Water Treatment Chemicals & Services Contract (BPA)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) from UChicago Argonne, LLC, operator of Argonne National Laboratory, for "ANL Site Emergency Generator & Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Service Contract." The Laboratory intends to issue an award based on a Best Value/Trade-Off methodology. This RFP does not commit the Laboratory to purchase any goods/services.

• Furnishing of all materials, equipment, tools, and supplies for the ANL Site Emergency Generator & Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Service Contract.

• Work to be performed in accordance with the specifications outlined in the Statement of Work, dated May 4, 2026.

• Contract type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of performance and estimated value are not explicitly stated in this document.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to Jazlyn Mangis (jmangis@anl.gov) by June 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST.

• Proposals must be structured into three separate documents: Part I - Technical Proposal, Part II - Business/Management Proposal, and Part III - Cost/Price Proposal.

• Evaluation criteria are detailed in Enclosure No. 5 and include Treatment Plan, Comparable Resources, and Safety Training for the Technical Proposal.

• The Business/Management Proposal requires information on Corporate Profile, Financial Condition and Capability, and Acceptance Period of Proposal.

• The Laboratory reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and may make an award without discussion.

• Offerors are encouraged to have an active registration on SAM.gov prior to award.

• The RFP package includes multiple enclosures covering instructions, terms and conditions, statement of work, high-risk conditions, evaluation criteria, representations and certifications, organizational conflict of interest, and price schedule.

• Any prospective offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation must request it via email by May 21, 2026, 3:00 PM CST.

• Costs for proposal preparation and submission are the responsibility of the offeror.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Appendix A: Argonne Terms and Conditions for Commercial Goods and Services," outlines the standard contractual terms and conditions that apply to commercial goods and services procured by Argonne National Laboratory. It serves as a critical attachment to any purchase order or contract, detailing the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both Argonne and the contractor.

This appendix includes a comprehensive list of clauses covering various aspects of the contract, such as:

• Contract Administration: Assignment, Audits and Rights, Changes, Conduct of Employees, Cybersecurity and IT Acquisitions, Disputes, Integration, Limitation of Liability, Non-Waiver of Defaults, Order of Precedence.
• Performance and Compliance: Environmental Protection, Excusable Delays, Inspection, Acceptance and Title, Laboratory Site Access, Safety and Health, Packaging, Payments, Public Release of Information, State and Local Taxes, Suspect Counterfeit Parts.
• Termination: Termination for Cause, Termination for the Laboratory's Convenience.
• Incorporated Clauses: References to specific FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DEAR (Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation) clauses, along with their applicability and effective dates.
• Specific Lists: Includes a "Suspect/Counterfeit Bolt Headmark List" to aid in identifying non-conforming parts.

Potential bidders must carefully review this document to understand the contractual framework governing the opportunity. Key areas of focus include:

• Compliance Requirements: Understanding obligations related to cybersecurity, safety, environmental protection, and the handling of suspect counterfeit parts.
• Payment Terms: Familiarizing with the payment schedule and methods.
• Dispute Resolution: Noting that the Contract Disputes Act is inapplicable and disputes are adjudicated in the State of Illinois.
• Termination Clauses: Understanding the conditions under which the contract can be terminated.
• Incorporated Regulations: Identifying which FAR and DEAR clauses are applicable to the specific contract, as these often contain detailed requirements and restrictions.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for a qualified water treatment provider to supply chemicals, technical services, monitoring systems, and engineering support for Argonne National Laboratory's (ANL) complex water systems. The primary goal is to ensure operational efficiency, asset protection, environmental compliance, and personnel safety through effective chemical treatment and monitoring.

• Systems Covered: Pretreatment systems, open recirculating cooling systems, closed loop systems, and central chilled water systems.

