SOURCES SOUGHT
F -- Kootenai OU3 Asbestos Wildfire Response Module - Request for Information (RFI) - Kootenai OU3 Asbestos Wildfire Response Module RFI
- Notice Date
- 1/2/2018
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 115310
— Support Activities for Forestry
- Contracting Office
- Forest Service - R-1 Northern Region
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- 120343RFI185001
- Archive Date
- 1/31/2018
- Point of Contact
- Jeffrey B. Gardner,
- E-Mail Address
-
jbgardner@fs.fed.us
(jbgardner@fs.fed.us)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- Kootenai OU3 Asbestos Wildfire Response Module RFI - PDF Version Description of Requirements The U.S. Forest Service engages in the suppression of wildland fires on a large scale on an annual basis utilizing firefighting crews provide by the agency and crews hired under contract. Firefighting crews typically perform work utilizing hand tools to construct fire line. Power saws are utilized to clear brush and fall trees. In addition crews often construct hose lays to bring water to the fire area. The hand tools, power saws, and hose lays are also utilized during mop-up once the fire has been contained. The work environment would be forested and is often in steep terrain that is uneven, rocky, and covered in vegetation. Working conditions are often extreme due to smoke and hot, dry weather conditions while working near the radiant heat of the fire environment. The hazardous nature of the work requires that personal protective equipment be utilized at all times during work hours. In addition, the work area identified includes Operable Unit 3 (OU3) of the Libby Superfund as designated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The area, which is approximately 30,000 acres in size, has documented presence of Libby Amphibole Asbestos (LAA) in the tree bark, duff, and soil. LAA is known to cause asbestos related diseases. Additional information is available at: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0801744 Due to the known presence of LAA in OU3, firefighting personnel would be required to wear respiratory protection during wildfire response and go through decontamination prior to leaving the OU3 Asbestos Response boundary. Objectives • Provide qualified module firefighters to be on standby at a Government assigned location, and respond to wildfires, and wildfires in the Libby Superfund Operable Unit 3 (OU3) Asbestos Response Area. • Contractor would be required to provide ten (10) personnel on duty per day, with a minimum staffing of one (1) qualified Crew Boss (CRWB), one (1) Fire Fighter Type 1, six (6) qualified Firefighters (FFT2), and two (2) qualified Intermediate Faller (FAL2) at all times. • The contract module would be available on standby for a minimum of 90 days (estimated June 23-Sept 19), 7-days per week, and 8-hours per day with longer work shifts expected during a fire event, fire weather watch, red flag conditions or high-extreme fire danger days. • Contractor would be capable to respond to initial/extended attack fires that are threatening the Asbestos Response Area, proximal, adjacent to, or otherwise determined near a value at risk by the fire program management. • All personnel would be required to wear respiratory protection while engaged in ground disturbing activities within the OU3 Asbestos Response Area. • During periods of standby, the contractor would be expected to participate in trainings intended to: improve overall conditioning for firefighting while wearing a respirator; to be proficient at donning and doffing personal protective equipment; and to properly conduct decontamination procedures. The contractor would be encouraged to participate in other fire readiness training on their own as a module and with Forest Service personnel. Position Qualifications Requirements This section outlines the qualifications that each firefighter must have before they can be certified in each Incident Command System (ICS) position required. The qualifications defined are for the ICS positions of Single Resource Boss-Crew (CRWB); Firefighter/Squad Boss (FFT1); Firefighter (FFT2); and Intermediate Faller (FAL2). These position requirements listed below are in accordance with the most current version of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildfire Qualification System Guide PMS 310-1 and are subject to change. (a) SINGLE RESOURCE BOSS-CREW (CRWB) (1) REQUIRED TRAINING • ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (ICS-200) • Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) • Crew Boss (Single Resource)(S-230) • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130) (2) ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • Followership to Leadership (L-280) • Basic Air Operations (S-270) • Interagency Incident Business Management (S-260) • Firing Operations (S-219) (3) EXPERIENCE Satisfactory performance as Advanced Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) AND Completion and Certification of PTB as a Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB) on a wildfire (4) PHYSICAL FITNESS Arduous *Each firefighter must have at least one qualifying assignment every five (5) years to maintain a current certification in this position. (b) ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER (FFT1) (1) REQUIRED TRAINING • Firefighter Type 1 (S-131) • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130) (2) ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • Firing Operations (S-219) • Portable Pump and Water Use (S-211) • Power Saws (S-212) (3) EXPERIENCE Satisfactory performance as Firefighter (FFT2) AND Completion and Certification of PTB as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) on a wildfire incident (4) PHYSICAL FITNESS Arduous *Each firefighter must have at least one qualifying assignment every five (5) years to maintain a current certification in this position. (c) FIREFIGHTER (FFT2) (1) REQUIRED TRAINING • Basic Firefighter training • Introduction to ICS (I-100) • Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180) • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) • Firefighting Training (S-130) • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130) Note: