Nominated by: George Dellagiarino, Resource Evaluation Division

With the implementation of the revision to the regulations at 30 CFR Part 251, Marc Lawrence set the example of instituting a provison into the license agreements for Fairfield Industries. The provision explains to potential third parties receiving prelease geological and geophysical (G&G) data and information under such a licensing agreement that the MMS has access to such data and information. This has allowed the MMS Resource Evaluation Division more efficient and easier access to those data needed for resource assessment and fair market value determinations.

With the MMS serving as a model for Offshore regulatory programs worldwide, Mr. Lawrence recommended the MMS to Mr. Oscar Trevisan of the Brazilian Agencia Nacional do Petroleo (ANP). Mr. Lawrence stressed the MMS expertise in G&G data activities, including deep stratigraphic tests, as well as our foundation in prelease regulatory framework. He has continued to keep us apprised of his contacts with the ANP. We have, as a result, been in contact with the ANP and have provided them with information, publications, and contacts within the bureau to guide them as they established an offshore regulatory program for Brazil.

Lastly, Mr. Lawrence participated in a briefing on new seismic data acquisition techniques for MMS personnel. At this briefing, he invited MMS Director, Walt Rosenbusch, to participate in a panel discussion at the national meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. As a result, an exchange of views between both industry and MMS management took place on the subject of mergers and other changes in the geophysical industry as a whole.