Newport Snow Removal

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate (RI) in Rome, NY intends to solicit and negotiate a sole source contract under the authority of 10 USC 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 with the Town of Newport, 7450 East Street Newport, NY 13416-3600 for snowplowing and sanding/salting services at the AFRL/RI Newport Research Facilities located atop Tanner and Irish Hills in Newport, NY. The resultant contract is anticipated to have a Period of Performance of 04 November 2013 through 03 November 2014, with four (4) subsequent one (1) year option periods available for exercise. The Newport Research Facilities are located atop two steep hills - Tanner & Irish - in an area of low population density which experiences significant winter snowfall and drifting. The consistent presence of AFRL personnel onsite requires rapid and capable response to winter conditions. The facilities are accessible to AFRL personnel only by access roads which are extensions of town roads. The Town of Newport is responsible for plowing the town roads leading up to the facility access roads. The Government requires that when snow accumulation reaches a depth of 4 inches, plowing and sanding/salting operations commence within one (1) hour in order to ensure facilities are accessible and safe for site personnel. Should a Contractor other than the Town of Newport be contracted with for snowplowing and sanding/salting of the facility access roads, that Contractor's ability to commence operations in a timely fashion would be diminished until the Town of Newport first plows the town roads. While a Contractor could travel to the facility access roads prior to the Town of Newport clearing the town roads, there would be an increased probability of loss for the Contractor due to unsafe travel conditions. In such a situation neither the Contractor nor the site would benefit. In fulfilling previous contracts, the Town of Newport has proven highly efficient in mobilizing a crew to plow and sand/salt the facility access roads after plowing the (town) roads leading up to them. The Town of Newport has demonstrated snowplowing and sanding/salting proficiency meeting or exceeding the commercial standard using its own specialized heavy equipment. The Town of Newport is responsible for the maintenance and efficient operation of this equipment because its plowing duties encompass the entirety of the town (of Newport). The equipment includes three 35-40 ton, 450-500 HP, 4-wheel drive trucks with attached 10 foot sanders, double 12 foot wings, and V-plows; one 10 foot, 350 HP two stage snow blower; one 8v92, 450 HP, 12 foot and 14 foot wing, and V-plow; and one 3 cubic yard bucket loader. Typical commercial operators do not maintain fleets of the same size. Please note this Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotations. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. However, information received by the response date of this notice will be considered by the Government.