USDA Forest Service Wolf Creek Job Corps Center Water Tank Cleaning and Inspection

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the tank dimensions, access, site conditions, and contract performance.

• Tank Dimensions: The tank is 16.9ft tall with a 44ft diameter and 9 1/2in, holding 165,000 gallons. The access hatch is 3ft x 2ft.
• Interior Access: An interior ladder is present.
• Vehicle Access: Vehicles can access the tank within 50 feet.
• Discharge Location: A discharge location for water and sediment exists approximately 100ft from the tank.
• Tank Condition: Contractors should plan for partial/full water conditions. There are no major structural concerns, but leaks exist above the dome (starting at 10ft), with the worst leak near the outside staircase. Minor leaks are present along the exterior.
• Site Visit: Site visits are permitted; schedule a time between 0730 and 1300 on a single day.
• Working Hours: No anticipated restrictions on working hours or site access beyond those in the SOW.
• Disposal Requirements: No specific environmental or disposal requirements for removed sediment beyond standard regulatory compliance.
• Incumbent Contractor: No incumbent contractor for this requirement.

This Q&A clarifies physical site conditions, access, and procedural aspects like site visits. It does not appear to alter major requirements or submission deadlines but provides critical details for bidders to consider in their planning and proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for the Wolf Creek Job Corps Center (JCC) Water Tank Cleaning and Inspection. The government is procuring cleaning services for a cast-in-place concrete potable water storage tank located at the Wolf Creek JCC. The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price type contract to a single contractor offering the best value.

• Cleaning and inspection of a 165,000-gallon water tank.

• Inspectors must have training and experience specific to concrete structures and community potable water systems.

• Special emphasis on leak detection, tank structural deficiencies, and condition/adhesion of installed coatings or liners.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but the offer is to be held firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Submission Deadline: Offers are due no later than April 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Submit offers to Contracting Officer Drackus Thomas at Drackus.thomas@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Quotes will be evaluated based on FAR 12.203, with award made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Specific criteria are detailed in Attachment 3.

• Questions Deadline: Questions are due no later than April 03, 2026, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time, via email to drackus.thomas@usda.gov.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 221310.

• Small Business Size Standard: $41.0 Million.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses and provisions by reference. Full text is available electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available through solicitation attachments, including Attachment 2 - WOC Water Tank Inspection SOW.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Schedule of Items for RFQ 12318726Q0046, issued by the USDA Forest Service Job Corps Wolf Creek Center. It details the specific supplies or services being procured.

• Item 0001: 165,000 Gallon Water Tank Cleaning and Inspection.
• Quantity: 1
• Unit of Issue: EA (Each)
• Unit Price: To be determined (indicated by '$')
• Total Price: To be determined (indicated by '$')
• Notes: EA - EACH, MO - MONTH. Award anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

This schedule provides potential bidders with the specific item and service required for this RFQ, allowing them to understand the scope of work and prepare their pricing accordingly. The mention of a firm fixed price contract indicates the expected contract type.

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

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for cleaning and inspecting a cast-in-place concrete potable water storage tank at the Wolf Creek Job Corps Center. The goal is to ensure the tank's sanitary condition and structural integrity.

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the tank to remove accumulated sediment, algae, or other materials that obstruct inspection or compromise sanitation. Waste material must be disposed of legally off-site.

• Inspection: Conduct interior and exterior inspections of the tank's structure, sanitary, safety, security, and coating conditions. This includes examining inlets, outlets, ladders, shell, roof, walls, floors, baffles, sumps, manways, welds, joints, seams, foundation, anchors, telemetry, sediment depth, overflow, and plumbing.

• Defect Documentation: Document all defects with notes, photos, and videos, identifying specific locations and extent.

• Disinfection: Disinfect the tank in accordance with ANSI/AWWA Standard C652.19 upon completion of inspection.

• Diving Operations (if applicable): If divers are utilized, the contractor must comply with OSHA requirements, submit a dive operations plan, and hold a pre-dive conference.

• Location: Wolf Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, Glide, Oregon.

• Duration: The period of performance for this work is 30 days.

• Hours: Normal operational hours are 07:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.

• Inspections must adhere to criteria referencing applicable OSHA, EPA, AWWA, NFPA, and Oregon Health Authority guidance.

• Inspectors must have specific training and experience in concrete structures and community potable water systems.

• Special emphasis on leak detection, structural deficiencies, and coating/liner condition.

• All inspections must be signed off and completed prior to final payment.

• Contractor must furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, and transportation.

• Contractor must possess adequate liability insurance and proper licenses.

• Adherence to OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910) and ANSI/AWWA Standard C652-19 is mandatory.

• Obtain all required permits and schedule inspections.

• Notify the COR of identified issues within 24 hours.

• Keep work areas clean, safe, and properly marked.

• All trash must be removed daily.

• Contractor's key personnel must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial potable water tank cleaning and inspection. Divers must be certified and trained in First Aid/CPR with annual medical exams.

• Prior to Start: Safety Plan, Work Schedule, Dive Plan (if applicable), Certificates of Insurance, Verifiable licenses, Written emergency contact.

• After Inspection: PDF report of findings (including photos and violations), video recording of inspection (uploaded to USFS Cloud storage), and repair/replacement recommendations with cost estimates.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a service contract when using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method. It details how proposals will be assessed, focusing on Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

• Price: Evaluation will consider quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts. Total price will be evaluated for all services requested, and quotations will be assessed for fairness and reasonableness per FAR 12.204.
• Technical Acceptability: Rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable." Offerors must provide a detailed explanation of their ability to perform the required services, specifically addressing the "WOC Water Tank Inspection SOW" and any requirements in the PWS that cannot be met. Failure to provide sufficient detail or address all requirements may result in a technically unacceptable rating.
• Past Performance: Assessed using references provided by the contractor, information from past contracts with USDA, and sources like CPARS. Ratings include "Acceptable" (demonstrated ability to meet requirements) and "Neutral" (no past performance record). "Unacceptable" is assigned for documented history of failing to meet contract requirements.

This document is crucial for bidders as it defines the criteria and methodology for evaluating their proposals. Understanding these criteria is essential for preparing a compliant and competitive quotation. Bidders must ensure their submissions clearly address all evaluation factors, particularly the detailed explanations required for technical acceptability and the demonstration of past performance. The evaluation method (LPTA) indicates that the lowest-priced offer that is technically acceptable and has acceptable or neutral past performance will be selected.