B09_A1_Amendment_Answers_to_RFIs_0001.docx

White Sands National Park (WHSA) RFP 140P1326Q0030 Pumping Vault Toilets Amendment 0001 – RFIs and RFI Answers Issued:8/22/2026 All RFIs received following the instructions in the solicitation by the due date and time specified are in this document along with answers provided by the Government.

1. The PWS identifies 26 total 1,000-gallon holding tanks and requires complete pumping of each tank. For purposes of preparing the firm-fixed-price quotation, should offerors assume that each tank may be full at the time of service (up to 26,000 gallons of total waste to be pumped and disposed of), or should the lump-sum price cover the actual volume present at the time of service regardless of quantity?

a. In general, an assumption of an average across all tanks is about 65% full. The park’s visitation fluctuates and therefore so does the use. Additionally, some vaults are used for special events and commercial use and demand for them varies. The lump sum price shall cover the actual volume present at the time of services regardless of quantity.

2. If offerors should not assume full tanks, is an estimated total waste volume or historical average volume available for pricing purposes?

a. ~65%. The goal of this instance of pumping is to clear vaults before very busy holiday periods in November and December, and to do so before the park is very busy making this work more challenging. The last instance of pumping was in earl July.

3. Also, does the Government need to approve the wastewater treatment/disposal facility in advance, or is use of a properly permitted facility meeting all applicable federal, state, and local requirements sufficient?

a. The latter, permitted facility meeting all applicable federal, state, and local requirements

4. Refill Water Sourcing and Standards: Performance Work Statement (PWS) Section 3.2 states that the contractor is responsible for hauling all water and that the park does not provide water for refill. Please clarify if there is any water source available within the park boundaries (such as at the Visitor Center or HQ) that the contractor may access. Additionally, please confirm if the refill water must meet potable standards, or if non-potable/reclaimed water is acceptable for vault toilet recharging.

a. The park does not have water available for this purpose. Non-potable water is acceptable.

5. On-Site Safety Supervisor Delegation: PWS Section 7 indicates that the contractor must maintain an on-site safety supervisor during pumping operations. Please confirm if this supervisor role can be designated to a qualified employee or foreman of our subcontractor, or if the supervisor must be a direct, non-working employee of the Prime Contractor.

a. Safety Supervisor may be from subcontractor.

6. Approved Waste Disposal Facilities: PWS Section 3.3 requires the contractor to dispose of all collected waste at a government-approved wastewater treatment facility. Could the Government provide a list of pre-approved disposal facilities or local municipal plants (such as in Alamogordo or Las Cruces) that are authorized to accept this waste?

a. No, this is responsibility of the contractor to research and provide.

7. Advance Notice of Park Notification: PWS Section 3.4 states that work must be performed within ten (10) business days after notification from the Park, while Section 4.2 requires all pumping and servicing to be scheduled and completed in one to two days. To facilitate subcontractor fleet scheduling, how much advance notice will the Park provide prior to the required 1-to-2 day completion window?

a. The park will contact contractor at least 1 week before the start of the period of performance to request scheduling. The primary goal is to have the service completed between Sep 28 - Oct 31 and 5 consecutive business days to perform all services *(NOTE: this is a change to PWS from 1-2 consecutive days to 5 consecutive business days).

8. Park Access and Permit Fee Waivers: PWS Section 10 states that the Park will provide access guidance and staging areas. Since all pumping operations will occur within the boundaries of White Sands National Park, please clarify if commercial entry fees and vehicle permits for the heavy vacuum trucks and water tankers will be waived by the National Park Service.

a. The contractor will pay no fees for staging or entry of vehicles, equipment, and personnel into that park for the purpose of this contract.

9. Do we have the entire period of performance from Sep 28 - Oct 31st to pump all of the vaults? Or just the 2-day period?

a. The contractor has the period of performance of Sep 28 - Oct 31 to schedule five consecutive business days to service all vault toilets *(NOTE: this is a change to PWS from 1-2 consecutive days to 5 consecutive business days).

Contractor has five consecutive business days to complete all vault pumping.

10. What are the official hours of operation for the site during the performance period? Will the park remain open to visitors while pumping and cleaning operations are underway?

10. 7 AM - 6 PM. Yes, park remains open to visitors while pumping and cleaning.

11. If road closures occur due to missile testing at White Sands Missile Range during the scheduled work, would the government grant an extension of time to complete the pumping operations?

11. The park will communicate White Sands Missile Range tests to contractor if they should be on days for pumping. All efforts by contractor shall be made to ensure that the pumping occurs within the period of performance.

12. May the contractor inspect the restroom facilities the day prior to the scheduled pumping operations to ensure readiness and proper planning?

12. Yes, with at least 24 hrs prior notice to COR.

13. Will the government provide a guided site visit prior to the start of performance so the contractor can familiarize themselves with the locations and access routes?

13. Yes, with at least 24 hrs prior notice to COR.

14. Are all of the vaults locked or are they open hatch?

14. The vault latches are not locked.

15. Could we have a staging area to leave equipment overnight?

a. Yes, there is a staging area near Maintenance buildings (across main park road from Visitor Center). No vehicles or equipment may be left in dune fields overnight.

16. For pricing purposes, should quoters assume that all twenty-six 1,000-gallon holding tanks may be at or near full capacity at the time of service, or can the Government provide an estimated waste volume or anticipated fill level?

a. Refer to the answers at questions 1 & 2.

17. Is there a specific Government-approved wastewater treatment/disposal facility that must be used, or may the contractor select any facility that complies with the applicable New Mexico Environment Department and other regulatory requirements?

a. Refer to the answers at questions 3 & 6.

18. Are there any known truck size, weight, axle, road, or access limitations along Dunes Drive that should be considered when planning vacuum trucks and water-hauling equipment for the required one-to-two-day completion window?

a. If the vehicles meet the NMDOT standards for highway travel then they will meet standards for travelling roads in the park. There are no overhead power lines or other access limitations.