Attachment 0004 - Q and A - Sources Sought W519TC-26-R-0019_27 April 2026.pdf

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Sources Sought for the Establishment of a Center of Excellence for Energetics
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W519TC-26-R-0019
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About this file

This is a Questions and Answers document for Sources Sought Notice W519TC-26-R-0019, issued by the U.S. Army on April 17, 2026 (updated April 27, 2026), regarding the establishment of an Energetics Center of Excellence (ECOE) at Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in Kentucky.

The government seeks industry input on establishing a new energetics production facility to replace the decommissioned Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP). The project has a $900 million budget and targets completion of demolition by August 2027, with site preparation for industrial use following RCRA clean closure standards. Three existing facilities will remain; all others will be demolished. The government is interested in exploring multiple options for explosives production capacity, including HMX and RDX manufacturing, with no specific target capacity amounts established. Primary focus is on energetics production facilities, with propellant manufacturing as secondary. The government is open to novel business models, including tenancy arrangements and public-private partnerships. The site encompasses 89.25 acres (Section 5) and includes existing bunkers and magazines available for raw material storage. Infrastructure at BGAD includes a 33 MVA electrical substation, water capacity of 720,000 gallons per day (expandable to 1 million gallons per day), 200,000 gallons per day wastewater treatment capacity, fiber optic communications, and rail access. Contractors are responsible for funding utility restoration, upgrades, extensions, and any new systems beyond existing capacity. UFC compliance is required for all buildings; the government does not intend to waive requirements but will consider waivers. The government requires Unlimited Rights to technical data associated with its ECOE investment. A Shared Services Agreement will address costs for security, road maintenance, and similar expenses. State agencies including EPA, OSHA, and KDEP maintain jurisdiction over the site. The document addresses environmental considerations, including wind design category C seismic requirements, no high-risk flood designation, forested and pastoral terrain with prescribed burn mitigation, tornado risk, and prevailing southwesterly winds that could carry emissions toward residential areas. No legacy contamination, SWMUs, or PFAS areas of potential interest exist at the BGCAPP site.

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Question Question Answer

Are there plans to post any additional materials or project details to SAM.gov to further define the scope? Any additional information would be helpful as we develop our conceptual approach and Rough Order of Magnitude pricing.

The attachments section of the SSN has been updated to include Attachment 0002 – BGAD Capabilities Brief.

If no demolition is to occur, what is the nature of the buildings that will be left behind?

The three facilities identified in presentation will remain, all others included in the demolition.

3 Is there any focus on the three blue circles on the main photo of page 5? The circles identify facilities remaining after demolition.

4 What is the plot size of section ‘5’ as per page 5 on Attachment 12? 89.25 acres

Would the builder of the new facility be able to access existing bunkers/magazine for storage of raw materials / RDX/ HMX (noting that the site is at 58% occupied?)

Storage would be available for raw materials, RDX, HMX.

If a greenfield site were identified for use (i.e. section 4) on page 11 – what would be the appetite for Blue Grass to invest in new roads, power, water etc.?

A determination to invest in new roads, power, water, etc. would depend on the solutions provided.

7 Are there any preferences for re-use of the sites? Contractors should identify any opportunities for re-use in their sources sought response.

Are there any recurring service costs to be aware of to support joint security, hazard management, etc.?

A Shared Services Agreement is typically established to address costs related to security, road maintenance, etc. The scope, terms, and cost associated with the Shared Services Agreement would be dependent on the solution identified and could be negotiated.

Can you please inquire if there is an output quantity or capacity that we should be working to? Does the U.S. Government want Holston ‘copied’ or do they have a figure in mind?

No target capacity amounts have been established for explosives at this time. The Government is interested in exploring all possible options.

If we include a cover page and table of contents, would that count against the page count limitation associated with the request?

The page limit is 40 pages and is inclusive of all content.

Will a non-response to the Subject Sources Sought prohibit us from responding to future solicitations for this program?

No, however, industry is encouraged to provide meaningful feedback in order to assist the Government it establishing this capability.

Does the site have access to main roads, and can hazardous materials be transported without passing through residential areas? Is the road infrastructure suitable for heavy vehicle traffic?

Yes.

Are there issues with voltage fluctuations or power quality? What is the frequency and duration of power outages in the area?

