Inyo National Forest (NF) Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operations (Ops) & Maintenance (Maint)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the comprehensive operations, maintenance, service, and repair of three wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and their associated collection systems for the Inyo National Forest. The specific facilities include the Bishop Creek WWTP, Rock Creek WWTP, Convict Lake WWTP, and the lift station at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center.

• Operations, maintenance, service, and repair of WWTPs and collection systems.

• Detailed requirements are found in Section B and Attachments listed in Section D.

• Anticipated Award Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order.

• Duration: One (1) base year and four (4) option years, not to exceed five (5) years and six (6) months.

• Submission Deadline: 1700 PDT on 18 March 2026.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to Matthew Killian at matthew.killian@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on the following factors:

  • Factor 1: Technical Approach to Performing the Work
  • Factor 2: Responsibility (determined per FAR 9.104-1)
  • Factor 3: Experience & Past Performance (Offerors must complete Attachment 5 - Experience Questionnaire)
  • Factor 4: Price (including Basis of Estimate)

• Quotations will be evaluated using a comparative evaluation methodology and an adjectival rating scale (Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unacceptable, Neutral).

• This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 221320 – Sewage Treatment Facilities.

• Small Business Size Standard: $35M.

• All offerors must have an ACTIVE registration in SAM.gov.

• Site Visit: 4 March 2026, 9:00 AM PST.

• Questions Due: 6 March 2026, 1300 PST.

• Quotations Due: 18 March 2026, 1700 PDT.

• Award Notification (estimated): Projected on or before 03 April 2026.

• Offerors must use the provided Excel spreadsheet (Attachment 4) for pricing.

• A site visit is scheduled; contact Matthew Killian for attendance.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are effective through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-06.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To obtain comprehensive operations, maintenance, service, and repair services for three wastewater treatment plants and their associated collection systems within the Inyo National Forest. The Forest Service will remain the permit holder and retain ultimate responsibility for overall system performance.

• Operations, Maintenance, Service, and Repair: Includes routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance, as well as operational services for wastewater treatment plants and collection facilities. This covers lift stations, treatment ponds, discharge pumps, electrical systems, sewer collection facilities, comminutors, leach fields, septic tanks, landscaping, odor control, pest control, security, and snow removal.

• Effluent Sampling and Analysis Coordination: Collecting and submitting effluent samples to a designated laboratory in accordance with Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs), including coordination with the lab, proper sample handling, and record maintenance.

• Contractor Responsibility: Providing all necessary equipment, supplies, transportation, labor, and supervision, except for items explicitly stated as government-furnished.

• Routine Visits: Minimum of four routine visits per week to Bishop Creek WWTP and Rock Creek WWTP, and a minimum of one visit per week to Convict Lake WWTP and the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center lift station.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance: Ensuring continuous compliance with WDRs through monitoring of influent, effluent, and groundwater quality, and implementing necessary adjustments and minor repairs.

• Record Keeping and Documentation: Maintaining comprehensive records of contract provisions and duties performed, including operational logs, maintenance logs, and sampling results.

• Infrastructure Assessment and Reporting: Collecting field data on system condition, identifying repair/rehabilitation needs, and reporting deficiencies.

• Wastewater Sludge Management: Managing sludge in compliance with WDRs, including submitting a Sludge Management Plan and Sludge Sampling Protocol for approval.

• Spare Parts Inventory: Maintaining an adequate inventory of essential spare parts and supplier contact information.

• Normal and Major Maintenance Repairs: Identifying and notifying the Forest Service of maintenance needs.

• Continuous Operation of Critical Components: Ensuring reliable operation of grinders, aerators, pumps, motors, and flow meters.

• Equipment Maintenance Schedules: Adhering to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.

• Site Security: Excluding public access from facilities.

• Reporting: Submitting quarterly and annual reports as required by WDRs and the Forest Service.

• Violation Response: Timely response to violation notices or inquiries from regulatory agencies.

• Regulatory Inspections: Cooperating fully during inspections by regulatory agencies.

• Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) and Overflow Emergency Response Plan (OERP): Maintaining, updating, and implementing these plans.

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including WWOCP regulations and WDRs.

• Site Condition: Maintaining facilities in a clean, clutter-free, safe, operable, and visually pleasing condition.

• Locations: Bishop Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, Rock Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, Convict Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Eastern Sierra Visitor Center Lift Station.

• Estimated Start Date: March 23, 2026 (subject to change).

• Contract Time: 365 Days for the base term (one year), with four (4) one-year option years available at the Forest Service's discretion.

