What this opportunity is
The Department of Agriculture is seeking a contractor for vault toilet pumping services at multiple locations within the Ouray Ranger District of the GMUG National Forests. This opportunity is set aside for total small businesses under NAICS 562991, which covers waste management services. Interested firms should note that this is a combined synopsis/solicitation, indicating that they will need to track the opportunity closely and prepare a bid based on the detailed scope of work and technical requirements provided.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Statement of Work
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Contents
Project ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
General Information ................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.0 Scope of Work ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Contractor Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 3
3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks .................................................................................................................... 3
4.0 Government Furnished .................................................................................................................................. 5
5.0 Deliverables / Schedule ................................................................................................................................. 5
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Project
Ouray Ranger District Vault Toilet Pumping
General Information
1.0 Scope of Work
Regular and as-needed vault toilet pumping at multiple locations on the Ouray Ranger District within the Grand
Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests.
Contractor Requirements
3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks
Contractor Equipment shall meet or exceed these minimum requirements:
1. Pumper tank capacity of 1500 gallons.
2. Vacuum pump.
3. 3 inch diameter intake valve and 200 feet of hose.
4. Long handled grappling device.
5. Capability of carrying extra water for cleaning purposes and for re-charging.
6. Back-up warning devices.
The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision and other
incidentals necessary to perform the services listed.
There are several different vault toilet designs including:
• Single unit/single vault
• Double unit/double vault
• Double unit/single vault
• Septic Systems
All vaults have a maximum capacity of 1000 gallons and need pumped when they reach 80% Capacity, with
90% of the vault contents removed per standard commercial practices. All vault waste shall be disposed of at a
commercial treatment facility off National Forest Lands. Applicable OSHA, State and Local laws and
regulations will be followed. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to secure permission from local
municipal plants to add such waste to their system with any cost to be at the Contractor’s expense.
Pumping Procedures when an outside Manhole is Available
As long as the outside pump-out access is in excess of 20 inches in diameter (or 20 inches square) the
Contractor shall not be allowed to remove the vault contents through the toilet riser.
After removing the manhole cover, use the clam rakes or long handles grabber to remove as much of the debris
as possible before trying to pump out the waste. This procedure will help stir up the contents of the vault and
breakup the dense concentration of waste typically located just under the toilet riser (the impact zone).
By removing most or all of the debris before pumping, the Contractor will find that the hose will not clog so
often and the liquid portion of the contents will not be removed before the thicker solids are removed.
All Debris Removed From The Vault Shall Be Placed Into A Leak Proof Container So That No Contamination
To the Surrounding Ground Will Result And Remove From The Site.
If the bottom of the vault is flat, then the waste shall be removed to within 4-5 inches of the bottom. At this
point the hose will begin to suck air (vortexing) and further removal will be slow. At this time remove any
further debris that was not removed during the initial raking and removal. Using a high-pressure jet washer
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system, wash down the interior walls of the vault before the clinging debris has a chance to dry. If at this time
there is a heavy concentration of solids on the bottom of the vault, use the high-pressure jet washer system to
break up and dilute the solids and then pump this diluted waste, down again until the suction hose begins to
suck too much air to make further pumping practical. The flat-bottomed vault shall now be pre-charged with
enough clean, fresh water to bring the depth of water up to 10 inches.
If the bottom of the vault is sloped (all vaults should be sloped a minimum of 1 inch per ft.), then pump the
waste down (at the deep end) to where the hose begins to suck air. Remove any remaining debris and then go
inside the building with the high-pressure jet washer system and wash the remaining waste down the sloped
bottom. Wash down the vault walls from inside the building or from the outside manhole, whichever is easier.
Now pump out the remaining waste and the water that was just added by the high-pressure jet washer until the
suction hose begins to suck too much air to make further pumping impractical.
Pre-charge the vault with clean, fresh water so that there is 10 inches of water covering the bottom under the
toilet riser. Add the recommended amount of Citrus deodorizer (or equivalent) to deodorize the remaining vault
contents.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect all contaminated areas resulting from the pumping process. Either sweep or
wash all waste that is deposited on the concrete surrounding the manhole cover, back into the vault if possible.
The waste that runs off the edge of the concrete, onto the dirt or into the gravel edge, will be an attractant for
flies, a potential health risk and an odor problem. This problem should be avoided. Clean thoroughly around the
manhole cover gasket area and replace the cover. The manhole cover MUST fit with an airtight seal so that the
venting process of the vault toilet is not interfered with. …
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.