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Solicitation Number:

AFRPA-10-R-0020

Notice Type:

Sources Sought

Synopsis:

Notice:
The Department of the Air Force (Air Force) requests an expression of interest and certain information from interested parties experienced in development and operation of an acute/primary care medical facility. Industry input will be used to explore a concept for a potential project at Edwards AFB, as well as gather questions and concerns market participants may have about it.

Background:
The Air Force is considering the merits of leasing a parcel of land to a private health care provider for construction and operation of an acute/primary care facility. The parcel is located on the installation's western perimeter along the main entrance to Edwards AFB. It is outside the security fence, approximately 2 miles east of State Highway CA-14 (See attached map).

The facility would serve the approximately 42,000 people in surrounding communities, the installation clinic daily overflow, and the after-hour treatment for military personnel and their dependents. It would also be a convenient location for the 13,000 Edwards AFB civil service and contractor personnel. Ideally, the facility would provide regularly scheduled medical specialists, diagnostic imaging and clinical lab services with extended hours of operation. The long term vision for the project would be a full service, bedded hospital. The property is located on the perimeter of the base, but well outside the security fence; therefore, base access is not an issue.

In 1999, the Air Force closed the hospital at Edwards AFB and created a weekday ambulatory clinic. In 2008, the Edwards AFB clinic referred 6,886 patients off base for further treatment. The nearest medical services are a 40 minute drive to crowded facilities that often involve long waits for services. The residents of Rosamond, Mojave, California City, and Boron also lack sufficient medical service and have similar drive times.

The Air Force anticipates offering a long-term land lease, for which the Air Force would receive cash or in-kind consideration at least equal to the fair market value of the land, as authorized by 10 USC § 2667, the Enhanced Use Lease program. The Air Force will have the option to use the medical service but cannot guarantee any amount or level of its utilization. Neither the Air Force nor the United States government will commit to subsidize the project or provide tax incentives for it, except as such provisions are already provided by law.

Expression of Interest Desired:
Please furnish the following information in as much detail as possible:

1. Would your organization be interested in learning more or participating in this project to construct and operate a healthcare facility?
2. Describe in general terms the concept of operations for how this type of healthcare facility would operate, given the location, demand and business case implications.
3. Provide information regarding your organization's experience in operating a similar facility?
4. Describe your organization's ability to provide medical specialists, especially women's health providers, on a regular basis depending on patient demand?
5. Approximately how much land would you anticipate your project would require?
6. Is your organization a TRICARE provider currently, or would you be willing to become one?
7. Would this be a 24 hour facility? If not, what hours of operation would you anticipate?
8. Describe any other issues, concerns, or challenges that a developer would face in executing this project.
9. What additional information would you need to develop a concept for such a proposal?
10. Include any other information that might help the Air Force understand and evaluate your interest and capabilities in this potential business opportunity.

The Air Force welcomes comments, both positive and negative about its concept, as disclosed in the questions above and will also consider other approaches to this business opportunity and respondents are encouraged to submit alternative business models to improve the return or reduce the risks to the Air Force. Please also submit any questions or additional information you would like included in a solicitation, should this project proceed.

Handling and Processing:
All responses received will be considered. Under this Request for Information or under future issuances, the Air Force may terminate or continue to pursue this effort. Under 10 USC § 2667, the Air Force will use competition to pursue any leases, agreements, etc., that may be issued in pursuit of the Air Force asset management and energy goals. This RFI is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. All responses received may be held for an extended period of time or destroyed; they will not be returned to the originator. Please mark all information that you desire or require to be handled as proprietary or as confidential business information and it will be safeguarded in accordance with applicable Government regulations. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of information. The Government shall not be liable for any consequential damages a submitter may suffer for any improperly identified proprietary information.

General Due Date:
Responses to this Request for Information are preferred via regular USPS mail to POC with an additional copy by email to POC and should be received no later than September 27, 2010.

POC: Richard Laxson
Email: Richard.Laxson.ctr@us.af.mil
Telephone: (210)392-5608
Mailing Address:
3133 Hughes, Suite 110
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-9821

** NOTE THIS IS AMENDED TO ADD MAPS AND CORRECT MAILING ADDRESS **

Contracting Office Address:

AFCEE/AC BLDG 171
2261 Hughes Ave STE 155
Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-9853
United States

Place of Performance:

Edwards AFB

United States

Primary Point of Contact.: