FA445225Q0003 - QnR.pdf

FA445225Q0003

International Waste Disposal Services

Questions and Responses

Q1) Is there an Incumbent in place? If so, kindly provide the contract award number, awardee name, and award amount of the contract.

R1) Contract FA445222P0001 awarded to Advant-Edge Solutions of Middle Atlantic, Inc., $159,900.00 total contract value.

Q2) What is the estimated monthly or annual volume of waste to be collected?

R2) From 1 Jan 2024 thru 4 Dec 2024: Total Volume: 8,494.82 LBS // Monthly Avg: 707 LBS

Q3)Are there any specific requirements for the type/make of tote containers beyond the 150-gallon capacity?

R3) Totes must meet Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) requirements:

- Equipment (including, but not limited to receptacles such as dumpsters and compactors) used to move/store unprocessed regulated garbage must:

o Be inaccessible to birds, rodents, insects, and other vermin.

o Be closed 3 mil leak-proof plastic bags if bags are the method of containment.

o Be uniquely identified outside the container and if words are used, marked with

“REGULATED GARBAGE” or a similar acceptable phrase in English and any appropriate foreign language.

- If approved, the APHIS compliance agreement holder must ensure that these “Regulated Garbage” markings be displayed at all times during the use of such receptacles for Regulated Garbage activities including storing/hauling per the compliance agreement.

- Containers used for regulated garbage with evidence of contamination with regulated garbage must be cleaned and disinfected according to APHIS requirements.

Q4) What is the current frequency of tote container cleaning/maintenance required?

R4) As required to meet APHIS requirements outlined in Response 3 (R3) above. Contractor responsible to ensure tote cleanliness upon delivery.

Q5) Are there specific access requirements or security clearance processing timelines we should account for?

R5) For access requirements to the pick-up location, Bldg. W1551, the Contractor will follow requirements in the PWS, refer to paragraphs 2.1.1 & 2.1.3

Q6) Is there historical data available on peak periods or seasonal variations in waste volume?

R6) Peak months for regulated garbage volume are Jun-Aug. However, volume is directly based on military airlift requirements and can change at any time without notices. The PWS requirement to pick up waste 3-times a week is sufficient to account for peak periods of waste volume.

Q7) Are there specific temperature requirements for waste storage between collections?

R7) There are no specific temperature requirements identified by APHIS.

Q8) What is the typical turnaround time for escort services to access Building W1551?

R8) When the contractor calls 910-394-7739 (43 AMS Aircraft Services Dispatcher) from the access gate, an escort is dispatched immediately. Estimated turnaround time is 5 minutes.

Q9) Are there any specific truck size limitations or facility access constraints we should be aware of?

R9) There are no specific truck size limitations; however, truck must be equipped to lift totes from truck to ground for loading/un-loading.

Q10) Is there a transition period provided between contract award and start of services?

R10) There is no Phase-In or transition period with the incumbent contractor. Estimated contract award is NLT January 6, 2025, performance start date is 1-week later, starting January 13, 2025.

Q11) Are there specific reporting requirements beyond the proof of incineration?

R11) Refer to the PWS for reporting requirements, specifically PWS paragraphs 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.3, and 2.3.1. As a reminder, IAW RFQ Instructions, Vendors are to provide USDA/APHIS certification required at PWS paragraph 2.2.1, as part of their technical proposal.

Q12) We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

R12) Refer to Response 1 (R1)

Q13) To ensure proper preparation and compliance, could you please provide more details about the actual composition of the waste?

- Q13a) What types of materials are typically included in this waste (e.g., food waste, packaging, or other specific items)?

- R13a) o IAW AFI 24-605, Vol 2, para2.140.4.1.: “Garbage” - Any fruit, meat, vegetable, etc., whole or in part, that is no longer useful or wanted which is placed in a refuse container in galley and passenger compartment area.” Note: Generally, all garbage (to include packaging, drinks, and general refuse) generated on airlift missions from overseas locations and landing at Pope Army Airfield is considered “international waste” or “international garbage”.

o APHIS Regulated Garbage: Garbage becomes regulated by APHIS per definition in 7 CFR

330.401 and 9 CFR 94.5 (c) when generated onboard the conveyance (ocean vessels and aircraft) only when the garbage is on or removed from the conveyance. Commingling:

Garbage, trash or other material not regulated by APHIS that is or has been commingled with regulated garbage is also regulated garbage.

- Q13b) Are there any unique characteristics or handling considerations for the waste?

- R13b) o IAW AFI 24-605, Vol 2, 43 AMS will ensure all regulated garbage is bagged and sealed as required prior to being placed in contractor provided totes. Contractor handling considerations are to ensure the waste remains in the totes and that the totes are not leaking.

o Refer to Reply 3 (R3) for specific APHIS handling instructions include:

- Q13c) Are there any materials that are excluded from this waste category?

- R13c) All waste placed in the totes for contractor pick up is “regulated garbage/international waste” and should be handled IAW APHIS guidelines.

Q14) The solicitation states that the waste must be treated via incineration, is the agency open to other treatment methods accepted by state, federal, and local laws?

R14) The Government is open to other methods approved by APHIS. IAW current APHIS regulations, the approved methods for destroying regulated garbage are incineration, sterilization (using an autoclave), or grinding into an approved sewage system; essentially, the goal is to either burn the waste completely, sterilize it through high heat, or process it in a way that effectively eliminates any potential plant pests through grinding and mixing with sewage. Note: Regardless of method of destruction, contractor is still required to notify 43 AMS of destruction within 30 days IAW the PWS.

Q15) The price sheet indicates '12' as the UOM, does this stand for the total price/year?

R15) The ‘12” on the Quote and Contract CLIN Schedule refers to the quantity of the Units required, in this case Months. Vendors are required to submit a price for each month of service in the ‘Unit Price’ column, then multiple the ‘Unit Price’ by the quantity of 12 and enter that total amount in the ‘Amount’ column. NOTE: CLIN 0001 will be changed to a quantity of ‘9’ via an upcoming amendment to the RFQ.

Q16) Please provide average amount of bags per p/u and per month?

R16) Number of bags varies; however, 2024 average monthly volume was 707 LBS. Monthly volume is subject to change as it is directly related to military operational requirements, which can change without notice. The key to ensuring preparedness (delivery of required number of totes) is compliance with PWS paragraph 2.1.3 which ensures 20 150-gallon tote containers are at the Government facility at all times between pickups. Refer to this PWS paragraph for additional requirements.