Questions_Responses FINAL.pdf

Question or Comment Number Question/Comment USCG Response

The SOW states: “Sample rinsate generated after each flushing evolution of truck tank, piping, proportioning system, pump, discharges, foam tank drains, system relief valves, roof and bumper turret, 2 side hose discharges, and booster reel as well as any other foam concentrate or foam contaminated components of the truck.”

Sampling for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS takes about 15-20 days. Does the facility understand this? This project is going to take a little time.

Yes, the Base understands this. Vendors should accommodate this in their scheduling to ensure timely completion of the requirement.

The SOW states: “Characterize, sample, and transport waste off Base Kodiak premises and to an appropriate final receiving facility which will properly dispose of the product, contaminated media, and reinstate IAW all local, state, and federal laws and regulations” Would this disposal not fall under the current in place contract for disposal at Base Kodiak? I know we bid on this and it included PFAS contaminated waste” This solicitation is not in conjunction with any other solicitations for disposal at Base Kodiak.

Why would analytical need to be performed on this if it is a known PFAS,PFOA, PFOS item?

This requirement is present because many final disposal facilities require analytical testing to accept and conduct final disposition of waste received.

What is the Facilities intention on disposal method? There are a few option here and they all bear different costs. It is not fair to the bidders to not list one specific method, unless the base wants the cheapest available option.

The government does not require a specific method of disposal, as long as the waste is being disposed of legally and within regulatory requirements and proof of proper disposal is provided.

We have performed work in Anchorage, Seward, coopers landing, and Soldotna. Is this appropriate for work completed in Alaska? Yes.

What indoor facilities does the base have for working and performing this since Base Kodiak is currently in the middle of winter and flushing will only freeze and not be effective. Interior facilities are not set aside for this scope of work.

The SOW (Section 1.1) identifies a target of below MCLs for PFOA and PFOS. Is this a project requirement and if so, how will it be measured/analyzed? What will the enforcement mechanism be if the target isn’t achieved?

Section 1.1 outlines a requirement. The requirement will be satisfied if the rinsate following flushing and remediation achieves the "below MCL" requirement via testing. Enforcement mechanism will be that re-flushing and/or continued remediation will be required until the requirement threshold is met.

Can you identify how disposal method will be evaluated? Will the liability elimination included with destruction be considered more valuable than least cost disposal methods?

The government does not require a specific method of disposal, as long as the waste is being disposed of legally and within regulatory requirements and proof of proper disposal is provided.

Solicitation 31140PR260000010 Questions and Responses

Is there any extra floor stock AFFF that needs to be disposed? If so, how much and type of container/containers is it in? Floor stock AFFF is not salient to the solicitation.

10 Can an SDS for the AFFF be provided? The SDS will be provided to the successful offeror.

Is there a fork truck and/or loader to help offload/load equipment from a van trailer? A minimum 6,000lb lifting capacity would be ideal. Yes. The vendor must provide a qualified operator to use this equipment.

Is there 110, 240, 480-volt power source available for use at the location where decontamination will be performed?

There are no outlets in the vicinity of the location set aside for the work detailed in the solicitation.

Is there a water supply at the location where decontamination will be performed? (Garden Hose) Yes

14 Is there a fire hydrant or indoor hydrant available? Yes

What is the size and location of the building that can be used for decontamination? Interior space is not set aside for this scope of work.

16 Restroom facilities available? None at the location. There are public restrooms close to the performance area.

17 How much AFFF is on the 2013 Oshkosh striker that needs removed? There is negligible AFFF concentrate in the CG ARFF truck.

Given the remote location of USCG Base Kodiak and the reliance on marine freight transportation, does the Government anticipate flexibility in scheduling performance during more favorable seasonal conditions (e.g., spring) to reduce weather-related safety and logistics risks, provided overall contract requirements are met?

This is an urgent requirement. A delay in the performance start date will not be authorized due to weather conditions.

Does rinsate sampling need to be taken from each individual discharge point after each flush. Or, if all ports are flushed at the same time can we take one representative sample of each of the 3 flushes (totaling 3 rinsate samples)?

A representative sample taken at the end of each flush to determine if rinsate meets the required threshold per the scope of work would satisfy the requirement.

20 Will the capture of outbound tested F3 foam be needed?

Foam and rinsate will need to be captured, release of any contents of the truck outside of spill prevention measures is an unacceptable outcome.

The PWS references “non-detect or below lab reporting levels for PFOA/PFOS” or “below EPA MCLs of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS.” Can the Government please specify the exact reporting limits (RL) and detection limits (DL) that will be accepted for the laboratory method(s)?

Analytical data from each round of sampling shall be provided for each round of flushing and remediation.

Can the Government verify that the foam tank and the water tank on the ARFF vehicle can be properly isolated for decontamination purposes? If not, are there any known limitations or required procedures to achieve isolation?

The two specified tanks are isolated and foam is introduced only through the opening of a singular valve.

Industry practice indicates that part replacement is often more effective and economical than decontamination. Therefore, it is generally recommended that consumable parts (such as hoses, valves, etc..) be replaced if possible. Additionally, ARFF vehicle decontamination typically targets only the AFFF-impacted foam tanks.

