B -- SPECIAL STUDIES AND ANALYSIS -- NOT R&D

Notice Date

August 14, 2001

Contracting Office

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268

ZIP Code

45268

E-Mail Address

US EPA -- Cincinnati Contracts Management Division (merryman.linda@epa.gov)

Description

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water seeks to procure, on an other than full and open competition, analytical support services for a single sampling episode for the Aquatic Animal Production Facilities (Aquaculture) Industry from a limited number of responsible sources. The sources consist of Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E&EI), 4493 Walden Avenue, Lancaster, NY 14086; and Pacific Analytical, Inc. (PAI)6349 Paseo Del Lago, Carlsbad, CA 92009. E&EI and PAI are the only laboratories currently having the demonstrated capability and experience in analyzing samples by the required methods (and associated method modifications that are specified in the SOW) and reporting data electronically in accordance with the EPA-specified format. EPA requires analysis of approximately 22 field samples for semivolatile organics by Method 1625C and analysis of approximately 22 samples for volatile organics by Method 1624C. EPA will use the analytical data provided under this purchase order to develop industrial effluent discharge regulations that govern the disposal of pollutants from Aquaculture Industry sources; therefore, data produced under this purchase order must be of highest possible quality. Laboratories will be required to employ a comprehensive quality assurance program, meet facilities and equipment requirements, and provide personnel that demonstrate technical expertise in analytical chemistry techniques. The sampling episode for the Aquatic Animal Production Facilities Industry, Episode 6460, is scheduled to be collected during the week of August 27, 2001. It is anticipated that samples will arrive at the laboratory each day from Tuesday, August 28, 2001 through Saturday, September 1. The laboratory is required to meet a 45 day data turnaround from receipt of the last sample associated with Episode 6460 at the laboratory, unless dilutions and/or reanalyses are required. If dilutions and/or reanalyses are required, the data turnaround time for the entire data package is 55 days. The laboratory must adhere to extraction and analytical holding times as stated in the methods. E&EI and PAI have five years of experience analyzing for organics parameters using the required EPA methods, and has Method Detection Limit (MDL) and Initial Precision and Recovery (IPR) data on-file at EPA. Start-up tests requiring significant time and effort would be required from other labs. Mass spectra and retention times for each pollutant (there are over 230 pollutants), labeled analog, and internal standard must be created and stored in a user-created library. Analytical conditions of the instrument must be adjusted so that undistorted spectra are produced. Further, other laboratories would need to invest significant time and effort in developing the necessary data delivery software to submit data electronically in the format required by EPA. The process of new laboratory start up would also involve a significant expenditure of EPA resources (at least 80 hours) to bring the laboratories up to speed. This expenditure is not justified by a one-time purchase order for these services and this cost to EPA would more than counter any potential analysis cost savings that another laboratory could offer. In addition, EPA requires these services within four weeks' time. This time would be insufficient to bring any other laboratories "up to speed" and ensure that EPA would receive the high quality data needed to support effluent guidelines regulatory development for the Metal Products and Machinery Industry. This procurement is being conducted under the simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and other than full and open competition in accordance with (41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1)) and FAR 6.302-1 . This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document is available. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement by submitting documentation to Linda Merryman at the office identified above, by fax (513)487-2115 or by e-mail (merryman.linda@epa.gov) which establishes that their technical qualifications meet the EPA's requirement. Anticipated award date is August 22, 2001 therefore documentation must be received August 21, 2001. A determination by the EPA not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. See Note 22.

Web Link

Office of Acquisition Management -- Cincinnati Contracts (http://www.epa.gov/oam/cinn_cmd)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010816/SPMSC002.HTM (W-226 SN50U951)