Electrical power is coming directly from KU’s power plant on a 138 KV line which indicates the power quality should be very good (annual quality reports can be provided). BGCAPP site has experienced no outages over the last eight years of operations which indicates a very reliable system.

In the event of a power outage, is there an alternative power supply available (e.g., dual lines, ring network, etc.)?

A single 3.3 MW diesel generator will remain on site for backup power.

From which source (mains, groundwater, surface water, etc.) will the water required for production and fire safety in the field be supplied?

Main water supply would be from BGAD with any additional required water supplied by Richmond Utilities.

Is the area exposed to tornadoes or strong wind risks? Is there a risk of hurricanes in the state or region?

Tornadoes do occur in this region. There is no risk of hurricanes. Tornado history data is publicly available from the National Weather Service.

Is the site located in a high-risk area on local flood maps? Are flood and storm protection measures (drainage systems, flood barriers) sufficient for the facility?

No, the site is not in a high-risk flood area. Flood insurance maps are publicly available from FEMA.

18 Are there forests, dry grass, or other high fire-risk areas around the site?

Yes. A mix of forested land on the northern side with rolling pastures. Dry grasses can be found in various areas throughout. Prescribed burns mitigate some of the wildfire risks. This is not typically a high fire-risk area. Wildland Fire Potential Index maps are publicly available from USGS.

What are the average temperatures on the site during winter and summer seasons?

Date for Madison County, Kentucky by month is publicly available on the NOAA website. Also www.kymesonet.com is a resource.

Do the humidity level and extreme temperatures in the area pose a risk to raw material/product storage, production or equipment safety?

Humidity levels for Madison County Kentucky are available on Kentucky MESONET.

www.kymesonet.com

21 Are there any protected areas, agricultural lands, or water basins nearby? There are multiple agriculture leases in the area. Muddy creek is also downstream.

22 What seismic and wind load classes apply to the area? Wind: 120MPH, Risk Factor 4, Seismic Design Category C

Please confirm the Government is not only looking at raw energetics processing on the plant but would also consider new innovations in rocket motor manufacturing?

The Government would potentially consider new innovations in rocket motor manufacturing, but energetics is the primary focus. Industry is not precluded from submitting information on additional capabilities that could optimize operations.

With 750K Net Explosive Weight (NEW) of 1.1, should we assume if there is 1.3 that would be included in the 1.1 NEW?

Yes, the 1.3 would contribute to the 750K 1.1 NEW at the CSC

25 Who manages the utilities on the facility, electrical, etc.?

Electric is privatized on BGAD and City Light and Power is the owner; water and sewer is owned by BGAD and managed by a contractor

What other energetics processing would BGAD be interested in setting up on the new plant? Nitrocellulose, Ground AP, propellant manufacturing?

Primary energetics production facilities should be explosives, propellants should be secondary.

Assuming the plant design needs to be ready when the demolition is complete 8/2027, when would government intend to award the initial design phase?

The demolition schedule is not driving award milestones for the ECOE.

How would the contractor self-investment work as far as operating the private industry facility and data rights, etc. (as an example, see SAM.gov notice W519TC-25-R-0045 , RFI description question 3)?

The Government intends to required Unlimited Rights to technical data associated with its investment in the ECOE. Additional details on this question is needed in order to fully respond.

Is the Army open to a tenancy model or other novel types of business models for the center of excellence (COE) at BGAD?

Yes.

What percentage of the $900M budget will be spent on remediation vs. design construction and certification of the new COE?

Remediation of the existing BGCAPP site falls under the responsibility of the treaty and is not part of the $900M.

Will grants be made available by the Army for the project? Or by state and local governments?

Grants are not within the authority of requiring activity leading this effort.

32 Does the Army have target delivery amounts of HMX and RDX per year?

No target capacity amounts have been established for HMX/RDX at this time, and the Government is interested in exploring all possible options.

33 Is the Army interested in specific novel explosive compounds (e.g., CL-20)? The Government is interested in any next-generation emerging explosive materials, to include CL-20.

Does the scope of the Sources Sought require UFC compliance? If so, will waivers to UFC requirements be provided if reusing existing structures not constructed to UFC requirements?

Yes, UFC applies to all building at BGAD. The USG does not intend to waive UFC requirements;

however, does not preclude waiver consideration.

