Orphan Well - Exploratory 2025 NE

This contract involves the exploration and assessment of orphan wells across Ohio, with the primary goal of gathering detailed information on the condition, equipment, and materials associated with these wells. The work is to be conducted through competitively bid contracts, with three separate awards designated for different regions of Ohio, ensuring regional coverage and specialization. Contractors will be responsible for performing exploratory activities, which may include using specific equipment to evaluate well conditions, although the actual plugging of wells will occur in a subsequent, separate contract based on the findings. The contract emphasizes the importance of readiness, requiring contractors to have certain equipment available to address potential aggravations during exploration. Work orders will specify and authorize individual tasks, and pricing will be established through submissions on OhioBuys. The contract is critical for environmental protection and public safety, as plugging orphan wells is mandated by law. It will remain active until a predetermined timeframe or expenditure limit is reached, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources overseeing the project. Each awarded contractor will operate within a designated region, with no contractor permitted to cover more than one region, ensuring regional expertise and fair distribution of work. The solicitation was posted in August 2024, with responses due by late August, and the project is managed under the NAICS code 333924, reflecting the manufacturing and exploration of oil and gas field machinery.