Can the Government confirm that this standard approach is acceptable for this contract or is full system decontamination required? Full system decontamination is required.

Can the Government confirm the required analytical method for PFAS analysis (e.g., EPA 533, 537.1, DoD QSM), and whether Alaska state laboratory accreditation and DoD ELAP certification are mandatory for acceptance of results?

PFAS analysis will be performed by a Base Kodiak contractor. Vendor is not responsible for this analysis.

Can the Government confirm the availability of a certified ARFF vehicle operator to drive the vehicle and operate hydraulic components during decontamination, or should the Contractor plan to provide a qualified operator? The government can provide a certified ARFF operator.

What is the process and expected timeline for securing site access including requirements for badge/pass issuance, antiterrorism training, EMS orientation, and key checkout via Military Police? This information will be provided to the selected offeror when given notice to proceed.

The PWS states that the ARFF cleanout must be completed within 30 days after award. Does this period include time required for Government coordination for site access/logistics, final analytical results, and manifests or can the manifests be provided for USCG signature more than 30 days after award as long as the vehicle is cleaned and the analytical results are provided? Sometimes obtaining the appropriate signatures on documents can take some time.

Certificates of disposal can be provided more than 30 days after award, but the contaminated rinsate and byproducts must be containerized and manifests for shipping off-island must be finalized by the end of the 30 day POP.

The PWS does not specify a Work Plan or Sampling Plan. Please confirm these documents will not be required.

While not required as formal submittals, the government has a vested interest in how offerors articulate how work will be executed and the COR and KO will weigh any requests for POP extension against offerors progress and proposed plans provided before proceeding.

Is it the Government’s intent to perform the ARFF decontamination work during the warmer months or is there flexibility regarding the timing of field activities?

This is an urgent requirement. A delay in the performance start date will not be authorized due to weather conditions.

Do you have a worksheet we need to complete or do we send it in on our letterhead?

Offerors should submit their quotes in accordance with the solicitation instructions. No worksheets or templates are available.

31 Do we email the bid to you or upload it in a different program?

Offerors should follow the instructions contained in the solicitation regarding the email address for quotes.

32 What will be the month the work needs to be completed? 30 days after the contract is awarded and a notice to proceed provided

Achievement of metrics for PFOA and PFOS: the SOW stipulates that the final rinsate generated is to achieve the lower of: 1) non-detect, or below lab reporting levels for PFOA and PFOS, and 2) below EPA MCLs of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. While these metrics can be achieved on the rinsate following ex-situ treatment (i.e., outside of the ARFF vehicle), current best available technology will not be able to remove 100% of residual PFOA and PFOS form the truck tank, piping and fittings, even through multiple flushes. Would the Government consider amending the performance goals to achievement of these two metric in treated rinsate?

This is a firm requirement, the basis of the scope of work is to remediate the interior surfaces and components of the truck and the rinsate sampling is the methodology of determining if that requirement has been achieved. Full system decontamination to the more stringent of the two thresholds is required. The requirement will be satisfied if the rinsate following flushing and remediation achieves the "below MCL" requirement via testing. Enforcement mechanism will be that re-flushing and/or continued remediation will be required until the requirement threshold is met.

Schedule: does the Government have an anticipated timeline as to when the project will be awarded? As soon as qualifiable offers are assessed.

Period of Performance: given the logistical considerations of mobilizing equipment and qualified personnel to USCG Base Kodiak, will the Government consider extending the Period of Performance? This is an urgent requirement. A delay in the performance start date will not be authorized.

Equipment Provision: The SOW requires the contractor to provide all Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). However, to minimize cost and logistical complexity, we would like to inquire whether the Government has a forklift available on-site that could be made available for use during the project. If so, please confirm availability, terms of use, and any associated costs.

A forklift may be available for use. It is the contractor's responsibility to provide a qualified operator.

Weekend Work: Given the 30-day period of performance, we are considering working on weekends to ensure timely completion. Does the Government permit weekend work under this contract? If so, what is the process for obtaining the required approval from the Contracting Officer, and are there any base access or coordination requirements we should anticipate for weekend operations?

Normal working hours for this project shall be Monday through Friday 0730-1630 excluding all Federal holidays. Work outside these hours shall require verbal or written approval of the Contracting Officer or his/her authorized representative.

Period of Performance Extension: While we intend to complete all work within the 30-day window, unforeseen logistical challenges (such as off-island transportation delays, weather, or laboratory analysis) could arise. Would the Government be open to considering a formal extension of the period of performance if justified and requested through proper channels after award?

Certificates of disposal can be provided more than 30 days after award, but the contaminated rinsate and byproducts must be containerized and manifests for shipping off-island must be finalized by the end of the 30 day POP.

I have been made aware that there were some questions submitted regarding the specification to achieve "below lab reporting levels" or "below EPA MCLs f 4 ppt". The former being variable depending on what lab and method used, and the latter being an extremely stringent standard for a fire truck decon.

Section 1.1 outlines a requirement. The requirement will be satisfied if the rinsate following flushing and remediation achieves the "below MCL" requirement via testing. Enforcement mechanism will be that re-flushing and/or continued remediation will be required until the requirement threshold is met.