USDA, Forest Service, SW Idaho/Nevada Acquisition Office, 1750 Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702

C -- BIG SPRINGS MINE GROUND WATER EVALUATION SOL SOL RFP R4-17-97-05 DUE 032197 POC Contracting Officer, Clinton L. Randall, 208-364-4140, Contact for Solicitation, Ethel Hill, 208-364-4128; Fax 208-364-4197 The purpose of this study is to analyze the hydrogeological environment at Big Springs Mine approx. 60 miles North of Elko, Nevada. Additional data on ground water conditions is needed to evaluate alternatives for closing open pits SWX and 303 at the Big Springs Mine site. These pits contain water. Questions concerning steady-state water levels in the pits, surface-ground water interaction at the North Fork of the Humboldt River, and ground water flow rates and paths must be answered. The proposed work under this contract includes evaluation of the post mining ground water conditions at the site and analysis of the hydrogeological environment. This analysis should be conceptual and utilize an analytical method. No numerical models will be accepted. The contractor should propose test methods to analysis the surface-groundwater interactions at Sammy Creek and the North Fork of the Humboldt River. Additional analysis may include determination of the anticipated steady-state water levels in the SWX and 303pits and delineating ground-water flow rates and paths. Some data on the water levels in the pits and wells is available. This includes some pump testing data. Site specific geological information such as well logs is also available. This data must be included in fulfilling the requirements of the contract. There is little existing down-gradient ground water information. Collection of data to address this issue may be necessary. The anticipated schedule of items includes: (1) Literature review and analysis of existing geological and hydrological data; (2) Collection of additional hydrological and geological data at the site if necessary; (3) Analysis of new information and incorporation of existing data to develop a hydrological model for the site; and (4) Written evaluation defining surface-ground water interaction at Sammy Creek and the North Fork of the Humboldt River. Selection criteria is as follows: (a) In addition to the selection criteria under FAR 36.602-1(a), the following criteria shall be used inthe evaluation of each potential contractor when applicable to a particular acquisition: (1)Computer-assisted design capability and capacity (where such design is required). (2) Adequacy of facilities for performance of the work including those necessary to provide specialized services that may be required. (3) Volume and nature of present workload as it relates to the ability to perform the work required. (4) Experience and qualifications of proposed key personnel including specialized technical skills, project coordination and management skills and experience in working together as a team. (5) Availability of additional contractor personnel or consultants to support expansion or acceleration of the project. (6) Other specific criteria as may be required. (b) HCA's are authorized to approve the use of design competition under the conditions in FAR 36.602-1(b). And (a) The following shall be added to the selection criteria specified in AGAR 436.602-1: (1) The volume of work previously awarded by the Forest Service will be evaluated with the objective of effecting an equitable distribution of the contracts among qualified A & E firms, including minority, 8(a), or small disadvantaged firms that have not had prior Forest Service contracts. (2) As prescribed in 4G15.605(f) additional points may be assigned or credit given to potential contractors that are or will subcontract with certified 8(a) or other small disadvantaged businesses. This procedure will be allowed until units have met their small business goals (GAO B-223059, B-223243). Interested firms must submit SF-254 and SF-255 to SW Idaho/Nevada acquisition Office, 1750 Front Street, Boise, ID 83702 by 03/21/97. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered. This is NOT a Small Business Set-Aside. See Note(s): 24 & 25 (0056)

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