Attachment 9 LTWWP - Final Questions and Answers.pdf

Lake Texoma Water and Wastewater Plant

FA302024Q0022

Questions and Answers

Q1: Was this contract awarded last August when it was initially released? If so, what is the reason for rebidding it less than a year after the award?

A1: No, this contract was awarded in September 2022 as a bridge contract. It was for the base year and one (1) option year.

Q2: Can you clarify the reasoning behind requiring employees to hold minimum Class C licenses in both groundwater and wastewater treatment? Are there specific job tasks or requirements that necessitate this dual certification?

A2: Please reference PWS paragraph 1.1.2. The government has determined the service provider will have a minimum of a valid Class C license in groundwater and in wastewater treatment as prescribed by the State of Texas to ensure proper testing of water purity and waste water treatment.

Q3: Is there flexibility in the requirement for employees to hold both groundwater and wastewater treatment licenses, or are there alternative qualifications or certifications that could be considered?

A3: No, please reference PWS paragraph 1.1.2. The government has determined the service provider will have a minimum of a valid Class C license in groundwater and in wastewater treatment as prescribed by the State of Texas.

Q4: What is the rationale behind the two-year timeframe for evaluating NOVs against prospective employees considering the typical regulatory environment and frequency of violations in the industry? Are there specific concerns or incidents that led to this requirement?

A4: No, there is not a specific incident that led to inclusion of NOV criteria in PWS paragraph 1.1.2

Q5: Are there alternative methods or qualifications that could be considered to ensure competent and experienced staff without imposing strict NOV criteria?

A5: No, the government will not consider alternative methods or qualifications

Q6: How does the procurement process account for the practical challenges faced by small businesses in fully staffing a crew of dual-certified operators with facilities free from NOVs in the past two years?

A6: Historically, there has not been an issue staffing the Lake Texoma Water Plant and Wastewater Plant with dual-certified operators with facilities free from NOVs in the past two years.

Q7: Can you provide more details about the distribution of vitrified clay pipe (VCP) and PVC within the collection system? Are there specific areas or segments where each type of pipe is predominantly used?

A7: No, the original system consists of more clay pipe (VCP) than PVC. New construction (e.g.

2014 flood repairs) have been updated to PVC.

Q8: How will the absence of information regarding the number of manholes in the language impact the planning and execution of the project? Are there any concerns or implications associated with this omission?

A8: No, please reference PWS section 1 for the scope and responsibilities of the service provider.

Q9: At what facility is the project currently disposing biosolids to?

A9: Historically, biosolids have been serviced by IMC Waste Disposal Wichita Falls, TX.

Companies that maintain the necessary certifications to handle this type of waste can be researched through TCEQ’s Central Registry.

Q10: What is the average annual biosolids volume for disposal generated by the project?

A10: Historically, biosolids have not been disposed of every year. Annual usage/plant operations drives the amount generated per year.

Q11: How do the identified high-volume usage times, such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and weekends, impact the infrastructure or operations that need to be monitored for compliance?

A11: This is determined by the service provider’s designed and implemented plan to ensure the permitted maximum flow limits on the wastewater treatment plant are not exceeded. This is the responsibility of service provider.

Q12: Considering the frequency of high-volume usage times, particularly during summer weekends in the southern region, what challenges are anticipated in implementing hourly flow monitoring, especially overnight?

A12: Please see A11.

Q13: Can you elaborate on the significance of Section 1.4.8.3 in relation to the language in Section 2.6.2? How do these sections complement each other in addressing compliance during peak usage periods?

A13: Please reference PWS paragraph 1.4.8.3. The service provider is responsible for designing and implementing a plan to prevent exceeding the maximum flow limits set in the permit. If the maximum flow limits are exceeded and immediate notification of TCEQ and COR as well as filing of the necessary documents is not completed it may be determined as neglect by service provider. Liability or monetary fines associated with a permit infringement or neglect resulting in citation and/or NOV shall be assumed and paid by the service provider as stated in PWS paragraph 2.6.2.

Q14: How does the requirement for contractors to begin repairs immediately while also necessitating negotiation with the Contracting Officer (CO) after the fact impact the clarity and certainty of reimbursement for incurred costs, and what measures are in place to ensure fair and consistent outcomes in such negotiations?

A14: Please reference PWS paragraph 1.5.2 for parameters to conduct emergency repairs without review by the COR and approval in writing by CO. Once proper notification and the temporary repairs are in place to rectify the emergency the CO will authorize payment from the not to exceed CLIN X0003 Parts/Materials/Labor for Significant repairs. Permanent repairs will follow the procedures in PWS paragraph 1.5.1.1. or 1.5.1.2.

Q15: How does the contract address liability and monetary fines, particularly in situations where they may arise due to circumstances beyond the contractor's control or where negligence is not clearly established?

A15: Please reference FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (f) Excusable Delays.

Q16: How does the absence of specific circumstances defining inoperable or missing equipment impact the liability of the contractor, and what measures would you propose to mitigate potential risks and ensure fair allocation of responsibility?

A16: Please reference FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (f) Excusable Delays.

Q17: The current operating permit(s) were not included in the solicitation. Will the government provide a copy(s) of any operating permits before award?

A17: TCEQ does not issue operating permits for Public Water Systems (PWS). The waste water permit may be accessed on TCEQ’s website:

https://www15.tceq.texas.gov/crpub/index.cfm?fuseaction=iwr.itemdetail&item_id=8372491420 20247&addn_id=700836872002065&showdetail=Y.

Q18: Have there been any instances of non-compliance in the last two years, whether or not a NOV was issued by the state?

A18: No, there has not been a NOV issued by the State of Texas in the last two years.

Q19: What is the maximum depth of the collection and distribution lines?

A19: 36”

Q20: If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contract number and the name of the incumbent?

A20: The incumbent service provider is Patterson Professional Services, LLC. The contract number is FA302022C0020

Q21: Could you tell me what the contract value is (if this is a current contract in place)?

A21: The current value of the contract is approximately $203K

Q22: Can you provide a copy of the sign-in sheet from the site visit held on May 9th, 2024?

https://www15.tceq.texas.gov/crpub/index.cfm?fuseaction=iwr.itemdetail&item_id=837249142020247&addn_id=700836872002065&showdetail=Y https://www15.tceq.texas.gov/crpub/index.cfm?fuseaction=iwr.itemdetail&item_id=837249142020247&addn_id=700836872002065&showdetail=Y

A22: Yes, sign in sheet attached with the amendment.

Q23: Please provide the O&M manual used to secure the licenses/permits, or an updated O&M manual maintained onsite and used to operate the plants. The documents will help us evaluate and prepare the required solicitation documents.

A23: Please see Attachment 3 of the solicitation for government provided equipment. O&M manuals may be downloaded from the internet.