NIWTP Electro-osmosis Dryers

This is a request for information (RFI) for planning purposes only. If a solicitation is posted for this requirement in the future, it will not have the same reference number.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to obtain information about capabilities and market information related to biosolids drying systems and is for planning purposes only. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No formal solicitation for this work exists at this time.

The International Boundary and Water Commission, United States Section (USIBWC), will be seeking proposals from all interested parties for improvements to the existing biosolids drying process at the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant (NIWTP). The objectives are to meet a minimum of 40% dry solid content, improve efficiency, reduce operating and maintenance costs and reduce environmental impacts. 

1.            OVERVIEW/PURPOSE/ DESCRIPTION OF PROCUREMENT
The objective of this RFI is to collect information to assist the Government in evaluating available biosolids electro-osmosis dryers to significantly reduce the current volume and weight of sludge generated at the NIWTP resulting in a safe, cost-effective, and timely manner.

2.            BACKGROUND
The NIWTP treats approximately 15 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) of raw sewage entering from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and Nogales, Arizona using the Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) process. The Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) is treated by drum thickening followed by an open pit aerobic digestion. Digested sludge flows to a storage pond to be pumped into one of two belt filter presses and into a sludge hauling truck for disposal at the local Santa Cruz County Landfill in Rio Rico, Arizona. Current dewatering efforts may produce dry solids content in the range of 13% to 20%.  Average monthly wet sludge expected is around 2,200 Tons.

Because the local landfill is nearing capacity, dry solid content will need to be disposed of at the next nearest landfills in Tucson and/or Marana, Arizona, up to 84 miles away. This results in an increase to transport distance and operating cost. The USIBWC is seeking to reduce the weight and volume of daily sludge production and maximize drying efficiency.

3.            REQUESTED INFORMATION

1. Capability Statement. Interested vendors are requested to provide a company capability statement.  The capability statements should demonstrate the firm’s experience and capability to perform the principal components of services listed above. Capability statements should include pricing information for market research purposes only and include the following information:

General company description:

1. 1. 1. 1. Business Name and Address,
         2. Point of Contact to include E-Mail Address and Telephone Number,
         3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
         4. NAICS code(s) applicable to this requirement, and
         5. Business Size and Type: 8A, HUBZone, Women-owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Small Business, Large Businesses, etc.

Interested bidders will be required to have a minimum 5 years of experience working on wastewater sludge dewatering. Interested bidders will be required to test the waste activated sludge to determine, at minimum, percent dry solids achieved, and include a cost savings analysis.

1. Description of the biosolids electro-osmosis dryer with general layout drawings, labor and maintenance requirements (to include number of operators and work hours per day), safety concerns and comparison data. The technology should be a total solution that addresses the requirements listed above.
2. Demonstrated evidence of dehumidification and/or dehydration sludge drying system being implemented in similar wastewater treatment plant conditions.
3. Estimate of the required investment including material, equipment, installation, engineering and prove-out costs, operations and maintenance costs including expected life cycle operational costs.
4. Major partners or suppliers.
5. Provide minimum and maximum monthly production rates of past production of same or similar technology.
6. Respondents’ ability to assess environmental impacts.

4.            RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. Submissions shall not exceed 25 pages, single-spaced, 12-point type with at least one-inch margins on 8 1/2" X 11”-page size. The response shall not exceed a 10 MB e-mail limit for all items associated with the RFI response. Responses must specifically describe the contractor's capability to meet the requirements outlined in this RFI. Oral communications are not permissible. SAM.gov will be the sole repository for all information related to this RFI.

5.            INDUSTRY DISCUSSIONS:
Government representatives may choose to meet with potential offerors and hold one-on-one discussions. Such discussions would only be intended to obtain further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, including any development and certification risks.

6.            QUESTIONS:
Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the POC listed in this announcement. Verbal questions and phone calls will not be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted to SAM.gov. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after above response date will be answered. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses.

7.            DISCLAIMER:
This RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals, nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis.

All information contained in the RFI is preliminary, subject to modification, and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, "Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes", is incorporated by reference in this RFI. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked "Proprietary" will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.