Explosive Supply/Storage and Blasting Services

This sources sought is a request for information to be used for preliminary market research information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a request for proposal or as an obligation on the part of the U.S. Government. This is NOT a solicitation and No proposals are being requested or accepted. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. The U.S. Government will not reimburse any respondent for any effort or information submitted in response to this sources sought. Market research is being performed to determine the extent of industry interest and capability in Forest Service blasting. Responses received will inform the agency's plan to procure blasting services. The Government reserves the right to cancel this sources sought. The purpose of this notice is to identify potential offerors possessing the capability, certifications, and experience necessary to supply explosives following proper safety and security protocols and to utilize these materials in a variety of forest settings to perform blasting that may be necessary to re-open roads and trails, open waterways, or remove trees and other obstructions. Typical projects include rock blasting to reduce the size and/or remove rock fall on roads and trails; clearing landslide, debris flow, or log-jams; felling hazard trees that might be difficult or risky to saw; and dispersing animal carcasses like horses that die on or near Forest Service trails. Anticipated work may be in remote locations hundreds of miles from an explosive supplier's magazine and duration of blasting activities may be from less than one to several days of work. Many blasting locations may not be accessible by motorized vehicle; the contractor shall have the capability to transport and perform blasting in remote areas including trail work as far as 10 to 20 miles within designated Wilderness areas. The Forest Service - Region 1, Northern Region (including National Forests and Grasslands in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota) and Region 4, Intermountain Region (including National Forests in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, & Wyoming) are seeking potential qualified sources to supply explosives and perform blasting for a variety of Forest Service operations. Types of explosive material anticipated to meet the needs of Forest Service blasting includes bridgewire, electric, and non-electric detonators; det-cord, emulsions, water gels, cast boosters and ANFO. Under no circumstance are cap and fuse to be used. Blast must be in full control of the blaster-in-charge at all times. Type of explosives used will depend upon project variables; for example, det-cord cannot be used certain times of the year on the forest due to the flash potential of starting fires. Potential requirements may include one to 50 individual blasting projects across the region in any given year; with explosives charges from one to 100 pounds. This sources sought is for both explosives suppliers with capability to procure, store, and transport explosives for blasting that may be performed by Forest Service personnel; as well as for contractors capable of performing all necessary work including explosive supply, handling, drilling, blasting, and disposal. Anticipated work may include emergency actions that must be performed within one to five days of identifying a need and/or planned blasting projects that are well defined at least 30 to 60 days in advance. Interested sources shall provide responses that contain the following information: 1. Name of company and DUNS number or CAGE code 2. Point of Contact name, telephone number, and E-mail address 3. Company address 4. Business size information; Identification of the appropriate small business eligibility as determined by the NAICS size standards, the Small Business Administration and registration in System for Award Management (SAM), including SB, HUBZone, 8A, SDVOB and WOSB, if applicable. 5. Identification of whether you are interested in this opportunity as a prime or a subcontractor. 6. Indicate whether you are interested in supplying, storing, and transporting explosive materials only; or in providing full blasting services. 7. Indicate capability of performing urgent blasting services within one to five days. 8. A brief summary of the company's capabilities (to include descriptions of facilities, equipment, skills and personnel) experience, and expertise, including knowledge of safety, security, and environmental regulations associated with the procurement, storage, transportation, handling, use, and disposal of explosive materials. 9. A summary of the company's experience in performing blasting (to include type, scope, and duration of projects; whether the contractor acted as a prime or subcontractor; and what type of project description or specifications are typically required from the owner in order for the contractor provide a blasting project proposal. Confirm if required licenses, permits, and insurance is in place. If not, describe what will be required prior to offering blasting services to the Forest Service. 10. Details regarding experience with similar work including dollar value of previous work performed within the past five years. Interested parties must submit responses by e-mail to Chad Santone at chad.santone@usda.gov or by mail Attn: Chad Santone, US Forest Service, 24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804. Responses are due by 4:00 PM (MST) on 30 April 2019.