Naval Research Laboratory, Code 3220, 4555 Overlook Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20375-5326

M -- PLASMA ARC HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM AT NORFOLK NAVAL BASE POC Jerry Riles, Contract Specialist, Code 3220.JR, (202) 767-2120, Mr Bruce Sartwell, Research Physicist, Code 6170, (202) 767-0722 WEB: click here, http://heron.nrl.navy.mil/contracts/home.htm. This is a Request for Information issued by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), soliciting industry input and capabilities for the operation of a plasma arc hazardous waste treatment system (PAHWTS) that is intended to be installed at the Norfolk, Virginia, Naval Base (NNB). NRL has previously issued a contract to Retech Services, Inc. for the design and construction of the PAHWTS and once an Environmental Impact Statement is completed and appropriate permits obtained, NRL expects to award a contract to Retech for the installation and acceptance testing of the PAHWTS at NNB. Following acceptance testing, NNB is considering operating the system under a contract. As a result, this Request for Information is being issued for the purpose of identifying those companies with appropriate expertise that might be interested in responding to an RFP for operation of the PAHWTS, should one be issued. The PAHWTS consists of both a solid and liquid feed system, a primary processing chamber containing a transferred plasma torch, a secondary treatment chamber containing a non-transferred plasma torch, and an offgas treatment system. The solid feed system can handle containers up to five gallons in size and consists of a shredder and auger for introducing material into the primary chamber. Minimum processing rates for waste material range from 450 pounds per hour for pure organic material to 600 pounds per hour for pure inorganic material. The types of waste that would be treated in the PAHWTS once at the NNB include waste paint, solvents, oily rags, batteries, plating sludge, contaminated soil, paint blast media, and reactive chemicals. Additional information on the PAHWTS can be obtained from Mr. Bruce Sartwell at NRL. Testing of the PAHWTS at Retech is currently planned for October 14-23, 1999. Individuals desiring to observe some of this testing should provide a request in writing (e-mail is acceptable) to Mr. Bruce Sartwell no later than October 5, 1999. Should an RFP be issued for operation of the PAHWTS at NNB, it is anticipated that costs for operation of the system would be delineated between the Navy and the contractor. For example, it is possible that the Navy would provide the electricity and wastewater treatment for the system and the contractor would provide the labor, gases, and consumable and repair parts, plus provide for disposal of the slag generated during operation of the system. The contractor would be requested to provide a cost per pound of waste treated that the Navy would pay the contractor, with the Navy guaranteeing a minimum amount of waste per month for treatment in the PAHWTS. The contractor would be expected to monitor the emissions from the PAHWTS to ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations. The operation of the PAHWTS would have to conform to all applicable federal and state codes and regulations for worker health and safety. This notice is being issued to help determine whether the Navy should proceed with a formal request for proposals. Should interest be determined sufficient, a formal request for proposals may be forthcoming. Offerors should address as a minimum the following criteria: (1) capability and experience in the design, construction, and/or operation of plasma arc or other types of vitrification systems or incinerators, and (2) understanding of laws and regulations pertaining to the treatment of hazardous waste. Offerors are also requested to provide rough-order-of-magnitude estimates of the cost per pound to treat hazardous waste in the PAHWTS. Such estimates would be non-binding on the offerors. This announcement is a request for information and no contract will be awarded pursuant to this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued nor will the government pay for the information solicited. All information and data received in response to this Request for Information marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be fully protected and held in strict confidence. Responses to this notice should be provided in writing to Naval Research Laboratory, ATTN: Mr. Bruce Sartwell, Code 6170, Washington, DC 20375-5342. The FAX number is (202) 767-3321 and the e-mail address is: sartwell@nrl.navy.mil. No telephone responses will be accepted. Posted 09/13/99 (W-SN379590). (0256)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0080 19990915\M-0002.SOL)