Medical Waste Disposal USP Atwater

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for bio-medical waste disposal services.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals must include a signed SF 1449 (page 1) and a yearly cost of service (page 4) for monthly pickups of approximately 2 (40-55 gallon) containers. Costs for additional containers on an as-needed basis should also be included.
• Container Volume & Weight: Containers are 40-55 gallons. The average weight per container is not specified, but the volume is the primary metric.
• Pricing Structure: Pricing should be a flat monthly rate for each month of the fiscal year (Oct-Sept), with separate pricing for additional containers.
• Pharmaceutical Waste: Pharmaceutical waste (Schedules 1-5) does not require pick-up or disposal under this contract; it must be handled per DEA Reverse Distribution protocols.
• Facility Entry: No specific entry parameters are needed. Pickups occur at the Rear Gate. Personnel should approach the Rear Gate Officer by foot to advise them of the pickup.
• Time at Facility: Historically, time spent at the facility for past performance is a maximum of 1 hour, dependent on the amount of bio-waste.
• Sharps Containers: USP Atwater will provide and maintain their own sharps containers.
• Estimated Quantity: Approximately 20 containers per month are estimated for disposal.

This Q&A document clarifies submission requirements, pricing structure, waste types included/excluded, and logistical details for facility pickups. Bidders should ensure their proposals address these points accurately.

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

To procure services for the collection, recording, transportation, and disposal of biomedical waste (also called regulated medical waste) for the United States Penitentiary (USP) Atwater, California.

• Collect, record, and dispose of the following waste streams in accordance with EPA Standards and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations:

  • Medical Waste (OPIM)
  • Sharps (needles, syringes, broken glass, scalpels, blades)
  • Bio Medical Waste (infectious agents or materials posing a threat to public health or the environment)

• Provide all labeled containers, manifesting, and final disposal certification.

• Place of Performance: United States Penitentiary (USP) Atwater, 1 Federal Way, Atwater, CA 95301.

• Period of Performance: Beginning May 2025 through September 2025, with optional renewal years.

• Frequency: Once every month on a designated date and time.

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730–1400, excluding Federal Holidays.

• Supplies and Equipment: Contractor shall provide empty, reusable, OSHA-compliant storage/transport containers with leak-proof lids. Contractor's vehicle must be equipped with a Biohazard Spill Kit.

• Decontamination: All reusable containers must be cleaned and sanitized at the contractor's facility per Title 22 California Code of Regulations.

• Documentation and Reporting: A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by both parties before vehicle departure. A Certificate of Destruction/Treatment must be provided to the Health Services Department within 45 days of pickup.

• Attire and Security: Contractor employees must wear a professional uniform with a clear company identification badge. All personnel must pass a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check. No cell phones, cameras, or recording devices are permitted inside the secure perimeter without prior authorization.

• Inmate Contact: Contractor and employees shall have no direct or indirect contact with any inmate. Any attempt by an inmate to contact the contractor must be reported immediately to the Officer-in-Charge.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price requirements-type contract.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for waste disposal services.

• Container/Box Estimate: Approximately 2 containers/boxes per monthly pickup. Pricing for additional containers should be included.
• Container Weight: 40 to 55-gallon containers.
• Pricing Structure: Pricing should be a monthly rate for each month of the fiscal year (Oct-Sept), including pricing for additional containers. A flat monthly rate is acceptable.
• Pharmaceutical Waste: Waste must be handled per DEA Reverse Distribution protocols. Pharmaceutical pick-up and disposal are NOT required.
• Facility Entry: No entry parameters are needed. Pickup will occur at the Rear Gate. Personnel should approach the Rear Gate Officer by foot and advise them of the pickup. Waste will be brought to the company.
• Past Performance Time: Historically, time spent at the facility for past performance was a maximum of 1 hour, dependent on the amount of bio-waste.
• Sharps Containers: USP Atwater will provide and maintain their own sharps containers.
• Monthly Quantity: Approximately 20 containers per month to be disposed of.
• Excluded Waste: Hazardous Chemical Waste, including toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive chemicals (e.g., chemotherapy waste, disinfectants, solvents, formaldehyde or lab chemicals) is NOT being sought.

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the service requirements, pricing, and excluded waste types, which may affect how bidders prepare their proposals.

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

To procure services for the collection, recording, transportation, and disposal of biomedical waste (also called regulated medical waste - RMW) for the United States Penitentiary (USP) Atwater, California.

• Collect, record, and dispose of the following waste streams in accordance with EPA Standards and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations:

  • Medical Waste (materials contaminated by blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials - OPIM)
  • Sharps (needles, syringes, broken glass, scalpels, blades)
  • Pharmaceuticals (Schedules 1-5, handled per DEA Reverse Distribution protocols)
  • Bio Medical Waste (waste contaminated with infectious agents or materials deemed a threat to public health or the environment)

• Provide all labeled containers, manifesting, and final disposal certification.

• Place of Performance: United States Penitentiary (USP) Atwater, 1 Federal Way, Atwater, CA 95301.

• Period of Performance: Beginning May 2024 through September 2024, with potential for optional renewal years.