Not required for first year FFT2 • National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Introduction (IS-700.a) (2) ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS None (3) EXPERIENCE None (4) PHYSICAL FITNESS Arduous *Each firefighter must have at least one qualifying assignment every five (5) years to maintain a current certification in this position. (d) INTERMEDIATE FALLER (FAL2) (1) REQUIRED TRAINING • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130) (2) ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHICH SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • Facilitative Instructor (M-410) • Firefighter Type 1 (S-131) • Firing Operations (S-219) • Portable Pumps and Water Use (S-211) (3) EXPERIENCE • Satisfactory performance as an Basic Faller (FAL3) • Completion and Certification of PTB as an Advanced Faller (FAL2) on a wildfire incident (4) PHYSICAL FITNESS Arduous *An initial certification is required for all falling position (FAL1, FAL2, FAL3) qualifications, and every three years following initial certification. Personnel Fireline Qualification Records Verification The Northern Rockies (NR) has established Memos of Understanding (MOUs) with inspection providers for inspection of both equipment and personnel qualifications. The list of inspection providers is available on the Northern Rockies Coordinating Group (NRCG) website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/fire/nrcg/agree-contract/index.html Personnel fireline qualification records verification inspections will be required and must be completed annually by a NR MOU Inspection provider. Inspection documentation will need to be signed by the individual employee, the agreement holder, and the MOU verifier and submitted to the Contracting Officer prior to any future awards being made. Specialized Non-Fire Training Required For All Personnel Contractors shall have HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training as required in 29 CFR 1910.120(e). Additional information is available at: http://www.osha.com/courses/hazwoper.html Contractors shall meet all requirements for respirator protection as described in 29 CFR 1910.134. https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=12716 Contractor shall meet all requirements for working with asbestos as described in 29 CFR 1910.1001. https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9995 Decontamination Process Personnel would be required to go through a standard operating procedure for the decontamination process after working within the Asbestos Fire Response area. Items with porous surfaces such as clothing, gloves, hose, etc. would require disposal at the end of each shift or at the end of the incident. If the equipment can be left within OU3, or properly contained and stored in closed containers which prevent dispersion of the asbestos outside the container and are properly labeled, the items may be reused for the duration of the incident and properly disposed of at the end of the incident. Items that cannot meet these requirements would be disposed of at the end of each shift. Respirator filters would be disposed of at the end of each shift. Any air filters used in equipment (e.g. chainsaws, vehicles, UTVs, etc) that goes off-road would be disposed of at the end of each incident or prior to leaving the OU3 Asbestos Response area. Contractor would be reimbursed by the government for items considered Single Use and Discard (SUD) through a reimbursement claim. Contractor costs for equipment (filters, clothing, hose, etc.) that is required to be disposed of after use will need to be submitted monthly through a claim process. All claims will be settled by the signatory Contracting Officer on the contract. Vehicles and other equipment would be required to go through decontamination prior to leaving OU3 Asbestos Response area or as determined by the Incident Commander. Decontamination of vehicles and other equipment would be the responsibility of the contractor. The Forest Service would provide a pressure washer, water source, and collection of contaminated water if necessary. Equipment Contractor would be required to provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), fire shelters, and the minimum number and types of serviceable tools specified in the table below. Hand Tool Description Number Required Per 10-person Module Pulaskis 3 ¾ lb. Head, 36" Handle 8 Combi/ Reinhardt/ Hazel Hoe or Mcleod 3 lb. Head, 36" Handle 8 Power Saw (Chainsaw) With Fuel, Oil, and Kit 3 First Aid Kit 10 Person, Belt Type 2 Contractor would provide a handheld programmable radio for each crewmember with programming cables and software to facilitate communications between other incident and crew personnel. Only radios listed on the National Interagency Incident Communications Divisions' website http://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/index.html are approved. Contractor would provide each crewmember with a full-face, tight fitting, powered air-purifying respirator for arduous activities within the OU3 Asbestos Response area. Other types of respirators meeting 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1910.1001 would be approved for non-arduous activities such as decontamination or transportation in the area. The contractor would provide all spare parts, batteries, HEPA filters, and cleaning supplies necessary to meet requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134 and 29 CFR 1910.1001. Contractor would be responsible to ensure all personnel arrive fully outfitted with the proper personal protective equipment: boots, hardhat with chinstrap, leather gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, head lamp, drinking canteens, fire shelter, flame resistant shirt and pants, and chainsaw chaps for each firefighter operating a chainsaw. Crew Ground Transportation, Lodging, and Meals Contractor would provide vehicles for ground transportation that meets all applicable state and Federal laws. Contractor would be required to provide a sufficient number of vehicles to allow for division of the module into subunits. Contractor would be responsible to provide lodging and meals for their personnel when personnel are not under a resource order and assigned to an incident. While under a resource order and assigned to an incident, the Government will be responsible for providing meals. Lodging (campsite or double occupancy lodging) will be provided by the Government if it is determined that the crew cannot return to their contractor provided lodging at the end of their shift. Crew Responsibilities While on Standby (Not on Fire Assignment) To maintain skill and proficiency with firefighting tools, equipment and apparatus, the expectation is that the contractor would perform a variety of these types of forest related work. • Assist with thinning on the Libby district in/near or adjacent to OU3 and WUI, work may include the use chainsaws to slash and fell small diameter trees less than 9" DBH. Practice donning and doffing procedure of PPE. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 25% of the 90 days. No expectation to achieve any certain number of acres. (Fuel and bar oil would be provided.) • Area familiarization and FS road reconnaissance, brushing of road network may be necessary to access roads after spring melt, wind/blowdown event or sections of overgrown areas to provide better access and prevent damage to vehicles. Improve margin of safety for ingress and egress. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 25% of the 90 days. (FS may provide UTV to for contract use.) • Hike trails and ridges to better gain area familiarization of fuels and vegetation in OU3. Propose locations for holding or constructing control lines. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 10% of the 90 days. • Assist with prepping prescribed burn units in/near or adjacent to OU3. The use of chainsaws and fire tools to create control lines/features. Practice line digging exercises, communications and crew cohesion. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 10% of the 90 days. • Maintain fire qualifications and gain experience in firefighting operations in/near or adjacent to OU3. Practice donning and doffing procedure of PPE. Respond to initial attack fires proximal to OU3 (within 10 miles?). Working with FS employees and equipment for continuity and crew cohesion. Understanding dispatch operations and protocols for better preparedness for an OU3 fire. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 10% of the 90 days. • Attend daily morning fire weather briefings. Either in person by Crew Boss or representative, or by monitoring Kootenai Dispatch Center radio broadcast. Performance of this duty would be considered 100% of the 90 days. (Mandatory) • Perform field or class training on a weekly basis for example but not all inclusive to ensure proper procedures for donning and doffing of PAPR's and decontamination process, scenario based medical evacuation in OU3, and initial attack fire size up, setting up fire hose lays and pumps, working around engines and heavy equipment. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 10% of the 90 days. • Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) building triage, assessing the wildland urban interface areas for hazards, water sources, location of access points to FS land and construct hose lays. Assist with determining safety zones and escape routes. Performance of this duty would be considered approximately 10% of the 90 days. Instructions to Responders Responses to this notice need to be identified with the RFI number listed above, and contain the following information: 1. Company name, address, phone number, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, and a point of contact with email address. 2. Capability information, including a brief written narrative of the contractor's capability/experience in wildland firefighting, as well as any experience working with/in asbestos contaminated areas. Please provide technical descriptions of capabilities/experience in sufficient detail to determine conformity with the identified specifications contained in this notice. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary. 3. Identification of business size and whether currently designated as a small business as defined by FAR Part 19 and currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Small business size standards are published by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and may be found at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. Responses must be submitted as MS Word or Adobe pdf, as attachments to an email to jbgardner@fs.fed.us such that they are received at that electronic address no later than the closing date/time of this posting. All communications regarding this RFI shall be directed to Jeff Gardner, Contracting Officer, USDA Forest Service, Region 1 Regional Office, at the contact information listed in this posting. Questions must be submitted by email to jbgardner@fs.fed.us such that they are received at that electronic address no later than January 11, 2018. Answers to questions that are timely received will be aggregated and attached to this FedBizOpps notice prior to the closing date/time of this notice. All communications regarding this notice shall be directed to Jeff Gardner, Contracting Officer, USDA Forest Service, at the contact information listed in this posting. NOTE: This RFI is issued for the purpose of determining market capability of sources and does not constitute an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice will not be returned. No reimbursement will be made for any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Information contained herein is based on the best information available at the time for publication, is subject to revision, and is not binding upon the Government. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate Federal Business Opportunities announcement.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA/FS/343/120343RFI185001/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Kootenai National Forest, 31374 US Highway 2, Libby, Montana, 59923, United States
- Zip Code: 59923
- Zip Code: 59923
- Record
- SN04778767-W 20180104/180102230519-d09a481601246ff6197591535a8043e1 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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