Questions 10 Mar 26.docx

DOCX document 26 KB Posted

Attached to
Biosolids Pumping
Solicitation number
FA7000-26Q0020
Issued by

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This is a Questions and Answers document that provides clarifications on the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Biosolids Pumping Services at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), solicitation number FA7000-26Q0020. The document addresses contractor inquiries regarding grease trap maintenance procedures, water backfill requirements, service frequency expectations, and applicable industry standards.

Key clarifications include: Oil/water separators and sand traps require washing and draining followed by filling with clear water per their unique configurations; grease traps require residual water levels to remain higher than lower inlets after cleaning, with full wash-downs required only during annual cleaning services (specified for two traps); routine service involves flushing and pumping as required by trap configuration rather than mandatory power washing at every visit; annual cleaning entails complete pumping, drying, and thorough washing of all components; contractors must comply with the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) Onsite Treatment Tank Pumping and Cleaning Code of Practice. Regarding service frequency for "as required" items, the government provided historical usage estimates: septic tanks anticipate one service over the contract period, holding tanks require 3-4 services annually based on use, and the single "as required" grease trap is currently inactive with no food service operations. The document also confirms the government will provide reference photographs of grease trap designs to support bidders' understanding of trap configurations.

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1. Our host said she had pictures of a grease trap that she could provide in order for us to have a more clear understanding of how the grease traps located inside the restaurants are designed. Would you be amenable to sharing a picture of the trap with us? Enclosed is a reference photo of (1) of the smaller traps/interceptors located inside of Bldg.2354 – Fairchild.

1. The PWS states that we need to back fill a trap after cleaning with clear water. Is this specific to certain traps? If so, can you let us know which ones? All grease? All Oil/Water Separators?

1. Section 1.2 Oil/Water Separators and Sand Traps: This section explicitly states the requirement. "Wash and drain the separator and fill with clear water as required for the unique configuration of the separator."

1. Section 1.3 Grease Traps: "Residual or recharge water must be higher than lower inlets." This indicates that water must be left or put back into the trap to a specific level after cleaning.

1. Section 1.3.2 Annual Cleaning : Annual cleaning specifies the water level requirement. "Residual or discharge water must be higher than lower inlets."

1. Do the traps need to be power washed down after every service – or just have the material pulled out of the trap?

2. There are 2 traps listed for annual cleaning, but the PWS states that we need to wash out traps at every service. Will you expand on this requirement?

1. Section 1.3 (Grease Traps): This section requires the contractor to "Flush with water and pump out remaining residue as required by the unique configuration of the grease trap." The phrase "as required" suggests that a full flush may not be a mandatory step for every single service and could be dependent on the specific condition or design of the trap. It may be necessary to removed hardened grease if pumping does not remove the accumulated fats, oils, grease and food solids from the trap.

1. Section 1.3.2 (Annual Cleaning): This section details a more intensive "thoroughly cleaned out annual" service. This annual service explicitly includes the step to "Wash systems down with clean water and pump out remaining residue". This section requires a full wash-down for an annual deep cleaning for the (2) specific grease traps listed. An annual cleaning is a much more intensive service that goes beyond routine pumping to ensure the long-term integrity and functionality of the grease trap system. It will require that the trap be completely pumped out and left dry, is thoroughly washed – walls, baffles, intake and outtake pipes etc.

1. Section 4.7 states that the contractor must perform work in accordance with the “Onsite Treatment Tank Pumping and Cleaning Code of Practice” as adopted by the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) Board of Directors.

1. There are several traps that state “as requested”. Do you have a rough guesstimate on how many times those traps need to be serviced? It will help in building a bid to have an idea of how many times we should anticipate needing to clean out the traps. Even a rough guess will point us in the right direction.

1. Septic Tanks: Contractor can anticipate at 1 service over the course of the contract.

1. Holding Tanks: Historically, 3-4 x per year; varies based on use.

1. Grease Trap: There is only (1) grease trap that is listed on an “as required” basis. Currently this location does not have food service and is not using the grease trap.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .