Description
The General Services Administration (GSA) seeks to identify and obtain information from, responsible sources in connection with the privatization of the natural gas distribution system (NAICS 221210) at Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), LA. 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 natural gas distribution system at Barksdale AFB, LA, and as the new owner, shall operate and maintain the system 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 this utility system, including operation, maintenance, repair, upgrades, and improvements to the utility system. 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 Friday, October 08, 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 utility privatization or owning and operating 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 October 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 GSA Contracting Office. Installation Description : Barksdale Natural Gas Distribution System The natural gas distribution system being privatized is described as follows: Barksdale AFB is located in the northwest portion of Louisiana, within the Shreveport-Bossier City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Barksdale AFB natural gas distribution system consists of all appurtenances physically connected to the distribution system from the point of demarcation defined by the Right of Access. The utility system is composed of, without limitation, piping, regulators, meters and other ancillary fixed equipment related to natural gas delivered to end users on the Installation. Natural gas is currently supplied to Barksdale AFB by CenterPoint Energy-Arkla (Arkla) at four locations. Arkla high pressure mains are extended to Arkla owned and maintained metering and regulator stations near the base boundary. The pressure is regulated down to approximately 25 psi for distribution throughout the base. Distribution piping and equipment beyond these stations are owned, operated, and maintained by Barksdale AFB. Specifically excluded from the natural gas distribution system privatization are: Compressed natural gas stations, Military Family Housing (MFH), Munitions Storage Area (MSA), Flight Line Annual Consumption, FY09 is 117,933 mcf with a maximum monthly usage for FY09 of 10,000 mcf. Additional installation information may be located at: http://www.barksdale.af.mil/