[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 237 (Monday, December 11, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63515-63516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-30086]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Privatization of Isotope Activities; Comment Request
AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE).
ACTION: Notice for Expressions of Interest.
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SUMMARY: Expressions of Interest are sought concerning the possible
privatization of DOE isotope activities such as selling or leasing
existing DOE facilities for commercial use; sale of existing isotope
inventory; isotope marketing, distribution, or technical services; and
other innovative arrangements for enhanced private sector involvement
in isotope operations.
DATES: This notice is effective on the date of publication and will
remain effective until February 23, 1996. Responses may be submitted at
any time prior to February 23, 1996. An information meeting addressing
this notice will be held at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland,
from 9:00 a.m. until noon on January 10, 1996. Information packages
distributed during the January 10, 1996, meeting will be made available
to interested parties after January 11, 1996. Submit requests to the
programmatic information contact listed below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for programmatic information
should be directed to: Mr. Owen W. Lowe, U.S. Department of Energy,
Isotope Production and Distribution, NE-70 (GTN), 19901 Germantown
Road, Germantown, MD 20874, (301) 903-5161.
Expressions of Interest (original plus five copies), citing this
notice, should be postmarked by February 23, 1996, and mailed to: U.S.
Department of Energy, Document Control Specialist, HR-562, Headquarters
Procurement Operations, 1615 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Purpose
II. Areas of DOE Interest
III. Expressions of Interest Format
I. Purpose
The DOE Isotope Program has a twofold mission. First, the Isotope
Program produces and distributes certain radioisotopes and enriched
stable isotopes for research or development purposes. Prices for these
isotopes are set at a level designed to balance cost recovery with the
national priority of meeting U.S. research needs and supporting our
health care system. Second, other radioisotopes and enriched stable
isotopes are produced and distributed for medical diagnostics and
therapeutics, industrial, agricultural, and other useful applications
on a cost-recovery basis.
The DOE Isotope Program currently produces isotopes at six
locations in the United States. The isotope products and related
services from these sites are provided only where: a) there is no
existing domestic, private sector capability; b) unique Government
facilities are needed to provide such a capacity; or c) other
productive capacity is insufficient to meet pressing national needs.
While continuing to assure that a reliable supply exists, DOE is
encouraging privatization of DOE Isotope Program activities in order to
fulfill the DOE Isotope Program's missions at a reduced cost to isotope
customers and the Nation's taxpayers by greater involvement of the
private sector. This notice is not intended to be a solicitation for
proposals. Instead, it is an attempt to obtain information and to
identify interested private sector participants in the possible
privatization of some or all DOE isotope activities. Activities that
fall under the scope of this notice include, but are not limited to,
selling or leasing existing DOE facilities for commercial use; sale of
existing isotope inventory; isotope marketing, distribution, or
technical services; and other innovative arrangements for private
sector isotope operations. Depending on the nature of the responses and
subsequent determinations by DOE, a formal solicitation for competitive
proposals may be published in the future, and awards may be made based
upon an evaluation of proposals received pursuant to the evaluation
criteria as stated in the solicitation.
II. Areas of DOE Interest
DOE is seeking to encourage innovative Expressions of Interest for
privatization. Expressions of Interest should be structured to address:
1. The development or deployment of isotope production,
distribution, and services in terms of:
a. A significant decrease over the cost of current methods through
a substantial reduction in the cost of manufacturing by use of more
efficient methods or technology.
b. Feasibility of approach consistent with proposed cost. The
Expression of Interest must demonstrate a knowledgeable approach and an
appreciation of risks.
2. Probability of success: Clarity of objectives and quality of
approach. The approach should be based on well-defined objectives,
milestones, and deliverables. The approach should contain a reasonable
and practical plan for providing the maximum private sector
participation on a financial and managerial basis and at the least cost
to the Government.
3. The appropriateness of the facilities and techniques. The need
for (and availability of) facilities, equipment, design and
manufacturing tools; technical, financial, and administrative
resources; and the protection of intellectual property.
III. Expression of Interest Format
The length of the Expression of Interest should not be more than 15
pages (double spaced) using a 12-point type font. It is left to the
responder to determine how best to use the 15 pages, however, it would
facilitate review if the Expression of Interest was divided into the
following sections:
Section 1--Summary
Section 2--Comments on privatization of some or all DOE isotope
activities
Section 3--Additional comments and recommendations
Proprietary Information
If the Expression of Interest contains information that is
privileged or confidential and that the respondent does not want
disclosed to the public or used by the Government for any purpose other
than this notice, the respondent should place the following notice on
the Expression of Interest.
Notice: The data contained in pages ________ of this Expression of
Interest has been submitted in confidence and contains trade secrets or
commercial or financial information that is confidential or privileged,
and such data should be used or disclosed only for purposes of
consideration of this
[[Page 63516]]
response. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use
or disclose data obtained without restriction from any source including
the respondent.
Submission
Each submittal should consist of six copies, one original and five
photocopies. The original copy of the Expression of Interest shall
contain all documents that bear original signatures. DOE is under no
obligation to pay for any costs associated with the preparation or
submission of Expressions of Interest in response to this notice. DOE
reserves the right to respond or not respond to any portion, all, or
none of the Expressions of Interest submitted in response to this
notice.
Issued in Washington, D.C., on November 21, 1995.
Terry R. Lash,
Director, Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology.
[FR Doc. 95-30086 Filed 12-8-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
