Defense Special Weapons Agency, 6801 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310-3398

B -- THREE EXPERIMENTAL CLOSURES AT THE BALAPAN TEST FIELD IN KAZAKSTAN POC Carol Dickerson, Negotiator, (703) 325-1193, Scott Morton, Contracting Officer, (703) 325-1200. In accordance with agreements: 1) between the United States of America (USA) and the Republic of Kazakstan dated 13 Dec 93, and; 2) between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Ministry of Science -- Academy of Science of the Republic of Kazakstan dated 3 Oct 95 as amended 10 Jun 96, the Republic of Kazakstan and the U.S. have agreed to the elimination of infrastructure for Weapons of Mass Destruction as outlined in said agreements. This effort represents the first contract under Phase II of the Balapan Test Hole Neutralization Program. The primary purpose of this effort is to permanently close and seal three unused nuclear test holes at the Balapan Test Field using environmentally sound, experimental explosive designs. These experimental explosive designs will involve using 25 tons of high explosives per shot in order to study depth-of-burial characteristics. Therefore, this effort involves both closure activities and scientific research. Execution of the primary objective requires the contractor to pre-purchase 81 tons of the explosive "Granulotol" and other necessary materials from licensed Kazakstani suppliers in order to receive delivery at the work site by 1 Jul 97, maintain the necessary closure infrastructure (temporary housing, messing, medical, and administrative facilities), and conduct pre-closure laboratory/field explosive experiments. See Numbered Note 22. The National Nuclear Center (NNC) of the Republic of Kazakstan is the only source capable of performing the effort in a cost-effective and timely manner, having legal custody of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site, access to the sites and access to technical personnel (physicists, geologists, and engineers) and the original borehole construction personnel at Balapan necessary to perform these services. In addition, NNC has been officially designated by the Republic of Kazakstan as the executive agent for all nuclear weapons infrastructure elimination programs as the former Semipalatainsk Test Site. For further information, contactCarol Dickerson at (703) 325-1193. Information on DSWA solicitations, already released, can be obtained by calling the DSWA Hotline at (703) 325-1173. As of 31 May 96, Acquisition Management has added "Procurement Opportunities" to the DSWA Home Page available on the World Wide Web. Information will include this synopsis and more. Please check us out at www.dswa.mil. Reference Synopsis No. 97-62 (0084)

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