FA560626QA048 CATM Firing Range Cleaning - Questions and Answers.pdf

1. General Clarification Notice & Scope Guidelines The following official clarifications and technical planning estimates are provided to assist prospective offerors in developing technically compliant and accurately priced proposals for the Combat Arms Firing Range maintenance contract at Spangdahlem Air Base.

1. Waste Disposal Facilities: All hazardous and ballistic lead waste collected under this contract shall be staged and delivered on-site at Spangdahlem Air Base to the designated Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) holding facility located at Building 610. Disposal tipping fees at this designated base facility are furnished by the Government at no additional disposal cost to the contractor.

Contractors remain responsible for all packaging, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) drum liners, sealed lids, handling, and compliant transport from Building #605 to Building #610.

2. Work Execution Schedule: In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.4.8, all recurring maintenance, inspections, and cleanings shall occur on Fridays during standard base operating hours (0800–1630) to prevent interference with daily military training missions.

3. Planning Guesstimates: Where historical exact metrics are not codified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), reasonable engineering and operational planning guesstimates are provided below to establish a common baseline for proposal preparation. Offerors are responsible for verifying their technical approach against standard firing range maintenance practices.

2. Detailed Questions and Answers

Question 1: PWS 1.4.2, 1.4.4 / CLIN 0002 — Filter Replacement Quantities & Scope Question: Please clarify the anticipated annual quantity of replacement DCU filters, pre-load compound, and F-Class 9 bag filters. Are offerors expected to price replacement of all filters annually, or only replacement of defective filters identified during inspections?

Government Response: Offerors must inspect, check, and clean all filtration components on a monthly cycle (PWS 1.4.2 & 1.4.4). Replacement is required whenever filters exhibit degradation, damage, pressure drop exceeding manufacturer tolerance, or physical defect. Offerors should structure CLIN pricing to cover the monthly inspection/cleaning routines and budget for anticipated replacements based on standard firing range operating wear.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• DCU Cartridge Filters (Donaldson P/N 4106): 2 to 4 filter replacements annually (out of 8 total installed units).

• F-Class 9 Bag Filters (Roof & Side Handlers): 10 to 15 filter replacements annually (out of 25 total installed units).

• Pre-Load Compound (P/N 1997, 50 lb bags): 2 to 4 bags (100 to 200 lbs) annually, applied whenever DCU filters are replaced.

Question 2: PWS 1.4.2, 1.4.4 — Historical Filter & Compound Quantities Question: Can the Government provide historical annual quantities of DCU filters, pre-load compound, and F-Class 9 filters replaced under the current or previous contract?

Government Response: Precise historical log data under the preceding contract is not maintained as a separate solicitation attachment. Offerors should utilize standard industry replacement factors for enclosed military small-arms ranges.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Historical operational volume reflects an average turnover of approximately 25% to 50% of the DCU cartridge elements and 40% to 60% of the secondary F-Class 9 bag filters per 12-month period.

Question 3: PWS 1.4.1 — Historical Lead Waste Quantities (Bldg 605) Question: Can the Government provide historical annual quantities (weight or volume) of lead waste removed and disposed of from Building 605?

Government Response: PWS Paragraph 1.4.1 mandates the quarterly removal and replacement of one (1) 55-gallon drum from the Auger (Screw Conveyor System) and one (1) 20-gallon drum from the Dust Collection Unit (DCU). Total annualized containerized volume is fixed at four quarterly cycles.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Annual Container Volume: 220 gallons (Auger system) + 80 gallons (DCU system) = 300 total gallons per contract year.

• Annual Weight Guesstimate: 1,200 kg to 2,200 kg (approx. 2,640 to 4,850 lbs) of spent bullet fragments, heavy particulate, and lead dust, depending on annual qualification ammunition volume.

Question 4: PWS 3.1 / 3.2 — Waste Disposal Costs & On-Base HAZMAT Facility Question: Please confirm whether disposal of lead waste at the on-base HAZMAT facility is provided at no cost to the contractor or whether disposal-related costs should be included in contractor pricing.

Government Response: Per PWS Sections 3.1 and 3.2, the Government provides the on-base HAZMAT holding facility at Building 610 at no direct disposal or tipping fee to the contractor.

Contractor pricing must only incorporate internal costs for LDPE drum liners, sealed drum lids, labor, PPE, cleaning materials, handling, and transportation between Building 605 and Building 610.

Question 5: PWS 1.4.5 / 1.4.6 — Square Footage of Range Floor and Support Areas Question: Please provide the square footage of the firing range floor and associated support areas included within the cleaning requirement.

Government Response: The cleaning envelope spans all visible flooring from the containment trap system to the rear storage and staging areas behind the firing line back wall (PWS 1.4.5).

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Total range floor footprint is approximately 3,200 to 4,200 square feet (approx. 300 to 390 m²), comprising a 25-meter active firing zone, 10 to 14 firing positions, target lanes, and adjacent mechanical/storage rooms.

Question 6: PWS 1.4.6 — Quantity of Action Target TCT-4 Systems Question: Please provide the quantity of Action Target TCT-4 systems requiring service under this contract.

Government Response: Building 605 houses a single integrated multi-lane Action Target Total Containment Trap (TCT-4) system spanning the entire impact width of the facility.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• The installation is configured as a 10 to 14 lane continuous modular containment trap system connected to a common screw conveyor auger mechanism.

Question 7: Solicitation Section 5 — Source Selection Methodology Clarification Question: The solicitation identifies the award basis as ‘Best Value Tradeoff’; however, Section 5 appears to indicate award will be made to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible quoter. Please clarify the intended source selection methodology.

Government Response: Award will be made to the responsible offeror submitting the lowest priced, technically acceptable (LPTA) quotation meeting all performance and compliance standards set forth in the PWS and solicitation instructions. The solicitation is amended to correct the “award type” selection on page 4.

Question 8: Solicitation/PWS — Incumbent Contract Details Question: Is this requirement currently being performed under an existing contract? If so, can the Government provide the incumbent contractor name, contract number, and current annual contract value?

Government Response: Yes, the predecessor contract for these services is FA560621P0051, awarded to Hermes & Greisler GmbH with a total historical award value of $308,741.83.

Question 9: Ammunition Types Utilized Question: What ammunition type is used? Live ammo, frangible ammunition?

Government Response: The Combat Arms range utilizes standard Department of Defense authorized small-arms military ammunition. This predominantly comprises live lead-core ball munitions (5.56mm NATO / M855/M193, 9mm NATO, and 7.62mm NATO), with occasional specialized training or frangible munitions utilized during specific course modules.

Question 10: UK-Based Personnel, NATO SOFA Accreditation, DOCPER, TESA & Base Access Question: Please confirm whether the contract and UK personnel will be eligible for NATO SOFA Status Accreditation through DOCPER under Article 73 of the NATO SOFA Supplementary Agreement (TESA), and whether the USAF will sponsor/process accreditation. Please also advise on base-access vetting.

Government Response: 1. TESA / DOCPER Status: Eligibility for Technical Expert Status Accreditation (TESA) under Article 73 of the NATO SOFA Supplementary Agreement is determined by the DoD Contractor Personnel Office (DOCPER) in coordination with German authorities. Routine janitorial/cleaning service contracts generally do not qualify for TESA status; however, the USAF Contracting Activity will process required paperwork for formal determinations if applicable.

2. Base Access & Vetting: UK and third-country national personnel must comply with standard Spangdahlem AB Installation Access Control procedures. Unescorted base passes require vetting through the 52d Security Forces Squadron Pass & Registration Office, including submission of valid passports, criminal background checks (Police Clearance Certificate / ACRO for UK citizens), and host nation work authorizations.

Question 11: Waste Disposal Location — On-Site vs Final Disposal Question: Is the waste disposal onsite, final disposal, or a holding pen?

Government Response: Contractor disposal responsibility terminates upon proper transfer and receipt at the on-base Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) holding facility at Building 610. Final off-base transportation and ultimate environmental disposal from Building 610 to licensed European waste facilities is handled separately by the Government.

Question 12: System Filter Counts & Annual Requirements Question: Is there an annual requirement? How many filters does the system have?

Government Response: The contract is a 12-month base period with potential option years. The filtration infrastructure consists of:

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Dust Collection Unit (DCU): Eight (8) cartridge filters (Donaldson P/N 4106) — inspected monthly

(PWS 1.4.2).

• Roof & Side Air Handler Systems: Twenty-five (25) F-Class 9 bag filters (592mm x 592mm x 600mm) — inspected monthly (PWS 1.4.4).

• Total Active Filters in System: 33 filters.

Question 13: Hazardous Dust & Contaminant Quantities in Auger/DCU Question: What approximate quantity of hazardous dust/contaminants should be expected in the Auger and Dust Collection Unit?

Government Response: Quantities are governed by firing schedules. Container changeouts occur quarterly.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Per Quarterly Cycle: 1 x 55-gal drum (auger) + 1 x 20-gal drum (DCU) = 75 gallons per quarter (~300 to 550 kg of dense residue per cycle).

• Annual Cumulative: ~300 gallons (~1,200 to 2,200 kg total).

Question 14: Dimensions of DCU and F-Class Filters Question: What are the dimensions of the Dust Collection Unit (DCU) and the F-class filters?

Government Response: F-Class 9 Bag Filters: 592 mm x 592 mm x 600 mm (PWS 1.4.4).

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Dust Collection Unit (DCU) Envelope: Standard industrial central dust collector footprint:

Approximately 2.4 m to 2.8 m Height × 1.6 m to 2.0 m Width × 1.4 m to 1.8 m Depth.

Question 15: Filter Locations & Roof Access Question: Where are the filters located/installed? Are any of the filtration components located on the roof of the unit?

