Potential 222-S Lab Bidders Concerned Over OCI With Tank Farms Contractor

Some potential bidders on the new contract to provide analytical and testing services at Hanford’s 222-S Laboratory appear to be worried that Hanford tank farms contractor Washington River Protection Solutions may have an unfair advantage if it chooses to participate in the procurement. In a recently released set of Q&As for the 222-S lab procurement, one industry representative asked, “Since the 222-S facility is shared responsibility of the Tank Operations Contractor (TOC) and Lab Contractor, would DOE consider if an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) if the TOC contractor is on one of the 222-S small business laboratory Offerors team?” Another noted, “Because the TOC Contractor shares space with the Lab Contractor, the TOC Contractor has intimate knowledge of laboratory operations, costs, personnel, organization structure as well as problems and issues that have occurred over the life of the contract. For these reasons, it appears that the TOC Contractor would have a competitive advantage if they were to support a perspective Offeror.”

In response, DOE did not immediately rule out a role for WRPS—made up of URS and EnergySolutions—on bids for the new 222-S lab contract. “In accordance with Section L.32 (d) each Offeror shall identify in a statement any existing or potential OCI as defined by FAR Part 9.601 and DEAR 952.209.8. The Offeror is required to submit a mitigation plan if there is an existing or potential OCI. If DOE identifies an existing or potential OCI, the Offeror is required to submit any information requested, including a mitigation plan.” In response to another question, DOE said it does not currently plan to extend the July 17 due date for bids on the new 222-S contract. The full set of new Q&As can be found here.