Potential Explosive Site (PES) Inspections

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding a solicitation for explosives safety inspection services. It clarifies requirements related to personnel qualifications, documentation, standards, vetting, citizenship, scheduling, past experience, pricing, and contract terms.

• Personnel Qualifications: US-based professional certifications (e.g., PE license, ASCE membership) and specific DoD/Navy certifications are considered equivalent to UK professional body memberships for inspectors. Documentation demonstrating knowledge of UK explosives storage principles and relevant US experience will be required.
• Standards & Training: Contractors are expected to independently achieve compliance with UK ESTC Standard 6. The government will not provide training or familiarization support.
• Vetting & Access: The government acknowledges that Host Agency Check (HAC) vetting and unescorted base pass processing can take significant time (up to 8 weeks and 90 days, respectively). If access is delayed, the government will provide escorts for inspections.
• Citizenship: Local national, US citizens, and other nationalities are acceptable for contractor personnel. US citizens will follow a modified vetting process.
• Inspection Schedule: The base period pricing should account for inspections due in both even and odd years, as projected in the pricing schedule. The government will accommodate schedule relief for UK bank holidays if it does not cause a lapse in facility certification.
• Past Experience: Inspections conducted under US DoD standards (DoD 6055.09-STD, DDESB Technical Papers) for US or NATO forces may be considered similar scope, but ESTC standards are the minimum requirement.
• Pricing: The pricing schedule (Attachment 2, to be provided) will detail CLIN structure and require pricing per inspection, not as annual fixed prices.
• HERO Approval: HERO requests for common inspection equipment can be submitted upon contract award for blanket approval, with typical approval timelines varying but interim approvals possible.
• Performance Remedies: Remedies for performance failures will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific circumstances.
• Insurance & Liability: The US Government does not have specific insurance requirements. While the FAR does not mandate a liability cap for fixed-price contracts, the government is open to agreeing to one prior to award. Employer's Liability insurance of at least £5M is noted as a UK legal requirement.
• Fitness for Purpose: The FAR does not impose a "fitness for purpose" obligation for this type of commercial service contract; rights and remedies will fall under FAR 52.212-4.

These clarifications provide essential details for offerors to accurately price their proposals, understand personnel requirements, and plan for contract execution. Key deadlines for questions have passed, but the responses clarify ambiguities in the original solicitation documents.

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

To ensure compliance with Ministry of Defence (MoD) Explosive Regulations and that Potential Explosive Sites (PES) facilities are fit for purpose, maintaining mission-critical facility licenses.

• Provide non-personal services for PES inspections at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

• Inspections will adhere to Defence Safety Authority (DSA) 03 – Ordnance Munitions Explosives (OME) Part 2 and Explosives Storage and Transport Committee (ESTC) Standard 6.

• Services include support for munition storage, hardened aircraft shelters, armories, storage areas, and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) range.

• The Contractor shall conduct Technical Inspections (2-year rolling basis) and Professional Appraisals (6-year rolling basis).

• Schedule 2 Inspections for site infrastructure and utilities in specific munition storage areas.

• Conduct Ad-Hoc Inspections following extreme weather conditions as directed.

• Provide Technical Data Reports within 10 business days of inspections.

• Inspections and appraisals to be completed at least 30 days prior to the required date.

• Reports must be 100% compliant with ESTC standards.

• Schedule 2 reports must be 100% completed for correct areas.

• Ad-Hoc inspections performed within 14 calendar days of notification, with reports within 21 calendar days.

• 95% of all inspection and appraisal reports delivered within 10 business days.

• Remedies for failure to meet thresholds include price reductions.

• Base Period: 8 March 2026 – 7 March 2027

• Option Periods: Through 7 March 2031

• Place of Performance: RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

• Contractor personnel must complete Level 1 Anti-terrorism Training and OPSEC Training.

• Adherence to security requirements, including base pass processing (up to 90 days for unescorted passes).

• Compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

• Authorization required for ionizing or non-ionizing radiation sources/equipment.

• HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance) approval required for equipment with transmitters.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to perform Potential Explosive Sites (PES) Inspections. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure compliance with Ministry of Defense (MoD) Explosive Regulations and that PES facilities are fit for purpose. The inspections will cover munitions storage facilities and areas, transit routes, utilities, aircraft egress facilities, and hardened aircraft shelters at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

• Perform PES inspections in accordance with Defence Safety Authority (DSA) 03 - Ordnance Munitions Explosives (OME) Part 2, and Explosives Storage and Transport Committee (ESTC) Standard 6 for Building and Civil Engineering (B & CE) inspections.

• Inspections will cover munition storage, hardened aircraft shelters, armories, storage areas, and the EOD range.

