U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Contracts Management Division (MD-33), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

B -- MAIA NUTRIENT SAMPLE ANALYSIS SOL X00079 POC Ramona Evans, Contract Specialist (919) 541-4749/Phyllis Roberts, Contracting Officer (919) 541-35644 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the Contract Specialist via e-mail., evans.ramona@epamail.epa.gov.. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to negotiate sole source with Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL), CEES, University of Maryland, Solomons, MD 20688-0038 for the analysis of up to 600 samples for chlorophyll a, phaeophytin, total suspended solids, and both dissolved and particulate nutrients (Complete Lisitng: Dissolved Silica, Dissolved Ammonium, Dissolved Nitrate, Dissolved Nitrite, Dissolved Orthophosphate, Total Dissolved Nitrogen, Total Dissolved Phosphorous, Particulate Organic Nitrogen, Total Particulate Phosphorous, Particulate Organic Carbon, Total Suspended Solids, Chlorophyll a, and Phaeophytin) in accordance with protocols established by the Chesapeake Bay Program and currently used by CBL for the analysis of MD DNR samples. The contractor must demonstrate a proven ability to conduct these analyses in exact accordance with the prescribed protocols. The contractor shall supply EPA with a cost estimate on a per sample basis, assuming an estimated number of samples in the range of 500-600. The contractor is required to submit a copy of their Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols to the EPA contract officer prior to the analysis of samples. These protocols must be the same as, or exceed, those currently used by CBL for the analysis of Chesapeake Bay Program samples (i.e., those analyzed for MD DNR). The contractor must agree to allow a QA audit of laboratory and/or data entry procedures by an authorized agent of EPA at any time (with advance notice). The contractor shall supply EPA with all filter pads and sampling containers for these analyses. Sampling is scheduled to begin on or about July 27, 1997. An initial installment of supplies (for at least 100 samples) must be received by EPA no later than July 24, 1997. A second allotment for at least 100 samples must be received by EPA no later than July 30, 1997, with the remainder needed in early August to early September. The contractor will be responsible for shipping these supplies to the locataions specified by EPA (EPA-Narragansett, EPA-Gulf Breeze, NOAA-Charleston). Filter pads for the Chlorophyll and TSS/P analyses must be 47 mm GF/F filters. Those for the PC/PN analyses must be 25 mm GF/F. Sufficient filters must be provided to allow for two filters per extraction (i.e., total of 6 filters per sample to provide for duplicates) plus spares. The contractor can expect to receive a steady stream of samples ( ~6-30 per day) via Federal Express from late July through the end of September. The contractor will provide EPA with the results of these analyses in two "batches". The first batch will be for all samples received prior to September 1, and the second batch for the remainder of the samples. All data will be delivered in an electronic format. All data must be associated with the 7 digit sample ID provided with the sample. The contractor will also provide a hard-copy output of the data files (i.e., spreadsheeets) for the purpose of quality assurance. The contractor will also include a written report (and electronic copy, e.g., WordPerfect) detailing the methods used and the results of Quality Assurance measures. Any laboratory notes discussing problems encountered must be included as an appendix to this report. EPA believes the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory is the only vendor capable of satisfying all the requirements stated above. CBL has demonstrated a proven ability to conduct these analyses in accordance with the prescribed protocols and can provide the sampling containers and exact size filters required as specified above in a manner which is compatible with equipment EPA currently owns. CBL can also meet the stringent time constraints required. No solicitation is available. All interested parties must respond within 15 days of the date of this announcement. Interested vendors shall: 1) include information on the proposed services which clearly support the requirements outlined above and; 2) provide itemized pricing that is sufficient to make a determination that competition is feasible. Submit response to the U.S. EPA, Attn: Ramona G. Evans (MD-33), Contracts Management Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. No telephonic requests wil be honored. See numbered Note 22. (0184)

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