Sources Sought - AIS IDIQ_1.docx

Sources Sought Notice: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Services

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Basin Region, is issuing this sources sought notice to determine the availability and capability of small business sources for a contemplated services titled: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Inspection Services.

This notice is a tool to identify small businesses that have both the technical expertise and capability to accomplish the work required for Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection Services and is for INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. Information obtained through this notice may be used to determine the potential for issuing a future solicitation for this project as a small business set-aside, and to provide input for the Government’s overall acquisition strategy.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, QUOTE, OR AN INVITATION FOR BIDS and does not constitute any commitment by the Government. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice. All interested sources must respond to future solicitation announcements separately from responses to the sources sought notice.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this project is 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, with a small business size standard of $16.5 million.

CONTRACT TYPE:

It is anticipated that the Bureau will award 5-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to multiple contractors to provide flexibility and coverage for reservoirs across the Upper Colorado Basin Region.

IDIQs are a framework of terms and conditions, clauses, schedule of labor rates, and general contract requirements. Task Orders are then issued for the specific work. The Task Orders will define the location, the period of performance, and any special or unique tasking associated with the location.

Awardees of an IDIQ will compete against each other for Task Orders and other tasks that arise as funding becomes available. Prospective awardees are not required to be capable of performing in all locations identified, however they will be required to meet all certification and performance requirements as defined below.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The principal components of work for this project include, but are not limited to, providing the following:

1. TASKS

1.1. AIS Inspection Services

Contractor will provide AIS inspection services of all incoming boats at designated reservoirs. Exit inspections will be required at reservoirs that have tested positive for any aquatic invasive species. Inspections must follow all state-approved guidelines, and contractor staff must be trained and certified through a state-approved program prior to performance of watercraft inspections and decontaminations (Level I and II, Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training see Task 1.4). Contractor staff must make arrangements to train with the appropriate state as soon as possible after hiring.

Watercraft inspections for vessels larger than 26 feet will take place at a pre-arranged location depending on space and availability. For example, current New Mexico State law requires individuals transporting a vessel larger than 26 feet in length into the state to contact NMDGF ahead of time to arrange an inspection. Measurement and payment for large vessels will be in accordance with the contract line items for “Large Vessel Inspection”.

The Contractor should expect a standard (low-risk) watercraft inspection to last between one and three minutes and a high-risk inspection to last between three and six minutes. The Contractor will staff at levels to efficiently inspect all watercraft at designated reservoirs while keeping wait times and traffic backups to a minimum.

Tracking Contractor will electronically track actual inspections, using a mobile application provided by the government for use. Contractor will provide tablet/pad to the inspector(s) on duty. The database, as well as any photography taken, will be made available to Reclamation staff on monthly basis or immediately if an infected watercraft was inspected and decontaminated.

1.2. Decontamination of Watercraft

As needed, Inspectors with Level II certification will perform hot water decontamination using the mobile decontamination units. Equipment may be provided by Reclamation on a case by case and location specific determination. Decontamination procedures will be outlined during training and based on State and Regional guidelines.

Watercraft decontamination for vessels larger than 26 feet will take place on an as needed basis dependent on the results of the inspection, at a pre-arranged location depending on space and availability. Measurement and payment for large vessels will be in accordance with the contract line items for “Large Vessel Decontamination”.

Coordination with Law Enforcement and Red Tag Issuance Watercraft owners are to be informed of the need for hot water decontamination and the risks posed by invasive mussels. With their permission, the hot water decontamination is performed. If the watercraft owner refuses hot water decontamination and the inspector feels that zebra, quagga, or other AIS are present and pose a significant risk of introduction, a Red Tag will be issued immediately and/or law enforcement will be contacted immediately (to contact or prevent the owner from launching the watercraft). Under no circumstances is the Level I/II inspector required or allowed to prevent a conveyance from launching. If the watercraft owner insists on launching the boat without decontamination, the inspector will step aside, remind the owner a law is being broken and immediately contact law enforcement. The inspector will ensure that enough information is obtained to be able to identify the lawbreaker to law enforcement (e.g. license plate number, make and model of vehicle, boat description, including any photography or video recordings).

