Sources Sought Notice for Privatization of Utility Services   2

The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) seeks to identify, and obtain information from, responsible sources in connection with the privatization of the water distribution (NAICS 221310) and wastewater collection systems (NAICS 221320) at Fort Meade, Maryland. 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 water distribution and wastewater collection systems at Fort Meade, MD, 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, February 14, 2008. 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 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 Governments 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 March-April 2008 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 Located midway between the cities of Baltimore, MD; Washington DC, and Annapolis, MD, Fort Meade is home to approximately 9,350 military personnel as well as 31,669 civilian employees. Approximately 5,959 family members reside on post. The installation lies four miles east of Interstate 95 and one-half mile east of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, between Maryland State Routes 175 and 198. Fort Meade is situated within the communities of Odenton, Laurel, Severn and Columbia. Fort Meade is a part of the Military District of Washington (MDW) Command with the mission of providing support to more than 78 organizations from all military-affiliated personnel and to several federal agencies assigned to Fort Meade or located in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Fort Meade provides support and services for more than 100 tenant units which include the National Security Agency and Defense Information School. Fort Meade serves approximately 9,350 active-duty military: 5,134 Army; 1,190 Navy; 2,662 Air Force; 353 Marine; 10 Coast Guard; 1 International; 5,959 Family members on-post; 2,285 Family members off-post; 53,211 Retirees; 106,422 Retiree family members; 31,669 Employees (NAF, DA, DoD, volunteer, contract, other). Current Statistics: 1. Fort Meade and NSA combined equals the largest employers in the State of Maryland. 2. Fort Meade has the 4th largest workforce of Army installations in the continental United States 3. Fort Meade's workforce has approximately 39,000 members, composed of military, civilian and contractor personnel. 4. Fort Meade is one of the largest joint service centers in the U.S. 5. Population of 109,000 in addition to thousands of visitors daily. 6. Contributes nearly $4 Billion to the Maryland Economy. Additional installation information may be located at: www.ftmeade.army.mil CENTRAL POINT OF CONTACT IS: WENDY CLARE, CONTRACT SPECIALIST, Phone: 703.767.3415, Fax: 703.767.2382, E-mail: wendy.clare@dla.mil