• Schedule: Collection frequency is once every 2 months on a designated date and time, Monday through Friday, 0730–1400 (excluding Federal Holidays).

• Attire and Security:

  • Contractor employees must wear a professional uniform with a clear company identification badge.
  • All personnel must pass a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check.
  • Prohibited items inside the secure perimeter: cell phones, cameras, recording devices without prior written authorization.
  • No direct or indirect contact with any inmate is permitted. Any attempt by an inmate to contact the contractor must be reported.

• Supplies and Equipment:

  • Provide empty, reusable, OSHA-compliant storage/transport containers with leak-proof lids.
  • Vehicle must be equipped with a Biohazard Spill Kit.

• Documentation and Reporting:

  • A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by both parties before departure.
  • Provide a Certificate of Destruction/Treatment to the Health Services Department within 45 days of pickup.

• Decontamination: All reusable containers must be cleaned and sanitized at the contractor's facility per Title 22 California Code of Regulations.

• This is a firm-fixed-price requirements-type contract.

• Payment is based on the provision of an end product or successful disposal.

• The service does not constitute an employer/employee relationship.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the waste disposal services opportunity.

• Containers per Pickup: Approximately 2 containers/boxes per monthly pickup are estimated. Bidders should include pricing for additional containers.
• Container Size & Weight: 55-gallon containers are used. Weight information is not explicitly provided but is dependent on the amount of bio-waste.
• Pricing Structure: Pricing should be a monthly rate for each month of the fiscal year (Oct-Sept). Pricing for additional containers should also be included.
• Pharmaceutical Waste: Pharmaceutical waste (Schedules 1-5) must be handled per DEA Reverse Distribution protocols. However, pharmaceutical pick-up and disposal are not required under this solicitation.
• Facility Entry: No specific entry parameters are needed. Pickup will occur at the Rear Gate, with the vehicle parked outside. Personnel will approach the Rear Gate Officer on foot to advise of the pickup.
• Past Performance Time: Historically, time spent at the facility for past performance was a maximum of 1 hour, dependent on the amount of bio-waste.
• Sharps Containers: USP Atwater will provide and maintain their own sharps containers; vendors do not need to provide them.
• Total Monthly Containers: Approximately 20 containers per month are estimated for disposal.
• Exclusions: The service does not include Hazardous Chemical Waste or toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive chemicals (e.g., chemotherapy waste, disinfectants, formaldehyde).

This Q&A document clarifies pricing, service scope, and logistical details, which may affect how bidders prepare their proposals and pricing.

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

To procure services for the collection, recording, transportation, and disposal of biohazardous, pharmaceutical, and hazardous waste for the United States Penitentiary (USP) Atwater, California.

• Collection, recording, and disposal of Medical Waste (OPIM), Sharps, Pharmaceuticals (Schedules 1-5), and Hazardous Waste.

• Services must comply with EPA Standards and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations.

• Contractor to provide all labeled containers, manifesting, and final disposal certification.

• Place of Performance: United States Penitentiary (USP) Atwater, 1 Federal Way, Atwater, CA 95301.

• Period of Performance: Beginning March 2026 through September 2026, with potential for renewal years.

• Frequency: Once every month on a designated date and time.

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 0730–1300, excluding Federal Holidays.

• Attire and Security: Contractor employees must wear a professional uniform with a clear company identification badge. All personnel require a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check. No cell phones, cameras, or recording devices are permitted inside the secure perimeter without authorization.

• Inmate Contact: No direct or indirect contact with inmates is permitted. Any attempt by an inmate to contact staff must be reported immediately.

• Supplies and Equipment: Contractor must provide empty, reusable, OSHA-compliant storage/transport containers with leak-proof lids. Contractor's vehicle must be equipped with a Biohazard Spill Kit.

• Decontamination: All reusable containers must be cleaned and sanitized at the contractor's facility per Title 22 California Code of Regulations.

• Documentation and Reporting: A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be signed by both parties. A Certificate of Destruction/Treatment must be provided to the Health Services Department within 45 days of pickup.

• This is a firm-fixed-price requirements-type contract.

• Payment is based on the provision of an end product or successful disposal.

• The service does not constitute an employer/employee relationship.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (RFQ 15B61826Q00000005) for commercial products and services. The Federal Bureau of Prisons, USP Atwater, is issuing this solicitation.

The primary service required is "Transportation, and disposal of biohazardous, pharmaceutical, hazardous waste." This service is to be performed "In Accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW)" and will be a "Firm Fixed Price" contract.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but the "Schedule of Supplies/Services" indicates a "Base period award - 09/30/2026" and subsequent "Option Year" periods.

• Estimated Value: The NAICS code 562112 has a size standard of $47,000,000.

• Offer Due Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but Block 8 indicates "OFFER DUE DATE / LOCAL TIME".

• Evaluation Criteria: Not detailed in the provided pages, but FAR 52.212-2 "Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services" is referenced.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100.00%).

• NAICS Code: 562112

• Size Standard: $47,000,000

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including FAR 52.212-4 and FAR 52.212-5.

• A "RCA Packet.pdf" is listed as an attachment.

• The solicitation includes numerous provisions and clauses related to contractor responsibilities, security, data privacy, and compliance.