33 U.S.C. §1908, and related regulations. This community service payment was designated by the terms of the plea agreement to be used by NFWF to fund the SATMON Program. |