The solicitation number for the privatization of the Electric System, Water Distribution System, and Water Collection System at McConnell AFB, KS has changed. The new solictation number is SPE600-13-R-0806. All pertinent information regarding this procurement will be posted under the new solicitation number. The contractor will be required to assume ownership of the utility system(s) at McConnell AFB and as the new system(s) owner shall operate and maintain the system(s) and provide utility services to the Government. Contractor shall furnish all necessary labor, management, supervision, permits, equipment, supplies, materials, transportation, and any other incidental items or services required for the complete ownership of and provision of utility services via these utility systems, including operation, maintenance, repair, upgrades, and improvements to the utility system(s). 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 no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011. 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 electric, water, or wastewater 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 opportunity 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 August 2011 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 DLA Energy Contracting Office. Installation Description McConnell Air Force Base (AFB) is located six miles southeast of downtown Wichita, Kansas, in unincorporated Sedgwick County. Topeka, the state capital, is 140 miles northeast of the installation and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is 162 miles south of McConnell AFB. Interstate 35 provides a by-pass route east around Wichita, bordering McConnell AFB to the west and north. Rock Road runs north/south through the base and separates the main base from the housing area. McConnell Electric Distribution System: McConnell AFB receives electric power from Westar Energy at 12.47 kV at three separate service locations. The distribution system consists of approximately 526,795 single conductor linear feet (SCLF) of underground circuits (1986 - 2010 vintage). Also included are approximately 377,525 SCLF of street lighting wire, 570 steel/aluminum poles, 31 wood poles, 216 precast concrete manholes (1986 - 2010 vintage), 298 three-phase pad-mounted transformers ranging from 15 to 2000 kVA (1991 to 2010 vintage), 50 single-phase pad-mounted transformers ranging from 10 to 75 kVA (2003 to 2010 vintage), and 21 single-phase pole-mounted transformers ranging from 5 to 150 kVA (1991 to 1994 vintage). McConnell Potable Water Distribution System: The water utility system was originally constructed in the early 1950s. Water from the City of Wichita lines goes to the Base water treatment plant, where it is chlorinated and fluoridated. After treatment, water is pumped into a 1 million gallon ground storage tank and a 1 million gallon elevated storage tank. The distribution system consists of approximately 4,579 LF of asbestos pipe (1952 to 1963 vintage), 62,972 LF of steel pipe (1952 to 2008 vintage), and 122,628 LF of PVC pipe (1981 to 2010 vintage). Also included are approximately 230 fire hydrants (1980 to 2005 vintage), 5 post indicator valves (1988 to 2000 vintage), 424 gate/ball valves (1952 to 2010 vintage), and 12 backflow preventers (2002 to 2008 vintage). McConnell Wastewater Collection System: The wastewater system is a collection system only; there are no treatment facilities on base. Wastewater is pumped to the City of Wichita's system for treatment and ultimate disposal. The largest force main on the base is used to convey wastewater from the main pumping station, Building 1151, to the City's system. Construction of the main lift station was completed in 2006. The collection system consists of approximately 149,682 LF of PVC pipe (1955 to 2007 vintage) and 697 LF of vitrified clay pipe (1946 vintage). Also included are approximately 255 precast concrete manholes (1995 to 2009 vintage), 122 brick manholes (1946 vintage), 16 lift stations (1988 to 2008 vintage), and 1 generator. Additional installation information may be located at: http://www.mcconnell.af.mil/ Description The DLA Energy Energy Enterprise Business Unit seeks to identify and obtain information from responsible sources in connection with the privatization of the electric distribution system (NAICS 221122), the water distribution system (NAICS 221310), and the wastewater collection system (NAICS 221320) at McConnell Air Force Base (AFB), KS. 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. Utility Privatization (UP) will be accomplished in accordance with 10 U.S.C. - 2688 - Utility Systems: Conveyance Authority.
