Custer-Gallatin National Forest Vault Toilet Pumping Services

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to obtain quotes for pumping vault toilets on the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. A written solicitation will not be issued. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code is 562991 (Septic Tank and Related Services) with a Size Standard of $9.0M. This solicitation is a 100% small business set-aside.

• Pumping of vault toilets across various locations within the Custer-Gallatin National Forest.

• Furnishing all materials, chemicals, equipment, supervision, transportation, and incidentals necessary for toilet pumping.

• Disposal of waste must comply with all applicable sanitation and health laws, ordinances, or regulations. Disposal is not permitted on any Forest Service Lands.

• Toilets identified for pumping shall be pumped in the timeframes identified in the Task Order, with at least one month between task order issuance and pumping completion.

• A minimum of two vault pumps will be requested per order for geographically similar areas.

• Pumping is to be accomplished Monday through Friday, unless approved otherwise.

• This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Period of Performance: Base Period May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027, with four potential option periods extending through December 31, 2030.

• Minimum Contract Amount: $2,500.00

• Maximum Contract Amount: $350,000.00

• Quote Due Date: February 13, 2026, by 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.

• Deadline for Questions: February 10, 2026, by 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time.

• Submission Requirements:

  • Yellow highlighted areas on pages 31 & 32.
  • Schedule of Items (Pages 2-8).
  • Experience Questionnaire demonstrating recent and relevant experience.
  • Annual Representations & Certifications.
  • Acknowledgment of Amendments (if applicable).

• Submission Method: Email to shawn.harwood@usda.gov.

• Evaluation: Awards will be made to responsible offerors whose quotes are determined to be the best value, considering Technical, Contractor's Experience, Past Performance, and Price. Awards may be made per Ranger District/Zone.

• 100% small business set-aside.

• Contractors may submit quotes for whichever Ranger Districts they are capable of servicing; submission for all districts is not required.

• A copy of "Tech Tips: Vault Toilet Pumping" (Publication Number 2300) is attached for specifications.

• Biobased products are encouraged.

• Invoicing and payments will be processed through The Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document provides guidelines and specifications for preparing contracts for pumping vault toilets, aiming to ensure uniformity in service across the Forest Service.

• Services: Pumping, washing down, recharging, cleaning, disinfecting, and disposing of waste from vault toilets.

• On-Call Basis: Services are provided on a "call when needed" basis.

• Waste Types: Includes liquid, semi-liquid, and solid sewage, as well as debris such as cans, bottles, rocks, clothing, plastic bags, etc.

• Locations: Specific work sites, access information, and dates are detailed in Section B (Schedule of Items) and Section J (List of Attachments).

• Response Time: Services must be completed within 72 hours of initial notification (excluding Saturdays and Sundays). Emergency pumping response time is by mutual agreement.

• Service Hours: Generally between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M., with exceptions for emergencies.

• Disinfection: All disinfecting solutions must be approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Cleanup: Thorough cleaning and disinfection of contaminated areas are required. Waste must be returned to the vault or properly contained to prevent contamination of the surrounding ground.

• The period of performance is not predetermined and is based on "call when needed" requirements.

• Locations are detailed in Section B and Section J.

• Equipment: Contractor must provide pumping equipment, tank trucks (preferably with reverse suction capability), water trucks, tools, approved disinfectant, and supplies. A 4-inch minimum suction hose is required.

• Pumping Procedures: Detailed procedures are provided for pumping through outside manholes (both large and small diameter) and through toilet risers when no outside manhole is available.

• Debris Removal: Specific methods for removing debris before pumping are outlined.

• Vault Cleaning: Requirements for washing down interior walls and diluting solidified waste are included.

• Water Drafting: If necessary, water can be drafted from lakes, ponds, and streams under specific conditions, with COR approval.

• Disposal: Offsite disposal of sewage and debris must comply with all Federal, State, and local laws. Disposal sites require COR approval.

• Contractor Conduct: Personnel must prevent interference with public use of recreational areas, maintain presentable appearance, and adhere to all regulations. Damage to government property must be repaired at the Contractor's expense.

