Utility Privatization of the Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Systems at Fort Hood, Texas

The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) seeks to identify, and obtain information from responsible sources in connection with the privatization of the electric power distribution (NAICS 221122) and natural gas distribution (NAICS 221210) systems at Fort Hood, Texas. 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. Contractor will be required to assume ownership of the electric power distribution and natural gas distribution systems at Fort Hood, TX, and as the new owner, shall operate and maintain the systems 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 systems. 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 Thursday, April 1, 2010. 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 electric and /or natural gas systems utility privatization or owning and operating an electric and/or natural gas 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 April-May 2010 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 Hood today trains, maintains and sustains a corps-level headquarters, two army division level headquarters, a corps sustainment command, six brigade combat teams (BCTs), five other brigade-size formations and numerous other major organizations. With Army Transformation and Modularity, every major unit is being restructured. With 45,414 assigned soldiers or airmen and 8,909 civilian employees, Fort Hood is the largest single site employer in Texas, directly inserting nearly $3B annually into the Texas economy. In 2005, the Texas State Comptroller estimated the annual direct and indirect economic impact of Fort Hood on the Central Texas region as $6.09 billion. Fort Hood is the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions. Fort Hood occupies 340 square miles (214,968 acres) of Bell and Coryell Counties, 60 miles north of Austin and 50 miles south of Waco. Seven surrounding cities with a regional population of 335,000 are partnered with and provide substantial quality of life support to Fort Hood. The installation's principal cantonment area and the adjacent West Fort Hood are bisected by US Highway 190, a four lane controlled access road that flows directly into US Interstate Highway 35, the main North-South route through Texas and Mid-America. Additional installation information may be located at: www.hood.army.mil