Utility Privatization of the Potable Water Utility System at Fort Knox, KY

The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) seeks to identify, and obtain information from, responsible sources in connection with the privatization of the water distribution system at Fort Knox, KY. Privatization is defined as the conveyance of a utility system to a municipal, private, regional, district, or cooperative utility company or other entity. The conveyance may consist of all right, title, and interest of the United States in the utility system. In conjunction with the conveyance of the systems, the Contractor will be required to provide utility services, including improvements, upgrades, repairs, expansions, investments, and plant replacement, as well as continued operation and maintenance of the utility distribution systems. Additionally, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, management, supervision, permits, equipment, supplies, materials, transportation, and any other incidental services for the conveyed systems. Utility Privatization (UP) will be accomplished in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2688 - Utility Systems: Conveyance Authority. This Sources Sought Notice (hereinafter 'Notice') is an essential step in determining market interest and feasibility. Responses received will be used to develop marketing strategies for the potential privatization of utilities at this installation. Should interest be determined sufficient, a formal solicitation may be forthcoming. Interested parties should provide a statement of interest on company letterhead by no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, February 29, 2008. Responses are preferred via e-mail, but hard copies and facsimiles will also be accepted. At a minimum, the statement of interest shall address: (1) capability and experience in utility privatization or owning and operating utility systems; (2) financial capability to justify potential award of such a contract; (3) a primary point of contact, including phone number and e-mail address; and (4) an indication of the size of the business (large, small, or any sub-category of small business). The potential for set-asides for small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses will be considered on the basis of the responses received. This Notice is solely for the Government's use as a market research tool. As such, the issuance of a competitive solicitation is not guaranteed. If determined appropriate, then both a synopsis and a solicitation may be anticipated in the March-April 2008 timeframe. All responsible sources are encouraged to submit a response to this Notice. All information received will be considered. Failure to respond to this Notice does not preclude a firm from offering on any resultant solicitation; however, a lack of interest in this requirement may keep this effort from moving forward competitively. This announcement shall not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of an award. The Government is not bound to make any awards under this Notice. If you are interested in this project, please provide the information requested above to the DESC Contracting Office. Installation Description Fort Knox is a U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command installation with the primary mission of training soldiers for the Armor Force. The Armor School is the rock on which the Armor Center mission is built. Its staff sections, directorates, and units provide the personnel, equipment, and guidance needed to train in the development of its doctrine. It is also home to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command and the 2nd Region ROTC and Readiness Group Knox. The most well-known landmark at Fort Knox is the U.S. Bullion Depository, better known as the Gold Vault. Fort Knox is a certified Kentucky city, covering 109,054 acres or about 170.4 square miles. It is the seventh largest urban community in the Commonwealth, with a day-time population of about 33,000. Fort Knox is adjacent to the city of Radcliff, 15 miles north of Elizabethtown, and approximately 45 miles south of Louisville. Additional installation information can be located at: http://www.knox.army.mil/ The Contracting Officer for this procurement is Angela Mattox. She may be contacted by phone at 703-767-1348 or by e-mail at: Angela.Mattox@dla.mil