US Department Of Energy Albuquerque Operations Office, Contracts and Procurement Division, PO Box 5400, Albuquerque, NM 87185-5400 Mexico 87185-54

A -- FEDERAL ASSISTANCE SOLICITATION FOR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT PROPOSALS FOR MOBILE CONTACT-HANDLED TRANSURANIC (TRU) WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES SOL 97AL77459 DUE 053097 POC Robert D. Lowther @ 505-845-6839 or Michael G. Loera, Contracting Officer 2 505-845-4302 E-MAIL: 97AL77459, rlowther@doeal.gov. The DOE plans to issue a Federal Assistance Solicitation for Cooperative Agreement Proposals (FASCAP), on March 31, 1997, associated with a program which will result in potentially certifying Vendors to perform Contact-Handled Transuranic (TRU) Waste Management Activities at DOE's Waste Generator/Storage Sites and Small Quantity Sites located throughout the United States, through the use of the Vendor's Mobile Systems. The objective of this program is to (1) stimulate the market place by having Vendors, who posses Mobile Systems (equipment which can be attached to trailers and transported to sites around the country) technology and capability, apply for federal financial assistance to seek DOE's review and certification of the Vendor's procedures, policies, and processes, and, (2) to evaluate the Vendors' capabilities and equipment through participation in DOE performance demonstration programs, and (3) to identify Vendors who are seeking to develop teaming arrangements. A maximum of three applicants will be awarded cooperative agreements. The estimated DOE funding for this Mobile Systems Vendor Certification Program is $900,000 to be shared equally amongst the selected applicants. The DOE funding is restricted to use in developing procedures and its associated quality assurance plans, and participating in performance demonstration programs. The DOE funding cannot be used to purchase or develop Mobile Systems equipment. Recipient cost sharing (non-federal) is highly encouraged. The resultant cooperative agreements will be managed by the DOE Carlsbad Area Office (CAO). The period of performance is expected to last approximately six months with an August 1997 planned award date. Applications will be due May 30, 1997. BACKGROUND: DOE has a TRU-Waste inventory of approximately 674,000, 55-gallon drums, which are planned for storage at DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Prior to actual shipment of the drums, the TRU-Waste contained in these drums needs to be certified that it meets the WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria. DOE is planning to perform TRU-Waste characterization and certification through the use of fixed facilities (currently under construction), planned fixed facilities (construction not-under way), and through the use of the private sector's Mobile Systems. Of the inventory identified, 199,000 drums are identified to be processed by fixed-facilities, 316,000 drums are planned to be processed using planned facilities, and 159,000 drums are planned to be processed using mobile systems. The majority of drums destined for WIPP are planned for transportation through the year 2006, with additional drum quantities to be identified, characterized and certified, and transported through the year 2033. However, the TRU-Waste inventory processing allocations may be subject to change and thus enhancing the potential for additional mobile systems processing. The date for knowing what DOE's minimum or maximum volume mobile systems requirements are, is to be determined. Under this Mobile Systems Vendor Certification Program, Vendor(s) must develop procedures and plans that demonstrate its proposed "characterization/certification process" meets the Quality Assurance Standards set forth by the CAO. These standards are identified in CAO's National Transuranic Waste Management Plan, DOE/NTP-96-1204, and Mobile Systems Capability Plan, DOE/NTP-96-1202. To demonstrate compliance with these standards, Vendors must develop several plans: Quality Assurance Project Plan; Waste Certification Plan and its associated QA Plan; TRUPACT-II Authorized Methods for Payload Control and its associated QA Plan; and Operating Procedures associated with Executing Waste Processing Activities. These plans will then become subject to review and approval by CAO (during audits and assessments). In addition, the Vendors must also physically participate in CAO's Performance Demonstration Programs (PDP): Non-Destructive Assay (to be held at a to-be-determined DOE Site (such as LANL, Idaho or Rocky Flats); RCRA Constituent Analysis of Solidified Wastes (can be held at contractor's facility); and Analysis of Simulated Headspace Gases (can be held at contractor's facility). Upon completion of the activities described above, a final audit will be performed by CAO to review the Vendors' documentation and operating procedures to ensure the Contractor is prepared to perform mobile systems operation. Upon CAO determining that the Vendor's process is satisfactory, the CAO will provide the Vendor with a written Certification. If you are interested in receiving the FASCAP, contact Robert Lowther at the above address or telephone/fax number. All responsible sources may submit an application which will be considered. The Solicitation is subject to the Energy Policy Act, P.L. 102-486, 42 U.S.C. 13525. Section 2306 imposes eligibility requirements on companies seeking financial assistance under Titles XX through XXIII of the Act. A company shall be eligible to receive financial assistance under Titles XX through XXIII of the Act only if the Secretary finds that the company's participation in any program under such titles would be in the economic interest of the United States, as evidenced by investments in the United States in research, development, and manufacturing (including, for example, the manufacture of major components or subassemblies in the United States); significant contributions of employment in the United States; an agreement with respect to any technology arising from assistance provided under this section to promote the manufacture within the United States of products resulting from that technology (taking into account the goals of promoting the competitiveness of United States industry), and to procure parts and materials from competitive suppliers. AL Control No. 1997-07. (0073)

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