Oppts Contract Support Group, Environmental Protection Agency, Fairchild Building -- 7th Floor, 499 S. Capitol Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024

A -- DEVELOPMENT OF AN OECD LEMA (DUCKWEED) GROWTH INHIBITATION TEST GUIDELINE SOL HMR102 DUE 092997 POC Melissa Revely-Brown WEB: NOT AVAILABLE, NOT AVAILABLE. E-MAIL: NOT AVAILABLE, revely-brown.melissa@epamail.epa.gov. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an intent to award for services to which the Government intends to award a firm fixed price contract using the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR Part 13 to WRC Plc -- Henley Road Buck, SL7 2HD -- United Kindgom. The EPA is FACNET certified. NO PHONE CALLS ACCEPTED. Two copies of all proposals, for the following statement of work, should be delivered to the following address, (fax/e-mail copies will not be accepted): US EPA; 401 M Street, SW; Mail Code 3803R; Washington, DC 20460 Attn: Melissa Revely-Brown -- HANDCARRY TO: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; Bid and Proposal Room -- 6th floor; Washington, DC 20003; Attn: Melissa Revely-Brown -- Due Date: 9/29/97, 1997; -- 2:30pm EST (Any proposal received after the due date will not be considered or opened.) Quotes are due in writing no later than 15 days of notice of this solicitation. This is a combination synopsis/solicitation for these services and will be the only solicitation will not be issued. Any contractor/vendor able to meet the requirements must demonstrate in writing by the closing date. All responsible sources solicitated my submit a bid, proposal, or quotation, shall be considered. Statement of Work I. Background In early 1996, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) began work on the development of a Lemna growth inhibition new test guideline. This aquatic plant, commonly called duckweed, was indentified in 1995 by OECD (with USEPA/OPPTS concurrence) as a high priority for test guideline development. A workgroup was formed (with active participation by OPPTS) and a draft Lemna test guideline was written. It was then concluded that there were several outstanding issues which needed to be resolved. These included sources of Lemna test species, selection of suitable growth media, relationship between different test endpoints, recommendations for data analysis, and completing a current literature list for Lemna. It was also decided that a ring-test be conducted, consisting of two phases. Phase 1 would investigate the above issues further; the result would be an improved draft Lemna test guideline. This guideline would then be used in Phase 2 of the ring-test; an OECD interlaboratory study would be conducted to estimate the accuracy and precision with which Lemna tests can be performed by using the new guideline. One or more chemicals would be tested in Phase 2 and WRc, Medmenham, UK would be the OECD contractor charged with coordinating and analyzing the results of this work. Funding was obtained by WRc from the UK Environment Agency for testing one chemical in Phase 2. Concerns were then raised by OPPT workgroup members that the Phase 2 testing would be limited and problematic if only one chemical was tested. The possibility of USEPA funding of a second chemical was then discussed. If a second chemical was tested, the useful test information generated would increase, and a scientifically "stronger" (less variable, more repeatableand reproducible) and scientifically valid guideline acceptable to OPPTS would result. Also, the risk of drawing distorted or false conclusions based on the testing of only one chemical would decrease. II. Requirements In performing work under this small purchase procurement, the Contractor shall: 1. Select the second chemical to be tested in Phase 2, in consultation with OPPTS Lemna workgroup members. 2. Select the toxicological laboratories for Phase 2 chemical testing, based on factors such as past/current toxicological testing experience, interest, location, available time and facilities, and reputation. 3. Disseminate the second chemical to the participating laboratories and contract funds to cover costs of performing the tests (at least 2 repeat tests for the second Phase 2 chemical). 4. Monitor progress of the testing and immediately inform project officer of any delays or problems. 5. Collect and co-ordinate returned test data from the participating laboratories. 6. Analyze these test data and calculate QC criteria if required. 7. Write final report of the results of the Phase 2 Ring-Test to OECD. This report will serve as the final report for this contract. Four (4) copies shall be supplied to USEPA. The format of this report will follow that normally recommended or required by the OECD. (0253)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0013 19970912\A-0013.SOL)