Corps issues Advance Contract Initiative Request for Proposal for Fire Island debris removal

Published Feb. 18, 2013

Yaphank, New York – Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a request for proposal under the Advance Contract Initiative to remove Hurricane Sandy debris from Fire Island.

This follows the New York Recovery Field Office decision to terminate the existing contract with Custom Earth Recycling, LLC of Bay Shore, N.Y. The Corps of Engineers terminated the contract because of the urgent and compelling need to complete the debris removal mission on Fire Island by the end of March. The resolution of the GAO protest could take up to 120 days.

"The Corps of Engineers has pre-awarded contracts in place for major emergency response missions such as debris. These contracts are part of the ACI," said Lt. Col. John Knight, New York Recovery Field Office commander. "ACI enhances the Corps’ ability to respond quickly and effectively by using a contractor registry to assist us with disaster response missions."

The ACI task order will include debris removal from right-of-way and from eligible private property, transport it off the island and dispose of it in a safe and environmentally sound manner. It also will require the separation and disposal of construction and demolition debris, segregation of "white goods" such as refrigerators and other appliances, disposal of e-waste such as televisions and computers, disposal of vegetative debris, and sifting eligible sand.

Under the terms of the Stafford Act, ACI contractor will be required to employ at least 50 percent local labor to complete the work. Preference will be given, to the extent feasible and practical, to those organizations, firms and individuals residing or doing business primarily in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Numerous homes on Fire Island sustained damage from Hurricane Sandy. FEMA tasked the Corps of Engineers to provide assistance to remove debris on Fire Island as part of the response and recovery efforts for New York.

"The goal is to complete work by the end of March," Knight said. "We are committed to help the residents of Fire Island recover from this disaster, and debris removal is one less challenge for the citizens on their way to recovery."


Contact
Marilyn Phipps
601-634-7022
marilyn.j.phipps@usace.army.mil

Release no. 13-013