GDS is uniquely positioned, by virtue of our expertise and continuing engagements in the privatization effort, to offer strategic, technical, financial, and other assistance to prospective bidders. Since the inception of the utility privatization initiative in 1997, our experienced staff of consultants, analysts, and engineers has provided a full range of services including:
- Monitoring Government Privatization Activity
- Responding to Government Requests for Expressions of Interest
- Strategy Consultation
- Review of RFPs Issued by Government
- Engineering Condition Assessment and Due Diligence (through Hi-Line Engineering, a GDS Company)
- Pro Forma Financial Analysis
- Full-Service Proposal Development and Production
- Negotiation Support
- Implementation Assistance
- Contract Administration
- Price Redetermination
According to the most recent DESC report, issued in August 2005, over 170 sole source utility privatization RFPs are potentially scheduled to be released between fiscal years 2006 and 2008. The greatest majority of these (128 systems) are Air National Guard facilities. In addition, the Army and Air Force have approximately 110 installation proposal offers in the initial evaluation phase, with just under 20 installation proposals in the negotiation stage. In addition, approximately 20 are in final proposal evaluation pending contract award and 15 RFPs are still open. As the Department of Defense begins to make successful awards, there is much new opportunity in the private sector. Our team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, and project managers can assist your company with:
Utility Privatization Negotiation Support
Successfully negotiate the best contract with the Government.
GDS will ensure that your company isn’t exposed to financial, legal, and other risk throughout the term of your contract. GDS knows the intricacies of the proposals, the Government’s negotiation process, and the standard features of contracts to be awarded. GDS will add significant value to your winning proposal.
Review contracts for awarded systems.
The legal implications of this contract are extensive, confusing, and in many cases incorporate regulations that put your firm at risk in future dealings with the Government. GDS will ensure your company is protected by incorporating the appropriate Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs) and Defense FARs (DFARs) in your contract.
Pricing and accounting support.
Significant attention is focused on the final pricing during contract negotiation. It is very likely that the Government will have different estimates on inventories, depreciation rates, schedule of useful lives, etc. GDS has the experience work with the Government in creating the final pricing schedules.
Ongoing negotiation support.
Utility Privatization contract awards are generally for a period of 50 years, during which operations, commitments, and required workloads will constantly be adjusting to the changing environment and missions that these utilities serve. With GDS, you can make sure the scope of your company is appropriately compensated, and your contract is appropriately amended. GDS can identify areas where cost savings can occur, and how to handle changes in the scope of work. Price determination occurs every 2-3 years throughout the life of your contact, let GDS evaluate and advise on the best approach for your firm during the price redetermination negotiation.
Implementation (Transition to Privatization) Assistance
Now that your company has been awarded the privatization contract, the next step is to immediately begin planning the transition phase, during which your company will take over full ownership and operations of the utility system. GDS offers a range of transition assistance, ranging from general guidance to a complete turnkey transition services. Implementing all commitments of the proposal, and contract can be daunting and labor intensive, pulling your management and operations resources from their primary responsibilities. If not managed effectively, this process could be detrimental to your firm. GDS offers options that allow you to choose to have a GDS project manager on-site to guide in operational startup, or you could choose to utilize our exclusive interactive, online project management tools. GDS allows you to decide the level of support during the transition phase.
Contract Administration
Once successfully awarded, the winning privatization contract must be managed in accordance with the contract requirements, as specified in the final award. There is often significant reporting, and information management required for compliance. GDS offers interactive, online management tools to ensure successful compliance with your contract’s deliverables. In addition to ensuring that your firm is compliant with the Government’s requirements, our systematic approach, allows you to monitor the Government’s deliverables and commitments to your firm.
Price Redetermination
Every 2 -3 years, throughout the life of the contract, you will have the opportunity to negotiate with the Government for modifications to the price paid to your firm. How will you know that your charge is still accurate for the scope of work being performed? GDS can conduct a professional audit of your recordkeeping, financial, and operations data and proposal requirements. It very well may be that you are eligible for a price adjustment. GDS will determine the appropriate approach to take during redetermination negotiations.
Was your pricing based on an assumption that turned out to be inaccurate? Has the scope of your contract changed? GDS can help negotiate a new charge to the Government in accordance with appropriate defense department procedures for equitable adjustments, differing site conditions, and changes in the scope of work to be performed.
Contract Engineering Support
Throughout the negotiation process, and into the operational phase of system ownership, your firm will have a variety of engineering needs. GDS has a rich history of assisting clients with:
- Inventory and Due Diligence assessments
- Overhead Distribution Line Design and Staking
- Underground Distribution System Design
- GIS/GPS Mapping of utility systems according to Military standards
- Right or Way/ Vegetation maintenance
- Pole testing
- Infrared testing
- Training and Certification Services
- Other Specialized Design services
Contact
Lynn Lanier