Is BGAD considered an exclusive jurisdiction federal enclave? If not, which State Agencies have authority or jurisdiction on-site?

No. State EPA, OSHA, and KDEP will be engaged.

Energetics Center of Excellence Sources Sought W519TC-26-R-0019

17 APR 2026

Updated 27 APR 2026

What NPDES permit limits exist for the current wastewater treatment facilities, including discharges from wastewater outfalls from the facility?

Outfall 001 from WWTP:

Flow = Report Only pH = 6.0 to 9.0 Hardness (as CaCO3) = Report CBOD5 - (Daily Max) = 37.5 mg/L Total Suspended Solids = 45 mg/L Nitrogen, Ammonia total (as N) = May 1 thru October 31 – 6.0 Daily Maximum; November 1 thru April 30 -15 Daily Max.

Dissolved Oxygen = Minimum 7 mg/L E. Coli = 240 #/100 ml Daily Maximum Oil & Grease = Report (mg/L) Total Recoverable Copper = Report (mg/L)

Is there existing high speed internet communication lines at the BGCAPP area?

Will they remain following demolition?

There is a total of 144 strands of single mode fiber to Commo Hut 80 that serves BGCAPP as well as several hundred copper pairs.

What areas are available for potential wasting potential excess or unsuitable soils?

None.

Are there any permitted areas available onsite for disposal of solid industrial waste or explosive contaminated waste?

No.

40 Are there any legacy Solid Waste Management Units (SWMU)? No.

Are there any unusable areas due to archeological, ecological, or environmental considerations?

Not within the areas identified for expansion.

Are there any land use restrictions (LURs) within BGAD, including restrictions on soil disturbance, groundwater use, or construction requirements (limits on facility types, vapor mitigation, etc.)? If so, does the Government have a map or facility condition report that identifies LURs?

Not within the areas identified for expansion.

Is there a final grading plan for the BGCAPP facility following demolition, including final surface material that can be shared at this time?

Not at this time.

Does the Government expect the need to modify existing air, water, and waste permits or obtain new permits to achieve the objective of this Sources Sought?

Yes.

Are there any current locations available for an outdoor explosive testing range?

Is there anything from BGAD that would prohibit this type of testing?

Request industry detail any preferences for outdoor explosive testing capabilities within its response to sources sought notice for USG consideration.

What is the expected term of site access and facility occupancy for design, construction, commissioning, production operations, and follow-on modernization or expansion?

Contract terms and structure have not been determined. Request industry recommendation on optimal solution.

Are any of the potential BGAD facilities identified for repurposing to be shared with other ongoing processes at BGAD? If so, how does BGAD plan to accomplish this sharing of resources, and what priority rules would govern access and scheduling?

BGAD facilities identified for repurposing are not shared with other ongoing processes. Utilities would be shared amongst BGAD and partner operations.

The BGAD brief identifies substantial existing infrastructure at the BGCAPP energetics area but also notes that water and sewer lines will be disconnected and capped. Please clarify what utility services will be active, restored, or Government-funded at turnover?

The cost to restore water and sewer lines will need included in the cost of the ECOE.

Will utilities be Government-furnished to the point of connection, or is the contractor expected to fund restoration, upgrades, extensions, substations, pretreatment, or new utility systems?

Contractors will be responsible for funding restoration, upgrades, extensions, substations, pretreatment, or new utility systems.

Will the contractor be authorized to establish and administer its own material safety, process safety, industrial hygiene, occupational health, waste management, and environmental exposure mitigation programs, subject to Government oversight?

Yes.

Please advise whether the any of the BGCA Facilities (Buildings 1144, 1146, 1147, 31910, 31930, 31940, 91350, 91360, 91380, 31990) are currently operational and staffed by BGAD personnel.

Operational but not staffed.

What are the specific NOx emissions limits and control requirements for the site?

The BGAD current source-wide limit for NOx emissions is 225 tons per year. With the closure of the BGCAPP facility and construction of the Container Manufacturing facility, BGAD NOx emissions are projected to be less than 25 tpy by 2030. If NOx emissions of the energetics facility when combined with other NOX sources at BGAD are less than 225 tpy, then no specific NOx emissions limits are anticipated

How should industry account for existing SWMUs, PFAS AOPIs, and other environmental or land-use constraints in site planning, and are there known areas that would significantly impact siting or construction sequencing?