Government Response: Yes. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.4.4, filtration components are located both within the dedicated mechanical room (DCU 8 cartridge filters) and on the roof and side handler systems (25 F-Class 9 bag filters). Contractor personnel must utilize approved roof ladders/stairways and wear appropriate safety equipment for elevated servicing.

Question 16: Range Floor Dimensions & Construction Material Question: What are the approximate dimensions and material of the indoor range floor?

Government Response: Material: Heavy-duty reinforced poured concrete treated with an impermeable, chemical-resistant, anti-static epoxy/polyurethane surface sealant to enable damp mopping and HEPA vacuuming.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Planning Guesstimate Dimensions: Approximately 28 to 35 meters in length by 12 to 15 meters in width (approx. 330 to 500 m²).

Question 17: Dimensions of Action Target TCT-4 System Question: What are the dimensions of the Action Target TCT-4 system?

Government Response: The TCT-4 system comprises impact steel plates, deceleration scroll chambers, and an integrated recovery auger spanning the back wall.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Width: ~12.0 to 14.5 meters (spans full range width).

• Height: ~3.2 to 4.0 meters (floor to upper baffle intake).

• Depth: ~4.0 to 5.5 meters (containment chamber and access perimeter).

Question 18: Distance from Bullet Trap to Range Exit / Access Point Question: What is the approximate distance from the bullet trap to the range exit/access point?

Government Response: The facility features rear and side ground-level double egress doors for equipment and waste transfer.

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Planning Guesstimate Distance: Approximately 30 to 45 meters (approx. 100 to 150 feet) from the bullet trap trough to the exterior loading door.

Question 19: Ground-Level Access, Stairs, and Restrictions Question: Is the range located at ground level, or are there any stairs, level changes, or other access restrictions relevant to the removal of filters and ballistic residues?

Government Response: The primary firing line, floor area, auger system, and DCU drum collection points are located at ground level with roll-in access for heavy drum dollies. Filtration equipment on the roof air handler units requires access via secured exterior/interior service stairs/ladders.

Question 20: Expected Residue Weight per Cleaning Cycle Question: Approximately how many kilograms of projectile/bullet residues should be expected for disposal during each service/cleaning cycle?

Government Response: Residue quantities depend on the specific task frequency:

Planning Guesstimate(s):

• Bi-Weekly Cleaning (PWS 1.4.5 / 1.4.6): Floor and target vacuuming yields approximately 5 to 15 kg of particulate and lead debris per cycle.

• Monthly Filter Servicing (PWS 1.4.2 / 1.4.4): Filter changeout/shakeout yields approximately 15 to 30 kg of trapped particulate.

• Quarterly Drum Replacement (PWS 1.4.1): Removal of one 55-gal auger drum and one 20-gal DCU drum yields approximately 300 to 550 kg of spent lead bullets and concentrated dust per quarter.

• Semi-Annual Deep Clean (PWS 1.4.7): Scrubbing behind TCT-4 system yields approximately 25 to 50 kg of residual buildup.

3. Summary of Estimated Technical Parameters The following matrix consolidates the key technical parameters, PWS references, and planning guesstimates detailed in the preceding sections to serve as a quick-reference baseline.

Item / Feature PWS Reference

Specification / Metric Planning Guesstimate Baseline

Waste Delivery Point PWS 3.1, 3.2 On-Base HAZMAT Holding

Bldg 610 (Zero tipping fee)

DCU Filters PWS 1.4.2 Donaldson P/N 4106 8 total installed; ~2–4 replaced/yr

Pre-Load Compound PWS 1.4.2 P/N 1997 (50 lb bag) ~2–4 bags (100–200 lbs) / yr

Range Roof/Side Filters PWS 1.4.4 F-Class 9 (592×592×600mm)

25 total installed; ~10–15 replaced/yr

Auger Drum PWS 1.4.1 55-Gallon Drum (LDPE Liner)

1 drum / quarter (4 / yr)

DCU Drum PWS 1.4.1 20-Gallon Drum (LDPE Liner)

1 drum / quarter (4 / yr)

Annual Lead Waste Volume

PWS 1.4.1 4 Quarterly Cycles ~300 Gallons / ~1,200–2,200 kg

Range Floor Area PWS 1.4.5 Containment to Back Wall

~3,200–4,200 sq ft (300–390 m²)

TCT-4 System Size PWS 1.4.6 Multi-Lane Action Target Trap

10–14 Lanes (~13m W × 3.5m H × 4.5m D)

Distance Trap to Exit Facility Layout

Ground Level Egress ~30–45 Meters (100–150 ft)

Bi-Weekly Cleaning Residue

PWS 1.4.5/6 Floor & Trap Vacuuming ~5–15 kg per cycle

Quarterly Drum Residue PWS 1.4.1 Auger & DCU Drums ~300–550 kg per quarter

— End of Clarifications Document —

3. Summary of Estimated Technical Parameters