• Prework Conference: A meeting will be held with the Contracting Officer, COR, and other Forest Service personnel to discuss contract terms and responsibilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire required by the USDA Forest Service. It is designed to gather information from potential contractors to assess their experience and capability to perform a specific project.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone, email.
• Business Type: Selection for Company, Co-Partnership, Corporation, Individual, or Non-profit Organization.
• Years of Experience: In the line of work contemplated by the solicitation, and specifically as a prime contractor and/or sub-contractor.
• Project History: A detailed list of projects completed within the last three years (or currently working), including contract amount, type of project, completion date, and reference contact information.
• Past Performance: Questions regarding failure to complete work and completion by performance bond, with requests for details if applicable.
• Organizational Capacity: Information on available workforce (minimum/maximum employees), regular payroll status, and available equipment.
• Key Personnel Experience: Details on the experience of principal individuals, including their name, city of residence, present position, years of experience, and magnitude/type of work.
• Certification: A statement by the certifying official attesting to the accuracy of the information provided and authorizing references.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire accurately and thoroughly. The information provided will be used by the Forest Service to evaluate the bidder's experience and capability to successfully perform the work outlined in the solicitation. Failure to provide complete and satisfactory information may impact the evaluation of the bidder's proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains maps detailing the locations of outhouses within various areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It is intended to provide visual reference for the placement of these facilities.

• Maps illustrating specific geographic areas within the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
• Icons indicating the precise locations of outhouses.
• Labels for various landmarks, campgrounds, trailheads, and ranger districts.
• Scale bars and directional indicators for navigation.

This document is relevant to bidders as it visually identifies the locations of outhouses that may require pumping services. Understanding the geographical distribution and density of these facilities is crucial for planning logistics, resource allocation, and service delivery if the opportunity involves outhouse maintenance or pumping.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on federal contracts within a specified geographic area.

• Geographic Area: Montana Counties of Carter, Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Phillips, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Treasure, Valley, Wibaux.
• Occupational Listing: Provides a detailed list of job titles (e.g., Accounting Clerk, Customer Service Representative, Electrician, Nurse) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing, though specific amounts are detailed later in the document.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), outlining specific requirements and minimum wage rates for 2025.
• Vacation and Holidays: Details provisions for paid vacation (based on years of service) and a minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if a required job classification is not listed in the determination.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing a federal contract in the specified area. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting the cost proposal. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the state of Montana, specifically for the area encompassing Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, Meagher, Park, Powell, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, and Yellowstone National Park. It lists various occupations and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for contractors performing work under the Service Contract Act.

• Occupational Codes and Titles: A comprehensive list of job classifications, from administrative support to technical and transportation roles.
• Wage Rates: The minimum hourly wage required for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Information on required health and welfare benefits, including specific rates for regular benefits and those related to Executive Order 13706.
• Executive Orders: Notes on the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors).
• Vacation and Holidays: Details on paid vacation time and paid holidays required for employees.
• Conformance Process: Instructions for contractors on how to request additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This document is crucial for bidders as it establishes the minimum wage and benefit rates that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on covered contracts. Bidders must use these rates when calculating their labor costs for proposals to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can result in penalties.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" for the State of South Dakota. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work covered by the Service Contract Act. Bidders must use this information to ensure compliance with labor wage requirements.

• Lists specific occupations with corresponding wage rates and fringe benefit requirements.
• Includes administrative notes regarding Executive Orders (EO 13706 and EO 13658) that may affect minimum wage and paid sick leave requirements.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (SF-1444) if an occupation is not listed.
• Details requirements for vacation and holidays.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. It establishes the minimum hourly wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on a covered federal contract. Failure to comply with these wage determinations can lead to penalties and contract non-compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act in the specified geographic area (Montana Counties of Carbon, Yellowstone).

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing."
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), detailing their applicability and requirements.
• Outlines general benefits applicable to all listed occupations, including Health & Welfare rates.
• Provides information on vacation and holiday entitlements.
• Details specific footnotes for certain occupations (e.g., Computer Employees, Air Traffic Controllers, Hazardous Pay Differentials, Uniform Allowance).
• Explains the conformance process for unlisted classifications.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. It directly impacts proposal pricing by establishing the required wage rates and fringe benefits for all service employees working on the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these minimums to be compliant. The document also outlines specific requirements related to paid sick leave, minimum wage adjustments, and potential hazard pay or uniform allowances, which must be factored into cost proposals.