• A detailed schedule of inspections is provided in Appendix A.

• The contract will have a Base Period of 12 months and four Option Periods of 12 months each.

• Period of Performance:

  • Base Period: 20 March 2026 – 19 March 2027
  • Option Period One: 20 March 2027 – 19 March 2028
  • Option Period Two: 20 March 2028 – 19 March 2029
  • Option Period Three: 20 March 2029 – 19 March 2030
  • Option Period Four: 20 March 2030 - 19 March 2031

• NAICS Code: 541350 - Building Inspection Services

• PSC Code: H956 – Quality Control

• No set-aside is being used for this requirement.

• Solicitation Date: 30 January 2026

• Response Deadline: 17 March 2026

• Questions Deadline: 13 February 2026 at 12:00 PM BST

• Offers must be submitted electronically in English.

• Award will be made to the vendor whose quotation is considered most advantageous to the Government, based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) selection process.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Factor 1: Technical (Subfactor 1: Contract Management Plan, Subfactor 2: Past Experience)
  • Factor 2: Price

• Technical factors will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis.

• Quotes must be submitted in three volumes: Executive Summary, Technical, and Price.

• No set-aside for small businesses or other special categories.

• Funds are not presently available for this effort; no award will be made until funds are available.

• The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation.

• Offerors are responsible for ensuring their quotes are complete and accurate.

• Attachments include: Performance Work Statement, Pricing Schedule, Applicable Clauses and Provisions, and Inspection Schedule.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to perform Potential Explosive Sites (PES) Inspections. The inspections are required to ensure Ministry of Defense (MoD) Explosive Regulations are complied with and PES facilities are fit for purpose. The work will be performed at munitions storage facilities and areas, transit routes, utilities, and aircraft egress facilities at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

• Perform PES inspections in accordance with Defence Safety Authority (DSA) 03 - Ordnance Munitions Explosives (OME) Part 2, and Explosives Storage and Transport Committee (ESTC) Standard 6.

• Conduct inspections at munition storage, hardened aircraft shelters, armories, storage areas, and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) range.

• Provide all personnel, labor, equipment, supplies, tools, materials, supervision, travel, periodic inspection, and minor repair services.

• Maintain mission-critical facility licenses.

• Contract Type: Request for Quote (RFQ) under FAR Parts 12 and 13.

• Period of Performance: Base Period (20 March 2026 – 19 March 2027) plus four Option Periods (each 12 months), extending through 19 March 2031.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but individual contract values for past experience must exceed £25,000.

• Submission Deadline: Monday, 2 March 2026, at 1200 hours British Standard Time (BST).

• Submission Method: Electronic offers only, submitted in English via email.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the vendor representing the best value, using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process. Factors include Technical (Contract Management Plan, Past Experience) and Price.

• Technical Evaluation: Rated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis.

• Price Evaluation: Based on accuracy, completeness, reasonableness, and balance.

• Interchanges: The government may hold interchanges if deemed in its best interest.

• No set-aside will be used for this requirement.

• Funds are not presently available; no award will be made until funds are available.

• The government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation.

• Questions are due by Friday, 13 February 2026, at 12:00 PM BST.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days from the receipt date.

• Attachments include: Performance Work Statement, Pricing Schedule, Applicable Clauses and Provisions, and Inspection Schedule.

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

To ensure compliance with Ministry of Defence (MoD) Explosive Regulations and that Potential Explosive Sites (PES) facilities are fit for purpose, maintaining mission-critical facility licenses.

• Conduct inspections of PES facilities at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

• Inspections cover munition storage, hardened aircraft shelters, armories, storage areas, and the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) range.

• Services include personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other necessary items.

• Adherence to Defence Safety Authority (DSA) 03 – Ordnance Munitions Explosives (OME) Part 2 and Explosives Storage and Transport Committee (ESTC) Standard 6 for Building and Civil Engineering (B & CE) inspections.

• The work is a non-personal services contract.

• Technical Inspections: Conducted on a 2- and 6-year rolling basis. Reports due within 10 business days of inspection. 100% compliance with ESTC standards required.

• Professional Appraisals: Conducted every 6 years. Reports due within 10 business days. 100% compliance with ESTC standards required.

• Schedule 2 Inspections: 100% of required reports completed for specified areas (MUNS Storage Areas 1, 2, & 5) and meet ESTC standards.

• Ad-Hoc Inspections: Performed within 14 calendar days of notification, with reports provided within 21 calendar days.

• Performance thresholds are outlined in the Services Summary (SS), with potential price reductions for failure to meet standards.

• Period of Performance: Base Period (March 2026 - March 2027) with four Option Periods extending to March 2031.

• Place of Performance: RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell.

• Security: Requires anti-terrorism training, OPSEC training, and background checks (NAC, HAC, FBI) for all personnel requiring base access. Approved security clearance is valid for five years.

• Personnel: Inspectors must be trained and certified, meeting specific membership requirements (e.g., ICE, IStructE).

• Communication: Coordination with CO/COR is crucial for scheduling and access.

• Equipment: All equipment with transmitters must be approved for Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation (HERO).

• Reporting: Technical Data Reports, Professional Appraisals, and inspection reports must be submitted digitally in current/updated ESTC formats.

• Safety: Compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations (OSHA, local UK laws) is required. Safety briefs are mandatory.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule attachment for the opportunity. Bidders are expected to use this format to provide their pricing for the CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers) listed.

• CLINs: Technical Inspections, Professional Appraisals, Schedule 2 Inspections, Ad-Hoc Inspections.
• Periods of Performance: Base Period (20 Mar 2026 - 19 Mar 2027), Option Period 1 (20 Mar 2027 - 19 Mar 2028), Option Period 2 (20 Mar 2028 - 19 Mar 2029), Option Period 3 (20 Mar 2029 - 19 Mar 2030), Option Period 4 (20 Mar 2030 - 19 Mar 2031).
• Quantities: Specified quantities for each CLIN per period.
• Unit of Measure: Each.
• Pricing Fields: Unit Price and Extended Total are provided for bidders to complete.
• Totals: Base Period Total, Option Period Totals, Contract Value, 6-Month Extension, and Total (GBP) are included for summation.

This price schedule is critical for bidders to understand the expected quantities and structure for pricing the services required under the contract. Bidders must complete the 'Unit Price' and 'Extended Total' columns accurately for each CLIN and period to submit a compliant proposal. The provided quantities indicate the anticipated workload for each service type across the contract's potential duration.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 3 - Applicable Provisions and Clauses.pdf," lists various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses that are incorporated by reference or in full text into the contract. It serves as a comprehensive reference for the legal and regulatory requirements that will govern the contract.

• FAR Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists numerous FAR clauses with their titles and effective dates, covering areas such as System for Award Management, Contract Terms and Conditions for Commercial Products and Services, and various small business provisions.
• DFARS Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Lists numerous DFARS clauses with their titles and effective dates, covering areas such as requirements relating to compensation of former DoD officials, safeguarding covered defense information, and prohibitions related to certain foreign entities and regions.
• FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text: Includes the full text of FAR clause 52.212-5, "Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services," and outlines specific sub-clauses that apply.
• DFARS Clauses Incorporated by Full Text: Includes the full text of DFARS clause 252.225-7043, "Antiterrorism/Force Protection for Defense Contractors Outside the United States."
• Supplemental Clauses Incorporated by Full Text: Includes the full text of supplemental clauses such as 5352.201-9101 "Ombudsman," 5352.223-9000 "Elimination of Use of Class I Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)," and 5352.242-9000 "Contractor Access to Air Force Installations."
• Representations, Certifications, & Other Statements: Includes FAR clauses related to Offeror Representations and Certifications for Commercial Products and Services (52.212-3), which requires offerors to provide information on business size, certifications, and compliance with various statutes and executive orders.

This document is critical for bidders as it details the specific legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements that will apply to the awarded contract. Understanding these clauses is essential for preparing a compliant proposal and for ensuring successful contract performance. Bidders must review these clauses to assess their ability to meet all obligations, including those related to small business participation, cybersecurity, labor laws, and foreign entity restrictions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Appendix C - ESTC 6 2 and 6 Yr Facility List Updated 2025.xlsx", provides a detailed list of facilities, including their identification numbers, inspection dates, and next inspection due dates. It serves as an appendix to the main solicitation, offering crucial information regarding the physical locations and their maintenance schedules.

• Facility Identification: Each entry includes a unique facility number and often a descriptive name (e.g., 'ADMIN/TECH SITE', 'ESA', 'AIRFIELD').
• Inspection Dates: The spreadsheet lists historical inspection dates and future scheduled inspection due dates, extending up to 2031.
• Comments: Some entries include specific notes or remarks related to the facility or its inspections.
• Facility Types: Facilities are categorized into types such as 'ADMIN/TECH SITE', 'ESA' (Explosives Storehouse), and 'AIRFIELD'.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work related to facility maintenance and inspection services. It details the specific locations, the frequency of required inspections (e.g., 'Prof Appraisal 6 yearly', 'Tech Inspection 2 yearly'), and the projected schedule. Bidders should use this information to assess their capacity, resource allocation, and to accurately price their proposals for any related maintenance or inspection services required by the opportunity.