Beauprez Announces Additional Funds for Lowry Cleanup

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

February 13, 2004
Contact:   Sean Murphy
For Immediate Release
202-225-2645


Beauprez Announces Additional Funds for Lowry Cleanup

Inclusion in pilot program means Lowry clean up will be quicker and
cheaper


Wheat Ridge (CO) - Congressman Bob Beauprez announced today that the
Former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range in Aurora had been selected to
participate in a pilot program that will accelerate the cleanup
schedule.  In addition, the Army will allocate an additional $5 million
towards the cleanup in 2004.


In response to the National Defense Authorization Act for 2004, the Army
has developed plans to award "Fixed Price Response with Insurance"
(FPRI) contracts later this year to be used at sites throughout the
country.  FPRI contracts will require contractors to insure the work for
cost overruns to a cost cap specified within the contract.  The former
bombing range at Lowry has been selected as one of three pilot projects
around the country.

"This announcement is great news for Lowry, the city of Aurora and all
of Arapahoe County" said Beauprez.  "The FPRI contract approach and the
extra 2004 funding will facilitate the environmental cleanup sooner and
with an expectation of reduced total cost.  I appreciate the Deputy
Assistant Secretary's willingness to work with me to find a common sense
solution
to the extensive cleanup challenges at Lowry."

A copy of the letter from Secretary Fatz to Congressman Beauprez is
attached (--pasted below--), as well as talking points on the pilot
program.
-30-

__________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
INSTALLATIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
110 ARMY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20310-0110

FEB 11, 2004

The Honorable Bob Beauprez
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Beauprez:

 The Army has taken action in response to the National Defense
Authorization Act for 2004 and plans to award a Fixed Price with
Insurance contract later this year for munitions responses that can be
used at sites throughout the United States.  The former Lowry Bombing
and Gunnery Range, Colorado will be used as a pilot for the contract
with an award of approximately $5 million this fiscal year.  This work
will be in addition to the $8 million already planned this year for
Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range.  Enclosed (--pasted below--), for your
use, are talking points on the subject.

 I appreciate your interest in the former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery
Range and support of the Army's developing munitions response program.

Sincerely,

Raymond J. Fatz
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army
(Environment, Safety and Occupational Health)
OASA (I&E)

_____________________________________________
February 10, 2004

Talking Points

Fixed Price Response with Insurance (FPRI) Contract for Munitions
Responses

-The US Army Engineer Support Center Huntsville is planning to initiate
Fixed Price Response with Insurance (FPRI) contracts for munitions
responses.  When awarded, the winning contractors will be required to
perform military munitions response actions throughout the United States
in an efficient and effective manner in coordination with regulatory
agencies.

 A feature of this contract type is that contractors will be required to
insure the work for cost overruns to a cost cap specified within the
contract.  The contract will be structured to give contractors as much
flexibility as possible in planning and executing the response actions
and in reaching agreements for site closure with the lead regulatory
agency.

 The Corps remains responsible to ensure that cleanup activities will be
protective of human health and environment and are conducted safely.
Although oversight will not be as robust as traditional contract
methods, the Corps will continue oversight of the execution of the
project and will be available to respond to regulatory or citizen
concerns regarding the scope and pace of the cleanup.

-The Huntsville Center of the Corps of Engineers will issue the request
for proposals for the contract on February 13, 2004 and awards will be
made by September 30, 2004.  The Corps will make up to three (3) awards
of a nationwide Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quality type contract for
not to exceed $250 million contract capacity.

-This contract will be used at several sites.  The Former Lowry Bombing
and Gunnery Range at Aurora, Colorado, a Formerly Used Defense Site
(FUDS), will be used as the pilot task order for the FPRI contract.
Omaha District will execute the task order.  The Lowry property is a
relatively large area that is broken down into a number of munitions
response sites.  This project will focus on a smaller site.  The task
order at Lowry will not exceed $5 million and will be in addition to the
$8 million that is already planned for 2004.

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