Utilities Privatization - Privatization of the Electric Utility Systems at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida

This is a Sources Sought Notice (hereinafter "Notice"). This Notice is an essential step in determining market interest and feasibility in accordance with FAR Part 10 and is for information and planning purposes only. This Notice is solely for the Government's use as a market research tool. This Notice does not constitute a request for proposals, a solicitation or a request for quotes. If determined appropriate, then both a synopsis and a solicitation may be anticipated in the 2026 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. 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 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. Interested parties should provide a statement of interest on company letterhead by no later than 3:00 P.M. EST on July 15, 2025. Responses are preferred via email, but hard copies will also be accepted. If the statement of interest will be provided via hard copy, please notify the primary or secondary point of contact identified herein. At a minimum, the statement of interest shall address the following criteria: (1) capability and experience in the ownership and/or leasing, operation and maintenance of an electrical distribution system; (2) financial capacity with regard to leasing or ownership interest, expansion, and operation of a utility system; (3) understanding of any applicable state or local utility law or franchise requirements and capability of complying with such requirements; (4) understanding of the federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations and its familiarity and experience with environmental compliance procedures and regulations for the state of Florida; (5) capabilities and estimated timeframes to initiate and complete extensive medium voltage supply infrastructure capital projects, which will be referred to as Initial System Deficiency Corrections (ISDC)*, to include financing, procurement, installation (including necessary phasing to maintain continuity of Government operations), commissioning, and initial system operation; (6) a primary point of contact, including phone number and email address; (7) business size (other-than-small, small, or any subcategory of small business) relative to the NAICS code 221122; and (8) status as a regulated or non-regulated utility currently operating in the State of Florida. *ISDCs are projects necessary to reach the standards typically maintained by the Contractor on its utility systems or to ensure compliance with applicable law and regulation, so that subsequent renewals and replacements (recapitalization) will permit the long-term safe and reliable operation of the utility systems. If you are interested in this effort, please provide the information requested above to the Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy) Contracting Office. Requirement: The Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy) seeks to identify and obtain information from responsible sources in connection with the acquisition of utility services for the privatization of the electric power distribution systems (NAICS 221122) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Florida. 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 rights, title and interest of the United States in the utility system(s). Utilities Privatization (UP) will be accomplished in accordance with 10 U.S.C. - 2688 - Utility Systems: Conveyance Authority. It is intended that privatization will reduce the Government's life cycle costs; expand capabilities; repair failing equipment; improve and sustain SAIDI and SAIFI measured operational values to NAVFAC P-602 3 Pillars of Energy Security (Reliability, Resiliency, & Efficiency) standards or better within 5 years after conveyance. The resulting privatization will include ownership, operation, and maintenance of the systems. The new owner shall operate and maintain the systems and provide utility services to the Government. The Contractor/System Owner shall furnish all management, supervision, permits, equipment, supplies, materials, transportation and any other incidental items or services required for the complete ownership and provision of utility services by the use of these utility systems being privatized, including operation, maintenance, repair, upgrades and improvements to the utility systems. All responsibility for maintaining reliable service, including such items as environmental compliance, maintenance costs, major system renovations, construction, equipment, manpower and overhead costs shall become the responsibility of the new utility system owner. Installation Description Naval Air Station Key West, often abbreviated as NAS Key West, is a naval air facility located on Boca Chica Key, just outside the city of Key West, Florida. This base is a major hub for naval aviation training, known for its excellent year-round flying weather and access to expansive aerial and sea ranges. NAS Key West supports a variety of military missions, including fleet training operations, search and rescue missions, and support for the U.S. Southern Command operations. It's also home to several tenant commands, including the renowned Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC-111) "Sun Downers," which provides adversary training to air wings. The base's strategic location makes it an essential asset for both the Navy and other branches of the U.S. military, allowing for realistic training in diverse and challenging environments. It also plays a key role in drug interdiction efforts in the Caribbean and South Atlantic regions. System Description Keys Energy Services (KEYS) supplies electrical power to NAS Key West. KEYS purchases power from the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), a power agency owned by municipal electric utilities in Florida. A 138-kV transmission line that traverses the Florida Keys (over 100 miles) feeds into several KEYS-owned substations and delivers power to NAS Key West. KEYS owns 138-kV and 69-kV electrical transmission lines, as well as several transmission and distribution substations, including the 13.8-kV distribution infrastructure in the Key West area. NAS Key West electrical power is provided via 13.8-kV distribution (both overhead lines and underground cabling) to all locations, including Boca Chica Field, Truman Annex, Sigsbee Park Annex, Trumbo Point Annex and Flemming Key. Secure Documents If sufficient interest is identified and this requirement proceeds in a competitive action, access to