US EPA, 401 M St SW, OPPTS Support Group (3803F), Washington, DC 20460

R -- DEVELOP INFORMATION PRODUCT SUMMARIZING TSCA/CIS UPDATE DATA IN NON-CONFIDENTIAL REPORT SOL W602470B2 DUE 102696 POC Contact Point, Gerald Alston, (202)260-2358 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Pesticide and Toxic Substances intends to procure under small purchase procedures an information product summarizing the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Chemical Inventory Update data in a non-confidential report that can be made available to the public. EPA collects information every four years on selected chemicals produced in volumes over l0,000 pounds during the reporting year. The Inventory Update Rule (IUR) requires facility-specific information on the volume manufactured and imported for chemicals in nonexempt categories that are on the TSCA Inventory. In total these chemicals represent a large percentage of U.S. chemical production. IUR data have been collected from industry for reporting years l986, l990, and l994, and stored in a computer database, the Chemical Update System (CUS). Confidential Business Information (CBI) data are deleted for a nonconfidential copy of the database before it is made available for public review. Since many data elements are claimed confidential, publicly available data are significantly limited. If the Agency can aggregate information from the database in a way that preserves the confidentiality of individual submitter, this would provide a very useful resource for states and interested citizens as well as industry. The initial non-CBI report will be particularly important, because it will define categories and limitations for future CUS products. The Chemical Update System Project requires the vendor to first assess data from the 1986, 1990 and 1994 databases, concentrating on the 1994 data: (1)Use the draft disclosure policy provided to develop a draft information product for both ''raw'' and aggregated IUR data; (2)Evaluate the usefulness and feasibility of using generic names or generic classes of chemicals in specific instances in order to mask CBI, indicating the level of effort required; (3)Report in writing on the possibility and desirability of chemical-specific aggregation in accordance with CBI requirements for audiences including states, the general public and industry; (4)Identify at least twelve (12) ways in which chemical streams reported in CUS can be usefully categorized; (5)Separately identify, chart and characterize petroleum streams; (6)Illustrate petroleum streams as a percent of total reported chemicals. A second set of activity is to make comparisons and assess elements across the three reporting years: (1)Evaluate the possibility and value of trend analysis across the 3 reporting years (i.e., are 3 data sets covering 3 years sufficient for saying anything worthwhile about trends?); (2)Provide a written assessment of the (a) ability to match fields across years, (b)factors that limit trend analysis, (c)reliability of the categories/matches and (d)value of the information from a public interest perspective; (3)Identify and compare several characteristics (at least six) of the 3 data sets, e.g.: the degree of overlap across the years in reporting facilities, chemicals reported, volumes reported, CBI claims; (4)For each year, assess the overlap with other major EPA chemical lists-especially the TRI, carcinogens, 33/50, those covered under the 1990 CAA Section 112(r), and could also include CA Prop 65 list; provide at least six such matches. (5)Compare overlap with chemicals which have gone through the PMN process; Include this information in an appropriate format in the report. A third element is to review actual reported data, and evaluate whether elements of the proposed policy unnecessarily limit the public disclosure of information from CUS. Provide a written assessment of whether (and if so, in what ways) a less restrictive policy might be employed, and more data disclosed, without compromising CBI. Specify the tradeoffs between assuring CBI protection and providing more robust aggregated information about the entire data set. Fourth, based on above activities, develop data summaries (tables, charts, graphs) and descriptive text for a draft, then final, public product. The final product shall contain no fewer than 20 charts. Vendor shall receive draft disclosure policy; access to the database; clarification/classification as needed and chemical nomenclature; information on database access and management upon award. Vendor shall propose Analysts who are already cleared for CBI, and have extensive and demonstrated knowledge of all CBI procedures, have a comprehensive knowledge of TSCA and its disclosure policies, and the IUR and its relationship to the CUS, (the information collected from industry that might be aggregated). Intimate knowledge and comprehension of EPA chemical lists used and developed by other EPA program offices. Monthly briefings, beginning 1 month after purchase order is issued; Draft Report presenting (a) CUS tables developed in accordance with the draft disclosure policy, that might be used in a public information product to provide comprehensive view and insights into the database, and (b) results of evaluations and comparisons, as outlined above. CBI Memo should present sensitive information and results, including examples of tradeoffs among data aggregations to avoid CBI disclosure; Final Non-CBI Report, to be developed upon approval of content by EPA, deliverable in printed copies (5) and 3.5'' diskette in WP format. Monthly briefings start 1 month after purchase order is issued; Draft Report and CBI memo due 6 months after purchase order issued EPA review and comment on Draft Report 15 days after receipt of both Draft report and CBI Memo; Final Report 1 month after receipt of EPA comments. The project officer will assist in handling of CBI between EPA and the vendor. He/She will be responsible for assuring that CBI procedures are followed. All CBI that is transferred between the vendor and EPA will flow through the OPPT/IMD document control officer (DCO). Vendors should address the following as part of their quotations.(1)Intimate knowledge and comprehension of the Toxic Substance Control Act including its Confidential Business Information limitation and inherent disclosure policies.(2) Intimate knowledge and comprehension of EPA chemical lists used and developed by other EPA program offices that also require disclosure protection under TSCA.(3)Vendors should describe availability to provide cleared CBI analysts with extensive and demonstrated knowledge of all CBI procedures.(4)Vendors should describe availability of analysts who have comprehensive knowledge of the Inventory Update Rule and its relationship to the Chemical Use System.(5)Vendors should describe availability to provide analysts who have extensive knowledge of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) Section 313 and problems that Act presents in conjunction with TSCA. Interested offerors shall submit questions, qualification statements or proposals in writing to Gerald Alston, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW (3803F) Washington, DC 20460. Facsimile responses will be accepted at (202) 260-1225 or on internet to Alston-Gerald@EPA.Gov. (0271)

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