There are no known existing SWMUs, PFAS AOPIs or other environmental or land-use constraints at the BGCAPP site for the purpose of industrial use.

Should industry assume the CoE will operate under a separate air permit, or as part of the existing BGAD installation permit?

Assume operation under a separate air permit.

55 What is the NEW for the ECM inside BGCAPP? 3.2 LBS NEW

Will future walking tours be made available to industry to evaluate the potential reuse buildings and greenspace areas?

Yes, the Government encourages industry to identify any specific areas/building of the facility they would like to see on future visits.

What are the plans for the BGCAPP energetics facility located in the center of Blue Grass; with all chemical weapons destruction completed in July 2023, and supposedly in a decontamination & decommissioning phase – what is the timeline for this to occur? Will the facility be demolished completely or down to foundation level? How long with the process take and what would be the earliest timeline that construction of an energetic facility could take place?

Demolition scheduled to be complete by August 2027. Demolition includes the foundations. BGCAPP contractor will conduct environmental testing and should achieve RCRA clean closure to industrial closure standards after demolition. Site can be used without restrictions. Information with industry once complete.

Questions Updated as of 27 April 2026

17 APR 2026

What is the distance of the site to sea ports, airports, and customs points for raw material supply and product shipment? How will raw material and chemical logistics be managed?

Major East Coast Sea Ports Port / Approximate Driving Distance from BGAD Port of Baltimore / 550 miles Port of Boston / 850 miles Port of Charleston / 500 miles Port of Jacksonville / 600 miles Port of Miami / 950 miles Port of New York and New Jersey / 700 miles Port of Norfolk / 550 miles Port of Philadelphia / 650 miles Port of Savannah / 500 miles

Major East Coast Airports Airport / Approximate Driving Distance from BGAD Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) / 350 miles Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) / 550 miles Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) / 850 miles Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) / 300 miles Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) / 500 miles John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) / 750 miles LaGuardia Airport (LGA) / 750 miles Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) / 700 miles Miami International Airport (MIA) / 950 miles Orlando International Airport (MCO) / 750 miles Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) / 650 miles

Is there a railway connection to the site, or can one be established for chemical transportation?

Yes, a rail connection exists on site.

Are there appropriate and legally approved routes for transporting hazardous materials? Can vehicles carrying hazardous materials enter and exit the site safely?

Yes.

Can transportation continuity be maintained during winter and adverse weather conditions?

Yes, as long as the facility is open for operations.

Would logistics access be interrupted in emergency situations? (Note: In emergencies and during winter conditions, roads to the site must remain open, and transportation should continue without interruption.)

Potentially, yes.

Can a safe distance from residential areas be maintained? Are there high-risk facilities (e.g., refineries, chemical plants) or critical structures (e.g., hospitals, schools) on neighboring parcels?

Yes, a safe distance from residential areas be maintained.

No, there are not high risk facilities or critical structures on neighboring parcels.

Can the electrical infrastructure in this area support the required capacity of 19 MW? Can this electrical infrastructure be provided to the facility?

Current site capacity provided by BGCAPP substation is 33 MVA.

If infrastructure investments are needed, how long will it take to complete them, and when could we actually use that capacity at the site, including all official approvals?

Electrical, water, wastewater, and communications capacity are already in place and will remain at site (not subject to BGCAPP demolition). Any additional capacity exceeding current BGAD capacities noted below could be provided before completion of site construction.

What is the net available capacity for water (potable/non-potable/other) at BGAD? What water quality information is available for potential process water?

BGAD is currently permitted for 720 KGPD. With permit mod and pump changes, water treatment plant could provide 1 MGPD. BGAD normal daily usage is 300 KGPD of the available capacity.

67 What is the wastewater treatment capacity available at the facility? Current capacity is 200 KGPD for sanitary sewage.

Is there sufficient land on the site for installing backup power solutions (generators, UPS, energy storage/ESS), required for uninterrupted production and can the necessary permits be obtained? Additionally, can diesel or gas fuel supply be ensured reliably and continuously?

Standby diesel generator already on site. Land is available for UPS. Diesel supply is up to the tenant.

The main Delta Natural Gas across BGAD is an 8 in. main capable of 60,000 SCFH or higher. This main is located approx. 1.6 miles from BGCAPP site. This line connects to two Delta Gas lines outside of BGAD and is capable of providing redundant feed. From the 8" high pressure main, a 4” high pressure natural gas line supplies the BGCAPP. Buried gas lines will remain on site for possible reuse. Delta indicated they can bring natural gas into the Depot from five different sources (holding wells) and would be able to supply any demand the Depot would need. If an 8” high pressure line was needed (dependent upon natural gas demand), Delta could install that to the new facility.

Can the water flow (peak and average) required for the process be provided continuously on this site? If necessary, can sufficient and reliable water supply be established with infrastructures such as wells, pipelines or storage tanks?

Peak water can be provided. In case of interruption, two 250 KGAL each. Fire Water tanks are on BGCAPP site and BGAD has 250 KGAL water tower and 675 KGAL fire reservoir that can be used for reserve. Ground water availability is undetermined at this time.

What is the quality of the water to be supplied? Will the water be provided as raw water quality or purified water (process water quality)?

Recommend treated water be supplied to site but raw water could be an option. All the water coming out of the water treatment plant is potable and suitable for production. See all information below in question 70.

If purified water is to be provided, does its quality (conductivity, hardness, organic content, etc.) meet the process requirements?

BGAD Finished Water to Distribution System Water Quality (Average) Obtained from Plant:

pH=7.78 Total Alkalinity=128.13mg/L Total Hardness=129.19 mg/L Chlorine Residual (Free)=1.20 ppm Turbidity (NTU)=0.03 Iron=0.01 mg/L Manganese=0.01 mg/L

If raw water is to be supplied, will sufficient land and permits be provided for the installation of a treatment plant to achieve the required process water quality?

Additional water capacity is the responsibility of the contractor.

73 Is the water supply affected by seasonal changes, such as drought or low flow?

Water restrictions in KY from drought are rare, only once in 30 years for residential usage. If drought conditions develop, there is potential for water restriction.

Will the water for fire safety and the process come from the same source, and is the capacity sufficient?

Two each 250K gallon firewater storage tanks will be retained on BGCAPP site with residual pressure of 115 PSI.

75 Will the water and electricity infrastructure support future capacity increases?

Electricity should be sufficient for future increases, but we cannot make a future determination until we know the exact requirements of the proposal.

Additional water can be supplied by Richmond Utilities (RU) for future increases. BGAD currently in discussions with RU to provide an easement for 24 inch pipe across BGAD that could be tapped for additional supply.

Is it legally possible to carry out detonation test activities on this site? How long does it take to obtain the required permits?

BGAD has a RCRA Subpart X permit for Open Burn/Open Detonation (OB/OD) conducted at the demolition grounds. Yes, it is legally possible upon a permit mod action to carry out the activities.

However, the new EPA rulemaking which is still in the works is likely to restrict OB/OD activities with the exception of emergency situations.

17 APR 2026

Should open detonation or a closed system (detonation chamber) be used on this site? If needed, can both be used?

OB/OD will only be permitted in emergency situations and the contractor should plan to use closed system for the treatment and disposal of explosive waste.

Is there a sufficiently large, isolated, and safe area to set up a detonation test site?

It is dependent on the Federal/State/Local approval.

Would nearby residential areas, roads, or infrastructure limit detonation activities?

The existing OB/OD permit considers these factors, any new OB/OD permit would have to be re-accessed.

Can permits be obtained for a burning facility used to dispose of energetic materials on this site?

It is dependent on the Federal/State/Local approval.

Is there a sufficiently large area at a safe distance from the main plant for a burning facility?

There could be an opportunity for shared services. Shared services can be addressed within a P3 agreement.

Can a permit be obtained for open burning facility, or is a closed system (incinerator / controlled burn system) required?

A closed loop system is reccommended. Open burning/open detonation permit is contingent on Federal/State/Local approval.

Does the prevailing wind direction carry potential explosions or emissions toward residential areas?

Prevailing winds are typically from the South or Southwest and could potentially carry explosions or emissions toward residential areas.

84 Are there existing or planned wastewater discharge points on the site?

We have existing wastewater treatment plant on-site, additional facility needs will be determined upon contract award.

17 APR 2026

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