Prescott National Forest, Potable water tanks cleaning and inspections

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides Amendment 1, containing questions, answers, and clarifications for solicitation 127EAU26Q0046.

• Certifications: The RFP requires qualified diver certifications. Additional certifications can be submitted to demonstrate technical capability and experience in inspecting requirements.
• Water Discharge Location: Designated water discharge for tank cleaning is to be in an area immediately adjacent to the tank.
• Performance Period: The performance period can be extended to 60 days if referring to the 30-day period from Notice to Proceed (NTP). Inspections outside of site opening periods are possible, but tanks must be inspected without water, with appropriate measures taken to meet all requirements.
• Access Roads: Access roads do not require more than a high-clearance 4x4 truck or SUV. Tanks are located near regularly traveled public routes.
• Tank Access Openings: Most tanks have 24-inch top hatches suitable for diver entry. Access openings (roof manways) are generally at least 28 inches in diameter or square, with specific dimensions provided for several tanks (e.g., Crown King 26"x26", Lynx Lake 28"x28").
• Ground Discharge: Ground-applied discharge is permitted at each site, with designated discharge areas adjacent to the tank.
• Sediment Removal: The scope includes removing up to 3 inches of sediment. Cleaning of all horizontal surfaces and tank walls to remove bio-growths, sediment, sludge, and debris is required.
• Accessibility: All reservoirs are accessible by truck and trailer; ATVs or UTVs are not required.
• Water/Sediment Disposal: Discharge of water to the ground with proper de-chlorination is acceptable, as is the use of sediment bags for capturing and containing solids.
• Ladders: All tanks have both exterior and interior ladders.

These clarifications address specific requirements related to certifications, site access, tank dimensions, cleaning procedures, and disposal methods, which may impact how bidders prepare their technical proposals and approach the work.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the Prescott National Forest to procure services for cleaning and inspection of potable water storage tanks across the forest. The government intends to award a firm-fixed price contract.

• Cleaning and inspection of seven specific potable water storage tanks.

• Services include tank cleaning and inspection for locations such as Mingus CG, Potato Patch CG, Horsethief Basin Cabin, Groom Creek Horse Camp, Lynx Lake Recreation Area, Granite Basin Recreation Area, and Crown King West.

• A Statement of Work (SOW) is attached and provides a complete list of requirements.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of performance is not explicitly stated but implied by the need for cleaning and inspection.

• Estimated value is not stated.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items listed in the Schedule of Items.

• Failure to provide pricing for individual line items may result in disqualification.

• Quotations will be evaluated based on lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the ability to meet requirements and demonstrate understanding of the SOW.

• Past Performance will also be evaluated.

• Offerors must provide a detailed explanation of their ability to perform the services and how they will accomplish the SOW requirements. If subcontracting, proposed subcontractors and their equipment must be listed.

• Offerors must also detail any requirements in the SOW that cannot be successfully accomplished.

• Offerors are advised that the Forest Service intends to award without discussions, so exceptions may lead to technical unacceptability.

• Offerors agree to hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the receipt of offers.

• The acquisition is marked as "UNRESTRICTED" in Block 10, but specific clauses related to Small Business (52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside) are checked, indicating a potential small business set-aside.

• Offer Due Date: May 4, 2026, at 1700 Pacific Time.

• Questions are due no later than April 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

• Questions should be submitted via email to scott.beeman@usda.gov. Please include the solicitation name and number in the subject line.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR and AGAR clauses by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically.

• The document includes standard forms (SF 1449) for solicitation and contract ordering.

• The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is detailed for filing agency protests.

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

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for the cleaning and inspection of seven (7) potable water storage tanks located within the Prescott National Forest, Southwestern Region 03.

• Mobilization to seven (7) water storage tank sites.

• Cleaning of all horizontal surfaces and tank walls to remove bio growths, sediment, sludge, and debris.

• High-pressure water washing using water free from contaminants.

• Interior inspection of tanks using a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) or divers.

• Exterior inspection of tanks by trained personnel.

• Documentation of physical defects, structural conditions, safety systems, and appurtenances.

• Reporting of all deficiencies, including photographs and corrective action recommendations.

• Cleaning must adhere to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards.

• Cleaning compounds must be EPA, FDA, and NSF approved; chlorine-based materials are prohibited.

• Water used for cleaning must be potable in physical and chemical characteristics.

• Inspections must identify defects and ensure compliance with AWWA and OSHA standards.

• Draft inspection reports are due within two (2) weeks of service completion.

• Final inspection reports, including all deliverables, are due within 14 days of award.

• Performance period: Thirty (30) days from the issuance of Notice to Proceed.

• Locations: Seven (7) water tanks across the Prescott National Forest (specific locations detailed in the document with coordinates and driving directions).

• Adherence to all Confined Space requirements and OSHA safety regulations.

• Provision of qualified personnel certificates within 14 days of award.

• Submission of an Inspection Schedule and Disinfection Procedures within 14 days.

• Contractor staging is permitted within adjacent areas of the water tanks.

• Site access will be provided via label keys, PNF personnel, or a combination.

• Disposal of excess water and sediment at an approved project area.

• Disposal of all other tank waste material in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements, including de-chlorination.

• Attachment A: Project Vicinity Map

• Attachment B: Water Tank Pictures

Wage Determination

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5471, Revision No. 27) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Arizona County of Yavapai, applicable under the Service Contract Act.

• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, their corresponding occupational codes, and the minimum hourly wage rates required for each. This includes a wide range of categories such as Administrative Support, Automotive Service, Health Occupations, Information Technology, and many more.
• Fringe Benefits: Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates ($5.55 per hour or $222.00 per week) and details on paid sick leave (EO 13706), vacation (based on years of service), and paid holidays (minimum of eleven per year).
• Special Conditions:
  • Computer Employees: Notes that the determination may not apply to exempt computer professionals as defined by 29 C.F.R. Part 541, and a conformance may be necessary for non-exempt employees in these roles.
  • Night Pay & Sunday Pay: Details differentials for night work (10% basic pay) and Sunday work (25% basic pay).
  • Hazardous Pay Differential: Outlines an 8% differential for high-hazard work and a 4% differential for low-hazard work involving ordnance and explosives.
  • Uniform Allowance: States that contractors must furnish uniforms or reimburse employees for their cost and maintenance if required.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting authorization for additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination, including the use of the Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations for comparison.