• Services: Chemical supply, system monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, water safety program implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Specific Tasks:

  • Chemical Supply & Management: Continuous inventory, scheduled weekly deliveries, and provision of all necessary chemicals and services for effective water treatment.
  • Scale and Corrosion Inhibitor: Provision of compatible, non-chromate, organic phosphonate-based inhibitors, with specific requirements for copper corrosion inhibition and limitations on zinc usage. Corrosion rates must be maintained below specified limits.
  • Biocide: EPA-registered, water-soluble oxidizing and/or non-oxidizing biocides for intermittent use with chlorine, maintaining microbiological control below 100,000 organisms/mL.
  • Building 444 Storm Pit Acid Treatment: Use of a 50% sulfuric blend with scale and corrosion inhibitors, with specific delivery and PPE requirements.
  • Anti-Foam: Treatment for foaming issues in cooling towers, with automatic feed capabilities.
  • pH Control: Program designed to manage pH within cooling tower systems.
  • Nitrite/Molybdate Treatment: Treatment for closed recirculating systems.
  • Disinfection Treatment: Optional system using 18% sodium hypochlorite, with bacterial testing required.
  • Zebra Mussel Treatment: Monitoring and treatment program to provide 0.5 - 1.0 ppm total oxidant residual.

• Monitoring & Control Systems: Propose and implement treatment and monitoring plans for all systems, including direct inert and active inhibitor control, remote and real-time monitoring (every 6 seconds), and 24x7 monitoring by a live water treatment engineer. Installation and maintenance of nine controllers are required.

• Inspection & Maintenance: Conduct weekly, monthly, and annual inspections of cooling towers and systems, perform internal inspections, analyze corrosion coupons, and provide troubleshooting.

• Training: Provide ongoing annual and new-hire training for ANL personnel on control test methods, procedures, and response to variations. Training includes winter lay-up and spring start-up procedures.

• Reporting & Documentation: Provide weekly service reports, monthly performance summaries, quarterly and annual reviews, and maintain a digital platform for integrated data. Written reports on test results and recommendations are required.

• Maintain system integrity by preventing corrosion, scaling, and biological fouling.

• Ensure safe and compliant operation of all water systems.

• Optimize chemical usage and operational costs.

• Reduce risk from microbiological hazards.

• Support Argonne's sustainability and environmental goals.

• Microbiological control maintained at less than 100,000 organisms per milliliter.

• Corrosion rates less than 1.0 mil per year (mpy) on mild steel, 0.2 mpy on copper-nickel, and 0.2 mpy on copper.

• Zebra mussel treatment to provide 0.5 - 1.0 ppm total oxidant residual.

• Period of Performance: Base Year: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027. Two Option Years: Through June 30, 2029.

• Place of Performance: Argonne National Laboratory facilities, including Building 583 (pretreatment plant), cooling tower systems across the site, central chilled water systems, and contractor facilities for lab analysis and reporting.

• Contractor Staff: In-house professional staff of degreed engineers, biologists, metallurgists, including Licensed Water Treatment personnel. Staffed R&D Laboratory with ISO 17025:2017 certification.

• Experience: Over 20 years of experience, with experience in organizations of similar size and complexity to ANL and within the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories system.

• Certifications: Conversant with AWWA rules and regulations, ISO 9000, and ASQ programs.

• On-Site Requirements: Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) prior to award. All chemical containers must be labeled per OSHA standards. Personnel require orientation and specific safety training (e.g., HAZMAT, OSHA 10/30, fall protection, PPE). Real ID or equivalent and U.S. citizenship required for access.

• Sub-contracting: Not permitted.

• Delivery: Chemicals supplied on a "delivered" basis. Drivers require CDL with HazMat and tanker endorsements, Smith System training, background checks, TWIC card, and OSHA 10/30 training. Deliveries made Monday-Friday, 0730-1430.

• Government-Owned Property: ANL may provide access to facilities and infrastructure; contractor is responsible for all equipment and materials.

• Security: All personnel must meet DOE site access requirements, including Real ID/U.S. passport, U.S. citizenship, and HSPD-12 credentials for unescorted access. Compliance with Argonne IT and data access policies is required.

• Water Safety Program: Development and implementation of a water safety program for cooling towers in accordance with ASHRAE 188-2018, including Legionella testing and analysis, inspections, maintenance, and disinfection coordination. Requires an in-house Legionella testing laboratory within 25 miles of ANL.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "High Risk On-Site Supplemental Conditions," outlines specific contractual requirements and conditions for contractors performing work at Argonne National Laboratory designated as "High Risk." It details critical aspects of the contract related to safety, health, environment, insurance, indemnity, and site access.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it establishes the stringent safety and operational protocols that must be adhered to when working on-site at Argonne National Laboratory. Key areas of focus for bidders include:

• Notice to Proceed: Work cannot commence until a written notice is received.
• Indemnity: Contractors must indemnify the Laboratory against losses and damages.
• Insurance: Specific insurance coverage requirements are detailed, including minimum limits and carrier ratings.
• Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H): This is a major focus, requiring compliance with numerous federal regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 851, OSHA standards) and specific Argonne requirements. It mandates the development and implementation of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), safety orientations, and adherence to various safety plans (e.g., fall protection, confined space).
• Reporting Requirements: Procedures for reporting incidents and unauthorized releases are outlined.
• Site Access and Rules: Contractor personnel must undergo ES&H orientation and adhere to laboratory site rules, including prohibitions on certain items and behaviors.
• Electrical Safety: Specific requirements for electrical installations and equipment are detailed.
• Permits: Various on-site permits are required for specific activities.
• Disciplinary Program: A progressive disciplinary program for safety violations and misconduct is in place.
• FAR/DEAR Clauses: Specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) clauses related to personal identity verification, pollution prevention, access to records, and integration of ES&H into work planning are included.

Bidders must carefully review these conditions to understand the significant safety, health, and operational obligations associated with performing work at this high-risk site.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for RFP No. 6-B187-P-00147-00, detailing how proposals will be assessed to determine the best value award. The evaluation will be conducted in accordance with Argonne National Laboratory's approved Procurement policies.

• The Technical Proposal is of greater importance than the Price Proposal and Business Management Proposal.
• Award will be based on best value tradeoffs, aiming for the highest technical acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated proposed cost.
• Consideration may be given to proposals with higher evaluated costs if their technical advantages merit the additional cost.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria, listed in descending order of importance:

A. Technical Proposal

• CRITERION 1 - Treatment Plan

  • Basis for Evaluation: System providing real-time data for process control, controlled scale/corrosion inhibitors, a plan for controllers/storage/piping, and a water safety plan for legionella monitoring in cooling towers.
  • Offeror to Provide: Details on chemical controllers, corrosion/scale inhibitors, water safety plan outline, and proof of a legionella testing laboratory within 25 miles of Argonne National Laboratory (samples must be received within 48 hours). Equipment must be provided and installed at no cost to the Laboratory.

• CRITERION 2 - Comparable Resources

  • Basis for Evaluation: In-house degreed engineers, biologists, metallurgists, and licensed water treatment personnel with ISO 17025:2017 certification; conversant with AWWA, ISO, and ASQ standards; over 20 years of experience with organizations of comparable size and complexity to Argonne National Laboratory; and a local chemical distribution facility.
  • Offeror to Provide: Proof of staff qualifications, at least three references for comparable customers, and proof of local chemical distribution facility location. Weekly deliveries must be possible on the same day each week.

• CRITERION 3 - Safety Training

  • Basis for Evaluation: Sales/service representatives must have specific safety training (OSHA 10/30, LOTO, PPE, etc.). Deliveries must be performed by vendor employees (no third-party contracting). Drivers/delivery specialists must have specific training (OSHA 10/30, CDL with HazMat/tanker endorsements, Smith System, background check, TWIC cardholder).
  • Offeror to Provide: Current certifications for sales/service reps and drivers/delivery specialists. Details on safety training and delivery plan, including whether a first or third-party delivery system is used.

• Details for technical requirements must be provided in the technical proposal.
• The Laboratory will select based on best value tradeoffs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "ANL-70B (Long Version) - Reps & Certs," dated January 13, 2025, is a collection of representations and certifications required from offerors for solicitations issued by Argonne National Laboratory. It serves to gather essential information about the offeror's business, compliance status, and eligibility.

