RFIs on W91QV125R0039.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- W91QV125R0039
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) for Solicitation W91QV125R0039, providing detailed questions and answers about wastewater sampling and analysis for the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) facility at Forest Glen Annex, Maryland. The RFI covers critical technical details including sampling requirements, such as collecting composite samples of total metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc) on two days per quarter during facility operating hours of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Key specifications include measuring wastewater flow rates (ranging between 50,000-70,000 gallons per day), accessing a manhole approximately 15-25 feet deep, and collecting a minimum 4-liter composite sample proportional to facility operational time, with continuous pH readings and flow measurements.
The solicitation requires the contractor to perform quarterly sampling from a designated sanitary manhole near building 503, analyze samples to ensure compliance with WSSC permit 08091, and provide written reports to Fort Detrick Environmental Management Office. The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, and services to conduct the sampling and analysis. The sampling must adhere to specific permit requirements, including collection methods, sample composition, and analysis parameters, with peak wastewater volumes likely occurring between August and October. No flow meter is installed at the facility, so the contractor must measure and record flow rates as part of the sampling process.
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Questions on W91QV125R0039, Sampling and analysis wastewater discharged Walter Reed Army Institute
1. The text mentions that the Wastewater Discharge Authorization Permit (WSSC permit 08091) is included as an attachment (TE-4). However, this attachment was not included in the Solicitation on SAM.gov. Can you please email us the permit?
I attached our new permit. Might not have been added when the previous COR wrote the PWS due to permit being renewed in September 2024. The package was submitted before this date. Attached in SAM.
2. The PWS mentions quarterly sampling at the manhole, but the Technical Exhibit 3 has a sample frequency of 2 days per quarter. Is the quarterly sample to be collected over 2 days (one sample as a composite of both days) or are there 2 separate samples per quarter.
Yes, according to the permit (page 19), we are required to collect samples on two days each quarter. The permit only specifies the number of days. Common practice is to do back-to-back days since it’s cost savings for the contractor and the government.
3. Could you kindly confirm whether the samples should be collected as composite samples or individual grab samples?
Please refer to Page 19 and 20 of the WSSC Permit. The sample to be collected will be a composite sample and analyzed for Total Metals which includes the following:
• Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc.
While WSSC has the option to request grab samples for analysis of additional parameters, the only analysis required on a quarterly basis is Total Metals for the composite sample. Please read footnote 4 for more information on the composite sampling requirements. The length of time the facility is in operation should be in the PWS, 7:00AM to 5:00PM. Additionally, read footnote 2 for information on flow measurements requirements and footnote 3 on pH measurement requirements.
4. We would like to request some clarification regarding the parameter “FLOW.” Could you please define or provide some insight into what this parameter specifically refers to in the context of this solicitation?
The WSSC discharge authorization permit (TE4). Page 19 and 20, footnote 2 explains the requirements for Flow.
5. Do the facilities have meters in which the flow can be obtained? Does the facility record the flow or is it the contractor’s responsibility?
No, there is no flow meter installed. It is the contractor’s responsibility to measure the flow (gpd). Please read footnote 2 on page 20 of the WSSC Permit (TE4) for more information.
6. Please clarify the quantities on the bid page. The quantities do not seem to match up to the requirements on the Technical exhibit 3.
Quarterly service is what you are pricing for, which is 4 times per year, except base year which will be shortened. IAW with the PWS.
7. Is the water travelling through the sanitary sewer in a channel or in a pipe? Once the manhole cover is removed, you'll see an invert channel or manhole channel. While this photo isn’t an exact match (it's sourced online), it closely resembles what you can expect to find beneath the cover.
8. Is the access to the water or pipe shallow enough that a confined space entry is not required? Access to the area is through a confined space with metal rungs for climbing down. It appears the rungs were used to secure probes with rope.
Sampling equipment (likely an ISCO) will need to be left at the surface in the grassy area. I estimate the manhole depth to be between 15 and 25 feet, though I haven't had the opportunity to measure it.
9. What typical flow rates should we expect in the sanitary sewer (i.e., 1 gallon/minute)? The flow rate ranges between 50,000 and 70,000 gallons per day, with peak volumes likely occurring between August and October.
10. Are the samples need to be collected only while the facility is in operation from 7AM
– 5PM based on the permit? The permit mentions the sampler needs to collect the composite sample representative of the process waste stream, collected proportionately for the length of time the facility is in operation (7AM-5PM). If not feasible then samples may be collected time proportionately at 15-minute intervals.
The total composite shall consist of 4 liters minimum (Page 20 of permit). Yes, the composite sample, the measured flow, and the continuous readings of pH will be collected from 7AM-5PM.
11. How deep is the manhole? About 15-25’ deep.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .