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VIPR Frequently Asked Questions

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    1. CAN SEPARATE FITTINGS BE USED IN ORDER FOR A BLACK WATER TRUCK TO BE USED AS A GRAY WATER TENDER? 
      The Potable Water/Gray Water solicitation states that service trucks for pumping black water from portable toilet units may not be used for servicing and pumping gray water from wash stations units, bladder bags, or other holding tanks unless they are specifically designed for this use and have properly labeled compartmental units which meet all federal, state and local sanitation regulations (Ref. D.2.1.2.6)
      The Portable Toilet/Portable Handwashing solicitation states that service trucks for pumping black water from portable toilet units may not be used for servicing and pumping gray water from wash station units unless they are specifically designed for this use and have properly labeled compartmental units which meet all federal, state and local sanitation regulations. (Ref. D.2.1.2)

    2. CAN GRAY WATER BE SIGNED UP AS BOTH A SUPPORT TENDER AND A GRAY WATER TRUCK?
      Yes, as long as it meets all the specifications required by the solicitation.  It cannot be used interchangeably on the same assignment.

    3. HOW DOES THE CONTRACTOR PROVIDE CLEAN WATER IN THE SMALL HANDWASH STATIONS IF HE CAN’T HAUL CLEAN WATER AND SEPTIC ON THE SAME TRUCK?
      The Government will provide potable water for the portable handwashing stations.  (Ref. D.2.1.2)

    4. CAN A SEPTIC PUMPER BE SANITIZED TO BE A GRAY WATER TRUCK?
      Yes, if they meet the following criteria.  The Potable Water/Gray Water solicitation states that service trucks for pumping black water from portable toilet units may not be used for servicing and pumping gray water from wash stations units, bladder bags, or other holding tanks unless they are specifically designed for this use and have properly labeled compartmental units which meet all federal, state and local sanitation regulations (Ref. D.2.1.2.6)
      The Portable Toilet/Portable Handwashing solicitation states that service trucks for pumping black water from portable toilet units may not be used for servicing and pumping gray water from wash station units unless they are specifically designed for this use and have properly labeled compartmental units which meet all federal, state and local sanitation regulations. (Ref. D.2.1.2)

    5. WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN FOR A GRAY WATER TO ALSO BE USED AS A SUPPORT TENDER?
      A resource may be used as a gray water truck and a support tender only if all requirements for each type of resource are met.  The resources cannot be used interchangeably on the same assignment. And the truck must be sanitized prior to other uses.

    6. WHERE ARE THE POINTS FOR THE GRAY AND POTABLE WATER TRUCKS?
      Exhibit J

    7. WILL THERE BE PRE-AWARD INSPECTIONS FOR THE GRAY AND POTABLE TRUCKS?
      Pre-award inspections for gray water and potable water trucks will not be done (Ref. D.16)

    8. WHAT INSURANCE IS BEING ASKED ABOUT ON THE EQUIPMENT FORMATTA FORM?
      Liability Insurance (Ref. C.7)

    9. HOW IS THE CHLORINE CONTENT DETERMINED FOR SINKS?
      A chlorine test kit is used (Ref. D.2.1.2.1(f) and D.2.1.2.3(b))

    10. HOW MANY CHECK VALVES ARE REQUIRED ON THE SINK MANIFOLD?
      The solicitation does not require check valves at the manifold.

    11. IS PROFESSIONAL FOOD GRADE WASHING OF POTABLE TRUCKS REQUIRED OR JUST CHLORINATION?
      No professional cleaning is not required only chlorination  (D.2.1.2.1 (a) (2)(3)   and (b)(2))

    12. WHO PROVIDES THE SOURCE OF WATER FOR THE SINK UNITS ON THE TOILET SOLICITATION?
      The Government will provide potable water for the portable handwashing stations.  (Ref. D.2.1.2)

    13. WHO REMOVES THE GRAY WATER ON THE SINKS FOR THE TOILET SOLICITATION?
      The contractor is responsible for gray water removal for the handwashing stations (Ref. D.2.1.2)

    14. CAN THE VENDORS EXPECT TO NOT BE REQUIRED TO OPEN THE HATCHES ON THEIR POTABLE WATER TRUCKS, WHILE AT THE INCIDENT (SO AS TO NOT REQUIRE RE-CERTIFICATION OF THEIR TRUCKS?)
      The California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch, which regulates potable water haulers, allows the tanks to be opened for brief inspection purposes by the Government without resanitizing.

    15. CAN A TYPE 1 LAUNDRY UNIT BE AWARDED AN AGREEMENT AS BOTH A TYPE 1 AND A TYPE 2 LAUNDRY UNIT AND THEREBY HAVE THE SAME PIECE OF EQUIPMENT ON BOTH PRIORITY DISPATCH LISTS?
      Yes, a single resource can receive award as multiple types providing requirements for both types are met. 

    16. CAN A VENDOR OWN 3 SEPARATE COMPANIES AND BID THE SOLICITATION THAT WAY?
      Yes, each company can bid separately on a solicitation.  The companies must be small businesses and have unique DUNS numbers. 

    17. CAN A TOILET VENDOR SUBCONTRACT WITH OTHER COMPANIES FOR THEIR TOILETS OR DOES A COMPANY HAVE TO OWN ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT THAT THEY PROVIDE?
      Equipment can be leased, rented, or subcontracted from other companies.

    18. CAN A VENDOR BID A 4200 GALLON POTABLE WATER TRUCK AS A TYPE 2 TRUCK AND AS A TYPE 1 TRUCK SO THAT HE IS ON BOTH DISPATCH PRIORITY LISTS? OR AT THE TOP OF THE TYPE 2 PRIORITY DISPATCH LIST RATHER THAN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TYPE 1 PRIORITY DISPATCH LIST?
      No, Type 2 trucks are limited to 2500-3999 gallon capacity (Ref. D.2.1.1)

    19. DO SINK UNITS REQUIRE A CA STATE CERTIFICATION?
      No, only Potable water trucks are regulated by the State of California.  Sink units must meet the potable water standards contained in the solicitation (Ref. D.2.1.2. – Portable Toilet solicitation and D.2.1.2.3(b) – Potable Water/Gray Water/Trailer Mounted Handwashing Unit solicitation)

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