Description
PRIVATIZATION OF NATURAL GAS UTILITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, FORT KNOX KY DESCRIPTION: The Government is seeking responsible potential sources interested in the privatization of the U.S. Army-owned natural gas distribution system at Fort Knox KY. Fort Knox covers about 110,000 acres and is located 35 miles south of Louisville KY. The installation is predominantly an area of exclusive Federal jurisdiction. Privatization is defined as the transfer of ownership and operations and maintenance responsibilities, to include such items as environmental compliance, maintenance costs, major system renovations and upgrades, construction, equipment and manpower, of the Government-owned distribution system to a municipal, private, regional, district or cooperative utility company or to another entity. Fort Knox currently receives natural gas supply from the spot market by an area-wide Defense Energy Services Center contract delivered through Louisville Gas & Electric to the Government-owned distribution system through two master-metered delivery points that are served from 6-inch to 8-inch high pressure transmission lines. The Government-owned natural gas distribution system consists of about 100 miles of gas lines that range from less than 2 inches to 12 inches in diameter, 1800 building services and 9 00 main valves. About 70 percent of the system consists of polyethylene pipe that was installed during the last 20 years to replace steel piping. The steel piping which acounts for the remaining 30 percent of the system has an average age of 40 to 50 yea rs. The system is in fairly good condition given its age and configuration. Fort Knox is a weather-sensitive customer that consumes about 1,500,000 decatherms of natural gas annually. This request for information (RFI) is a component of a systematic process to implement the Department of Army's utilities privatization program. Should insufficient credible interest or responsive capability be identified for a privatization action, it is likely that no formal solicitation will be issued, otherwise, a formal request for proposals (RFP) may be forthcoming. The statement of interest submitted shall address all of the following general criteria, to include at a minimum: (1) capability and experience in the ownership, operation, expansion and maintenance of similar retail or other Government service systems; (2) financial capability to purchase, expand, maintain, and operate the utility system; (3) a statement expressing a willingness and understanding of an obligation to provide continuous utility service; (4) understanding of any applicable state or local utility law, capability of complying with such law and to initiate the service within a reasonable time after contract award; and (5) understanding of the federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations; and familiarity and experience with environmental compliance procedures and regulations. A statement of interest should not exceed 15 pages in length. Send statement of interest to the Directorate of Contracting, Attn: Steve Fries, Building 1109, Room 250, Fort Knox KY 40121-5000 no later than COB, local time, 02 April 2004. Telephone calls will not be accepted.