This document is divided into several parts, each addressing specific FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) clauses and requirements:

• Part 1: Applicable for All Offers/Solicitations: Covers general information, business organization type, small business program details, NAICS codes, and representations regarding telecommunications equipment, laboratory terms, suspect counterfeit parts, and personal conflicts of interest.
• Part 2: Applicable for Offers ≥ $2,500 For Services: Includes certifications related to exemptions from Service Contract Labor Standards.
• Part 3: Applicable for Offers ≥ $10,000: Addresses affirmative action compliance, equal opportunity compliance, and Buy American Act requirements for supplies.
• Part 4: Applicable for Offers > $30,000: Pertains to reporting executive compensation and first-tier subcontract awards.
• Part 5: Applicable for Offers ≥ $35,000: Requires certifications regarding debarment, suspension, proposed debarment, and other responsibility matters.
• Part 6: Applicable for Offers ≥ $50,000: Includes certification regarding knowledge of child labor for listed end products.
• Part 7: Applicable for Offers ≥ $150,000: Covers certification and disclosure regarding payments to influence federal transactions and compliance with Veteran's Employment Reporting Requirements.
• Part 8: Applicable for Fixed Price Offers ≥ $250,000: Contains certifications for independent price determination and covenant against contingent fees.
• Part 9: Applicable for Offers ≥ $550,000: Addresses combating trafficking in persons.
• Part 10: Applicable for Offers ≥ $2,000,000: Requires Cost Accounting Standards notices and certifications.

Offerors must carefully review and complete all applicable sections of this document. Accurate completion is crucial for determining eligibility, compliance, and overall responsibility. Failure to provide accurate certifications may result in the rejection of an offer or termination of a contract. The document requires specific representations and certifications related to business status, compliance with labor laws, ethical practices, and financial disclosures, all of which are critical for bid evaluation and contract award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "Organizational Conflicts of Interest Disclosure/Representation Statement" (ANL-548, June 1, 2011). It requires offerors to disclose any past, present, or planned financial, contractual, organizational, or other interests that could create an organizational conflict of interest (OCI) or an unfair competitive advantage.

• Definition of OCI: Explains that an OCI exists when a person is unable to render impartial assistance, their objectivity is impaired, or they have an unfair competitive advantage due to other relationships or activities.
• Disclosure Requirement: Apparent successful offerors must provide a statement detailing relevant interests.
• Content of Statement: Requires disclosure of:
  • Past (within 12 months), present, or planned financial, contractual, organizational, or other interests related to the statement of work.
  • For contractual interests: client name, address, services rendered, and responsible officer.
  • For financial interests: nature and extent of the interest and involved entities.
  • A statement confirming no actual or potential OCI exists, or that any existing OCI has been communicated.
• Format for Disclosure: Offerors should divide data into four parts: Organizational, contractual, financial, and other. For each interest, they must provide:
  • The company/agency/organization.
  • A description of the relationship (including scope of work).
  • The period of the relationship.
  • The extent of the relationship (e.g., value, percentage).
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to provide the required statement may result in ineligibility for award, and misrepresentation can lead to penalties.

Bidders must complete and submit this form as part of their proposal. It is crucial for understanding and mitigating potential conflicts of interest that could affect their ability to perform the contract impartially or could give them an unfair advantage. Failure to properly disclose can lead to disqualification.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Enclosure No. 8, the Appendix C - Price Schedule for the Water Treatment Chemicals & Services Contract (BPA), under RFP No. 6-B187-P-00147-00. It provides the pricing structure for various water treatment chemicals and services over a base year and two option years.

• Contract Period: Base Year (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), Option Year One (July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028), Option Year Two (July 1, 2028 - June 30, 2029).
• Chemicals/Functions: Includes categories such as Scale & Corrosion Inhibitor, Antifoam, Biocide, Closed System Inhibitor, Dispersants, Layup, Steam Boiler Treatment, Cleaner, and Acid.
• Pricing Structure: For each chemical/function, it lists Unit Price ($/lb), Estimated Volume (lbs), and Unit Total ($) for each contract year. Note: Estimated volumes are listed as 0.0 for all items in the provided text.
• Special Notes:
  • GSA products are subject to change per the GSA catalog pricing.
  • Scale & Corrosion Inhibitor must be controllable and dosable automatically by tagged and inert polymer concentration.
  • Bromine must come in 25 lb. buckets for safe handling.
• Bidder Information: Fields are provided for Company, Contact, Title, and Date to be completed by the bidder.

This price schedule is critical for bidders to understand the cost structure and potential pricing for the required water treatment chemicals and services. Bidders must complete this schedule accurately to submit a compliant proposal. The estimated volumes, though listed as 0.0, indicate the types and categories of chemicals anticipated for procurement under the BPA.