many solicitation attachments will be controlled. In order to view and download controlled attachments, interested parties will need to request access in the Contract Opportunities system. The process of obtaining access is somewhat lengthy, therefore all interested vendors are encouraged to begin that process as soon as possible. Instructions for access to the Contract Opportunities Controlled Site: To access the controlled, but unclassified, documents in the SAM.gov system, Offerors are required to be registered in SAM.gov. A CAGE Code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) are created through the SAM.gov registration process at https://sam.gov/. Offerors must create a login.gov account in SAM.gov. Instructions are below. For additional help, contact the Federal Service Desk at www.fsd.gov or toll free at 1.866.606.8220. To link to an existing login.gov account From https://sam.gov/ go to sign in on the toolbar. Enter an email address and password for the existing login.gov account. Offerors will then receive an email to associate the existing login.gov account with SAM.gov. Offerors will now use this login.gov account to sign into SAM.gov. New users will be asked to complete their SAM.gov profile. To create a new login.gov account From https://sam.gov/ go to sign in on the toolbar. Select create an account. Enter an email. Offerors will receive a link with a security code via email. Go to the link and enter that security code and press continue. Create a password. Press continue. Select the method to receive one-time security codes in the future. Note: The recommended method is Text message/SMS. As part of the registration process, Offerors will be prompted to select a second authentication method. Once the login.gov user account is created, sign in at SAM.gov and navigate to the solicitation using the - Search Contract Opportunities link. Click on a controlled attachment to initiate the request for access. A pop-up message will appear. Enter a - Reason for Access and click Submit. Offerors will be notified of the response to the request. Please note that Offerors will now need to request access for each attachment individually. Offerors that already have Joint Certification Program (JCP) certification are encouraged to verify their information in the JCP system at https://www.public.dacs.dla.mil/jcp/ext/. Incorrect information may result in rejection of request and delays in access to controlled documents. Instructions for obtaining JCP certification or for correcting a current JCP certification are as follows: (a) Applicants for JCP certification are required to have an updated and correct SAM.gov registration, UEI, CAGE Code, and login.gov account. (b) Applicants for JCP certification are required to complete a NIST assessment and upload it to SPRS. NIST assessments are valid for 3 years, must be documented in SPRS, and must be current more than 90+ days. (c) Applicants must review and completion the Introduction to Proper Handling of DoD Export-Controlled Technical Data through https://www.dla.mil/Logistics-Operations/Services/JCP/. (d) All applications must be completed through the JCP Portal. The portal may be accessed through https://www.dla.mil/Logistics-Operations/Services/JCP/ or directly at https://www.public.dacs.dla.mil/jcp/ext/. (i) Click the Registration link below the Login button to navigate to the Registration page. (ii) Register either with a username and password. The Register - User Name and Password page is for use by users not in possession of a Government Common Access Card (CAC). (iii) All JCP Portal users logging in with a username and password must enable Two Factor Authentication (TFA) on the JCP Portal account. Log in to the JCP Portal account with the username and password. A prompt requires the TFA set-up on the account. Set-up Google Authenticator on a smartphone. Google Authenticator will be used upon each log in attempt. Either scan the QR code in the Google Authenticator application or manually enter the verification code. Select verify and save. (iv) After registering, click Profile in the header of the main page. To update your Profile information (First Name, Last name, Email, or Telephone), make a change in any or all the form fields and save by clicking the Save button. (v) Upon first login after registration, an organization will not be attached to the profile. The Dashboard page will display an Actions drop down in the upper right corner. Click either Request to Join an Organization or Create New Organization. (e) Applicants will complete the DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, through the JCP Portal. (f) Notify the DLA Energy Solicitation POCs of the request submission together with company name and CAGE Code used on the request form. (g) The JCP office will contact the Offeror with additional instructions. (h) JCP will return an approved and signed certified form, which will include the certification and expiration date. (i) For assistance with the DD2345 or to inquire about the acceptability of providing documentation electronically, please contact the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office, DLIS: U.S./Canada Joint Certification Office Logistics Information Services Federal Center, 74 Washington Ave., North Battle Creek, Michigan USA 49037-3084 Phone: 877-352-2255 E-mail: JCP-Admin@DLA.MIL (j) Once approval is received, it can take up to 24 hours for the JCP information to reach all systems. 6. Once Offerors receive the approved DD2345 from JCP, have verified the status, and have verified that all information is correct and matches the SAM registration for the same CAGE Code at https://www.public.dacs.dla.mil/jcp/ext/, follow the steps for requesting access to controlled documents in #3, above. 7. All JCP account registrants must log in to the JCP Portal at least every 35 days to keep their accounts active. Accounts not active past 35 days will be disabled. A warning email from j62.dacs@dla.mil will be sent five (5) days and then one (1) day prior to your account being locked. If you find that your account is locked/disabled, please go to the DACS Portal: https://www.public.dacs.dla.mil/portal/ and click the "Unlock Account" link. You will need to provide your username and email address to unlock/enable your JCP Portal account. 8. Further JCP account instruction may be found at https://www.dla.mil/Logistics-Operations/Services/JCP/. Once the MPIN has been verified in the Contract Opportunities system and explicit access has been granted, vendors will be able to enter the system and view the secure documents.