• Licenses and Insurance: Contractor must obtain and maintain specific insurance and licenses, including:

  • California Grade 1 Wastewater Operator Certificate or higher.
  • Confined Space Entry training.
  • WWOCP Contract Operator Registration for each WWTP.
  • Knowledgeable backup operator availability.
  • Certified wastewater operator for emergency response.
  • Appointment of a qualified Designated Operator-In-Charge (DOIC).
  • Comprehensive general liability insurance naming the Forest Service as an additional insured.

• Contractor-Furnished Equipment: Contractor shall furnish all labor and equipment.

• Government-Furnished Equipment: A comprehensive guide to wastewater systems operation, including drawings, maps, and opening/closing procedures, will be available upon request.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains maps and site plans related to Inyo National Forest Wastewater Treatment Facilities. It serves to visually identify the locations and layouts of various wastewater treatment plants and lift stations within the Inyo National Forest.

• Aerial Maps: Provide an overview of the geographical locations of wastewater treatment plants (e.g., Bishop Creek WWTP, Rock Creek WWTP, Convict Lake WWTP) within the broader Inyo National Forest and surrounding areas.
• Site Maps: Offer detailed layouts of individual treatment facilities, highlighting key components such as:
  • Treatment Ponds
  • Comminutors
  • Discharge Pumps
  • Evaporation/Percolation Ponds
  • Lift Stations
  • Laboratory/Storage Rooms
  • Power & Storage Rooms
  • Spray Fields
  • Groundwater Monitoring Wells
• Road and Facility Labels: Indicate access roads, nearby campgrounds, and specific infrastructure within and around the treatment sites.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical locations, existing infrastructure, and site layouts of the wastewater treatment facilities that may be the subject of a solicitation. It aids in assessing the scope of work, logistical considerations, and site-specific requirements for any potential contract related to these facilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It lists the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations employed on federal service contracts within California County of Inyo.

• Occupational Codes and Titles: A comprehensive list of job titles with corresponding codes.
• Wage Rates: The minimum hourly wage rate for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and are to follow the occupational listing. Specific benefits like Health & Welfare are detailed at the end.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) for covered contracts.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.

This document is crucial for bidders as it establishes the minimum labor costs for performing services under a federal contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant. It directly impacts the cost proposal and overall feasibility of bidding on opportunities requiring these labor categories in the specified geographic area.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a fillable Schedule of Items (SOI) for the Inyo National Forest Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operations & Maintenance (M&x) requirement. Vendors must use this form to provide their pricing for the base year and four option years.

• Schedule of Items: Details specific WWTP locations (Bishop Creek, Rock Creek, Convict Lake, IAVC Lift Station) for both the base year and option years.
• Pricing Fields: Includes columns for Unit Price and Amount for each item.
• Vendor Information: Fields for Vendor Name, Business Email, SAM UEI #, Business Phone, and Authorized Signatory.
• SOI Notes: Important instructions for vendors, including:
  • Vendor input is required.
  • Values are auto-calculated.
  • LSQ denotes Lump Sum Quantity.
  • The award will be to one offeror.
  • Submission of a signed SOI represents the offeror's commitment to the data.
  • Vendors are responsible for verifying all pricing data.
  • An itemized price list (descriptions, prices, quantities) is required and omission may lead to disqualification.

This is a critical document for bidders to prepare their quotes. Vendors must carefully review the listed items, understand the pricing structure, and accurately complete the form with their proposed pricing. The requirement to attach an itemized price list is a key submission detail that bidders must adhere to avoid disqualification.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire designed to gather information from prospective contractors regarding their qualifications and past performance. It is intended to help the USDA Forest Service assess a bidder's capability to perform the work contemplated by the solicitation.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone number, and business type.
• Experience Details: Years of experience in the relevant line of work and in contracting as a prime or subcontractor.
• Past Projects: A list of projects completed within the last three years, including contract amount, type of project, description, date completed, and owner contact information.
• Current Commitments: A list of ongoing contractual commitments.
• Performance History: Information on past failures to complete work or work completed by performance bond.
• Organizational Capacity: Details on available employees, equipment, and estimated progress rates.
• Key Personnel Experience: Experience of principal individuals within the firm.
• Equipment Availability: List of owned or rented equipment with maintenance and cleaning plans.
• Quality Assurance: Contractor's self-inspection procedures.
• Certification: A statement certifying the completeness and correctness of the provided information.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire thoroughly and accurately. The information provided will be used by the government to evaluate the bidder's experience and capability to successfully perform the contract requirements. Failure to provide complete or satisfactory information may impact the evaluation of the proposal.