S -- Wastewater Privatization

The contract involves the privatization of the wastewater collection utility system at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2688. The government aims to transfer ownership of the utility system and establish a long-term, firm fixed-price service contract with a private entity. Initially, a competitive Request for Proposal was issued in November 2003, but the two submissions received were deemed unsatisfactory. Following Department of Defense guidance, the local utility provider, Kent County, was approached for a sole source negotiation due to their unique capability to meet the government’s requirements for operating the wastewater system. This non-competitive procurement is authorized under federal regulations that permit sole source contracting when only one responsible source exists. The procurement is identified by solicitation number FA4497-06-R-0007 and falls under NAICS code 221320, indicating electric power generation, transmission, and distribution utilities. The Department of Defense office managing the contract is located at Dover AFB, Delaware. This privatization effort signifies the government’s intent to streamline utility operations at the base by leveraging local expertise through a long-term contract, ensuring continuous wastewater services while transferring system ownership to the private sector. Questions about the sole source procurement are directed to Larry Pace, the designated contract specialist.