Training will address many of the details involved with inspection, decontamination, and issuance of a Red Tag. Only Level I & II certified inspectors are certified to issue and remove a Red Tag . Law enforcement is required if citations or impoundment of a conveyance is required. If a Red Tag is issued, the inspector will follow the protocol of the State in which the tag was issued.

1.3. Public Outreach

Public outreach will primarily consist of Inspectors conversing with the watercraft owner during the inspection. Placards and other educational materials will be distributed during this interaction. Reclamation or state agencies will provide educational materials for distribution as well as signage. Public outreach topics will be covered during training.

1.4. Training and Certification for Inspection and Decontamination Services All contractor staff will be required to attend Pacific State Marine Fisheries Commission Level I and II, Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training (WIT) and receive certification for all Inspectors. Copies of training certificates will be provided to Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

1.5. Monthly & Annual Reporting

Contractor will be required to submit a monthly report (due within 5 working days after the end of the month) to the COR. Electronic tracking (Task 1.1) will assist in generating the monthly report. An annual report should also be provided at the end of the year that summarizes these data for each inspection site (due within 20 working days after the end of the year).

Reports should include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.6. Development of Safety Plan

The Contractor is required to furnish a Safety Plan to Reclamation’s technical representative within 30 days of contract award and to employees assigned to task work. The Safety Plan, at a minimum, shall include requirements for use of protective clothing, a summary of safety and emergency procedures to be used in the event of insect, rodent, or reptile bites (i.e. rattlesnake bites), COVID-related safety measures, and the plan should outline procedures for weather or thunderstorm related closures. A good source of Reference is Reclamation’s Safety and Health Standards.

LOCATION OF THE WORK:

Example of work locations over the past 5 years include boat ramps located at:

· Navajo Reservoir in New Mexico and Colorado

· Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico Additional reservoirs to be staffed may include, but not limited to:

New Mexico:

· Brantley Lake State Park

· Caballo Lake State Park

· El Vado Lake State Park

· Summer Lake State Park

· Heron Lake State Park

Colorado:

· Blue Mesa Reservoir

· Crawford State Park

· Jackson Lake, Mancos State Park

· Lake Nighthorse

· Lemon Reservoir

· McPhee Reservoir

· Navajo Reservoir

· Paonia Reservoir

· Ridgway Reservoir

· Rifle Gap State Park

· Taylor Park Reservoir

· Vallecito Reservoir

· Vega Reservoir

Utah:

· Flaming Gorge Reservoir

· Newton

· Lost Creek State Park

· Red Fleet State Park

· Steinaker State Park

· Starvation State Park

· Scofield State Park

· Jordanelle State Park

· Deer Creek State Park

· Rockport State Park

· Causey Reservoir

· Willard Bay State Park

· Echo State Park

· East Canyon State Park

Arizona:

· Lake Powell

Wyoming:

· Flaming Gorge Reservoir

· Fontenelle Reservoir

INFORMATION REQUESTED:

All interested and qualified firms responding to this Sources Sought Notice are required to provide the following information:

1. Firm’s name, address, point of contact, phone number, email address and website if applicable;

2. CAGE Code & DUNS Number;

3. Any or all Small Business Classifications, to include size and any additional socio-economic categories such as, but not limited to, 8(a) Program, SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, and or WOSB, etc.;

4. Brief capabilities statement that addresses experience performing similar projects as a prime contractor;

5. Identify which locations at which you are capable or interested in performing.

SUBMIT TO:

Responses to this sources sought notice should be received no later than 2:00 pm MDT on April 19, 2021. Submit responses by email to the attention of Ms. Josephine Ojewia, Contracting Officer: Email – jojewia@usbr.gov .