US ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND ACQUISITION CTR, WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE DIVISION, STEAA-WS (BLDG 126W), WSMR NEW MEXICO 88002-5201

S -- PRIVATIZATION UNDER 10 USC 2688, "UTILITY SYSTEMS CONVEYANCE AUTHORTY" OF GOVERNMENT OWNED NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AT WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NEW MEXICO. SOL W04WPR-8324-0004 POC Contract Specialist James Parnham (505) 678-5536 (Site Code DAAD07) POTENTIAL SOURCES SOUGHT: The U.S. Army, White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) seeks to identify responsible sources and obtain information in regard to privatization of a Government owned Natural Gas Distribution Utility System in accordance with 10 USC 2688, "Utility Systems: Conveyance Authority". Privatization will include assumption of ownership, operation, and maintenance, and obligation to continue the service for an indefinite and ongoing period. Should privatization result, the ownership of the entire distribution system, including all operating responsibility shall transfer to a regional or municipal utility or to a private company. All responsibility for maintaining reliable service, including such items as environmental compliance, maintenance costs, major system renovations, construction, equipment, manpower, and overhead costs shall become the utility provider's responsibility. It is intended that privatization will reduce WSMR's life cycle costs. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: The following is provided only to give an approximation of the size and general description of the gas distribution system. Any numbers provided should be used for estimating purposes only. Natural gas is supplied to WSMR by El Paso Natural Gas. Gas is metered at a single entry point in the southeast section of WSMR's Main Post. Gas is supplied through two (3 1/2 inch and 2 1/2 inch), high-pressure (300 psi), coated and wrapped steel (C&WS) lines. Downstream of the meter and regulator, where distribution pressure is reduced to 22 1/2 psi, all distribution components are owned and maintained by WSMR. Most of the upper and lower range areas are serviced by stand-alone LP tanks and minimal distribution systems. There are approximately 224,000 lineal feet of distribution pipe. The most common pipe is 2 inch and 4 inch C&WS. The recently rehabilitated housing system is plastic pipe. An LP system with three central tanks and associated distribution piping serves the Stallion Range Area located approximately 128 miles north of the Main Post area. WSMR purchases natural gas through the Defense Fuel Supply Center from El Paso Natural Gas. LP gas is purchased from a local supplier who delivers the gas by tank truck directly to the individual facility tanks as well as the Stallion Range central LP system. PROCEDURES: This request for information is a required component of a complete and systematic process to evaluate interested parties under the U.S. Army Center for Public Works utilities privatization program. In order to minimize costs both to potentially interested parties and the Government, this notice is being issued to determine the interest and feasibility of proceeding with a formal request for proposals. Should insufficient credible interest be identified for a privatization action, it is highly unlikely that a formal solicitation will be issued. Should interest be determined sufficient, a formal request for proposal may be forthcoming. Interested parties should provide a statement of interest on company letterhead (not to exceed 20 pages in length to: U.S. Army Materiel Command Acquisition Center White Sands Missile Range Branch ATTN: STEAA-WS-C (Mr. James Parnham) White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico 88OO2-5201. The statement shall include as a minimum the following criteria: (1) capability and experience in the ownership, operation, and maintenance of similar gas distribution systems. (2) financial capacity to purchase, expand, and operate a gas distribution system. (3) a statement showing an understanding of the obligation to provide continuous utility services. (4) understanding of any applicable federal, state, and local utility laws, regulations or franchise requirements affecting utilities in the State of New Mexico, and capability of complying with such requirements. (5) understanding of federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations and familiarity and experience with environmental compliance procedures and regulations for the State of New Mexico and US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9. Elaborate proposals or pricing information are neither required nor desired. Any innovative and new conceptual ideas to achieve the stated objective are encouraged. No solicitation document exists for this request for "Sources Sought". This notice is for informational purposes only; it is not a request for proposals nor should it be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this sources sought announcement. Responses must be submitted not later than 3:00 P.M. MTZ, 28 Jan 1999. It should be noted that individual "Sources Sought" for different utility systems may be issued in the same time frame. A separate response to each "Sources Sought" is required. The point of contact concerning this sources sought action is Mr. James Parnham at (505) 678-5536. Posted 12/02/98 (I-SN276326). (0336)

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