News Releases from Region 09

U.S. EPA reaches out to businesses for input on abandoned uranium mine cleanup work in and around Navajo Nation

SAN FRANCISCO - (09/11/15) Today the U.S. States Environmental Protection Agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) for an upcoming Navajo Area Uranium Mines Response, Assessment, and Evaluation Services contract. This RFI is a vital step in the Agency's long-term strategy to clean up abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation.

"EPA anticipates spending more than $100 million with local and tribal businesses through our upcoming cleanup contracts," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "We are looking for their help to make sure our scope of work takes full advantage of Navajo expertise and talent."

Four million tons of uranium ore were mined on or adjacent to the Navajo Nation under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act, leaving more than 400 abandoned mines with elevated radiation levels. A recent legal settlement with Anadarko Petroleum will provide almost $1 billion to EPA for cleanup efforts at 50 of those mines, formerly operated by Kerr-McGee.

The RFI is a market research tool intended to solicit input from businesses and industries, especially environmental consulting services companies. The Agency is seeking expertise in assessing environmental impacts, specifically with regard to uranium mines, as well as expertise in working with tribes and communities. EPA anticipates that work for any contracts issued based on this RFI will begin by mid- to late 2016.

The RFI seeks information on possible solutions and recommendations for the draft scope of work. EPA will consider all comments, questions, and issues before preparing any final request for proposals. Submissions should include business name, size, industrial code, technical qualifications, tribal work experience, opportunities for subcontracting with local and small businesses, and any other information that would be helpful in developing the final contracting documents.

EPA and the Small Business Administration will be holding two workshops, one in Albuquerque, N.M. on September 16, 2015 and one in Window Rock, Ariz. on September 17, 2015 to engage tribal and local small businesses to learn more about upcoming contracting opportunities related to the cleanup efforts.

To see the RFI and draft scope of work, please go to: https://www.fedconnect.net and search under Public Opportunities, Reference Number SOL-R9-15-00014. Comments will be accepted through October 9, 2015.