RFI - Mountaineering Can Cleaning

Request for Information
Denali National Park and Preserve Clean Mountain Can (CMC) Program

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NOR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR UTLIMATELY AWARD A CONTRACT. IT IS STRICTLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI).

The National Park Service, Denali National Park and Preserve, is seeking waste management industry input on its current Clean Mountain Can (CMC) cleaning process to inform decision-making on the program and its next cleaning contract. Vendor responses to this RFI are due by 3:00 PM Alaska time on December 15, 2021. Responses and questions to be emailed to darcy_skinner@nps.gov.

BACKGROUND ¿ The Clean Mountain Can is a portable backcountry toilet specifically designed for use in the Alaska Range and is required for most mountaineers climbing in Denali National Park. For more specifics on the cans and the CMC program, go to www.nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/cmc.htm

Currently, a private contractor individually cleans and sanitizes the park¿s inventory of CMC¿s between May 1 and September 30 each season. The contractor picks up the dirty cans at the Talkeetna Ranger Station, cleans them at an off-site facility near Wasilla, Alaska, and then returns sanitized cans within approximately 10 days of pickup. Up to 2,500 CMC¿s are cleaned and disinfected per contract period, including the lids and straps.

A used CMC contains solid human waste, typically (but not always) contained in a biodegradable bag used as a can liner. Occasional garbage may also be found. After fecal matter is removed and disposed of, the cans are pressure washed with 250-degree steam, then hand washed in a solution of bleach and industrial strength fragrant soap for portable toilets, and then rinsed in hot, clean water. CMC¿s that were not lined with a biodegradable bag are pre-soaked in hot water. The lids are hand washed in a solution of bleach and industrial strength soap, then rinsed in hot clean water. Straps are laundered with soap and 2 cups of bleach per gallon of water.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: The Park is interested in learning of potential alternatives or improvements to the existing disposal and sanitation process that meet Centers for Disease Control (CDC) safe handling guidelines, as well as State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) disposal regulations.
Park officials are hoping to hear from operators in the waste management industry including portable toilet rentals, septic pumping services, and other waste management professionals on topics including, but not limited to:

- Recommended disposal of the waste itself, and whether or not the biodegradable bag is a help or a hindrance.
- Alternatives to individual hand-washing of cans using industrial equipment such as a Scat Machine or other professional high temperature power washing/dishwashing equipment.