The National Science Foundation has revised the solicitation for its potential $2 billion contract to acquire a new vessel for research activities in Antarctica.

The amended solution was driven by questions received to a draft request for proposals released last year.

NSF wants to replace the aging Research Vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer, a 30-year-old icebreaker.

The solicitation is for the design and build phase of the vessel, which could take several years. The contract will have plenty of technology aspects including computerized maintenance systems, systems engineering and modeling.

The ship also will have requirements for science systems for research work, as well as an onboard computer lab.

NSF expects the new ship to sail for 40 years.

Proposals are due April 1.

Click here for full story from the Washington Technology