WIPP Transportation Services

The U.S. Department of Energy, through its Environmental Management Consolidated Business Center, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) under solicitation number 89303226NEM000001 to gather market intelligence on transportation services supporting the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This RFI seeks input from potential contractors capable of providing comprehensive hazardous waste transport services, including the movement of mixed and non-mixed transuranic waste, asbestos, and PCB-contaminated materials from federal generator sites such as Hanford, Idaho National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory to WIPP. Respondents must demonstrate the ability to maintain a terminal facility within a 10-mile radius of Carlsbad, NM, staffed with qualified personnel, and operate a fleet of tractors equipped with advanced safety and tracking systems including TRANSCOM hardware, radiation detection instruments, tamper-proof video surveillance, and communication systems. All drivers must be U.S. citizens, pass federal background checks including fingerprinting and drug screening, have no felony convictions or DUIs within the past 10 years, and complete specialized DOE and DOT training. The contractor is responsible for full regulatory compliance with DOT, RCRA, EPA, OSHA, and DHS standards, and must adhere to CVSA Level VI inspection protocols on all shipments, regardless of waste classification, using only the designated “preferred highway” system. Equipment must meet stringent specifications including speed governors limited to 65 MPH, anti-lock brakes, air-ride suspension, and adequate horsepower for mountainous terrain under full load. The RFI does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or an intent to award a contract, and no estimated value or funding is provided. Respondents are required to submit a capability statement no longer than 15 pages in 12-point Times New Roman font, with a maximum file size of 80 MB, electronically delivered by 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on August 19, 2026. The submission must include the respondent’s Unique Entity Identifier and demonstrate capacity to fulfill all operational requirements, including maintaining direct control over drivers, equipment, and maintenance without subcontracting core functions. Contractors must also pass a DOE Tier I Motor Carrier Evaluation Program audit, comply with limitations on subcontracting, and be prepared to rapidly scale operations by adding additional tractors, drivers, and government-furnished trailers upon request. The contract administration is managed by the Carlsbad Field