DOE ?Actively Considering? Feedback on Draft RFP for New Idaho Contract, EM Official Says

With industry executives unhappy with provisions in the draft Request for Proposals for the new Idaho cleanup contract, the Department of Energy is “actively considering” the feedback it has received on the procurement, Jack Surash, deputy assistant secretary for acquisition and project management in DOE’s Office of Environmental Management, said yesterday. Surash, however, declined to provide details as to what, if any, changes the Department is considering making. Senior industry executives from most major DOE contractors have indicated they would not bid on the new Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) Core contract as structured in the draft RFP, expressing concern over provisions that would make the contractor liable for costs above the target cost combined with uncertainties in the work scope to be performed. “We appreciate the issues that were raised” during recent industry one-on-one sessions with DOE, Surash said at this year’s Weapons Complex Monitor Decisionmakers Forum in Amelia Island, Fla., noting that the Department “typically” makes what he described as “adjustments” between a draft and a final RFP. “Right here today, I can’t tell you what we’re going to do, but pay attention to the website and you’ll start seeing some updates,” Surash said.