B08_Attch_3_SOW_Task_Order.pdf

TASK ORDER STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

IMPROVE Ion Analysis — Task Order 0001 (Base Year)

1. Background The National Park Service (NPS) Air Resources Division supports the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program, a long-term national aerosol monitoring network used to assess visibility and regional haze trends and to support Clean Air Act responsibilities. IMPROVE collects 24-hour aerosol samples on a one-in-three-day schedule using a multi-channel sampler. Module B uses a nylon filter to collect species measured as inorganic ions (anions).

2. Objective / Purpose Under this Task Order, the Contractor shall perform routine anion analysis (Task 1 – Standard Analysis) for IMPROVE Module B nylon filters and deliver validated results to the IMPROVE Operations Contractor for integration into the IMPROVE dataset, consistent with the IMPROVE Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the IMPROVE Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

3. Period of Performance 12 months from date of award

4. Place of Performance Primary performance shall occur at the Contractor’s laboratory facility. Any work at Government facilities must be coordinated in advance with the COR, subject to final approval by the CO.

5. Scope of Work (Tasks Ordered Under This Task Order) This Task Order exercises Task 1 (Standard Analysis) of the IDIQ contract Statement of Work.

5.1 Estimated Workload

Estimated annual quantity: approximately 17,300 Module B nylon filters per year, plus associated laboratory blanks, field blanks, and QA replicate filters shipped with routine batches.

The actual quantity may vary based on network configuration and operations.

5.2 Coordination and Interfaces

The IMPROVE Operations Contractor (currently UC Davis) is responsible for purchasing Module B nylon filters, shipping exposed and blank filters to the Contractor for analysis and integrating delivered ion data into the IMPROVE dataset. The Contractor shall coordinate with the

Operations Contractor on shipment schedules, sample identifiers, acceptance testing of new filter lots, and data handoffs.

5.3 Technical Requirements – Task 1 Standard Analysis

5.3.1 Filter Receipt, Custody, and Storage

The Contractor shall receive and log each shipment using a documented chain-of-custody process and sample tracking system. The Contractor shall notify the COR within 2 business days of any shipping damage, missing samples, or anomalies. Analyzed samples shall be stored in a manner that prevents contamination for possible reanalysis for at least six (6) months after analysis. After six months, samples may be destroyed provided the final dataset for the applicable batches has been submitted and accepted.

5.3.2 Sample Extraction

The Contractor shall extract ions from each filter using the current IMPROVE ion extraction SOP (provided by the Government / available via IMPROVE SOPs) or an approved equivalent method.

Any proposed deviations or alternate procedures must be approved in writing by the CO (with COR technical input) prior to implementation.

5.3.3 Sample Analysis

The Contractor shall analyze extracts for nitrite (NO2-), nitrate (NO3-), sulfate (SO4^2-), and chloride (Cl-) using the current IMPROVE ion analysis SOP (typically ion chromatography) or an approved equivalent method. Methods shall meet or exceed IMPROVE performance expectations for sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and range. Any changes to analytical techniques, equipment, or processing procedures that could affect data comparability must be documented and approved in writing by the CO prior to implementation.

5.3.4 Quality Assurance and Quality Control

The Contractor shall implement QA/QC practices consistent with the IMPROVE QAPP and applicable SOPs, including (as applicable) calibration verification, analysis of laboratory and field blanks, replicate/duplicate analyses, control charts, and participation in laboratory audits. The Contractor shall document QC results, apply data qualifiers/flags per SOP/QAPP, and document corrective actions for QC excursions.

5.3.5 Turnaround Time

Each batch of filters delivered to the Contractor shall be analyzed and results delivered within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the CO.

5.4 Data Reduction and Reporting

Data reduction for this Task Order is limited to determining ion mass on each filter and associated QA/QC metrics needed to interpret data quality. Results shall be provided to the IMPROVE Operations Contractor in the format specified by the COR/Operations Contractor (e.g., agreed machine-readable file format), and shall include: sample identification code, ion masses (micrograms per filter), units, analysis dates/batch identifiers, and required QA/QC flags and metadata. The Contractor shall include relevant QA information (e.g., comparisons to standards, reanalyses, blank results) as appropriate.

5.5 Documentation and SOP Maintenance

The Contractor shall maintain up-to-date documentation of: (1) SOPs for ion extraction and analysis; (2) records on system calibrations and changes to procedures; and (3) annual QA reports. Documentation shall be provided to the COR upon request. The Contractor must obtain written approval from the CO prior to implementing any changes to ion analysis procedures.

5.6 Meetings and Progress Reporting

The Contractor shall participate in the annual IMPROVE Steering Committee Meeting and provide a technical/scientific progress update covering operations and data quality for the Task Order period, as requested by the COR.

6. Deliverables and Schedule Deliverables under this Task Order shall meet the requirements of the IDIQ contract and the specifications below. The Government will review deliverables for completeness, conformance to required format, and QA/QC consistency.

Deliverable Due / Frequency Acceptance Criteria

Ion analysis results data files (Task 1)

For each shipment/batch:

within 60 calendar days of receipt

Conforms to required format;

includes required fields and QA/QC flags; internally consistent sample IDs; QC results documented

Annual QA report Once per 12-month Period of Performance; due within 60 days after end of Period of Performance (unless otherwise specified in writing by the CO, with COR input)

Summarizes throughput, blanks/replicates performance, precision/accuracy indicators, audits, issues and corrective actions; supports data usability assessment

Progress update at IMPROVE Steering Committee meeting

Annually (meeting date as scheduled)

Attendance and technical/scientific update delivered as requested by

COR

Calibration/procedure change records

Maintain continuously;

provide upon request

Complete, dated records;

changes documented;

approvals retained

7. Government-Furnished Information / Property Government-furnished information includes applicable IMPROVE SOPs/QAPP, sample identifiers, and program requirements. Filters and associated documentation will be furnished via established IMPROVE logistics through the Operations Contractor. No Government-furnished property is anticipated under this Task Order unless explicitly identified in the Task Order award document.

8. Invoicing Invoices (under an actual awarded task order) shall be submitted in accordance with the IDIQ contract invoicing instructions and shall reference the IDIQ contract number and Task Order number. Unless otherwise specified in the Task Order award document, invoices should identify the billed quantity of filters analyzed for the invoicing period and align with delivered/accepted services.

9. Contingency of Operations The Contractor shall maintain and implement a contingency of operations plan consistent with the IDIQ contract requirements, including plans for catastrophic failures that could affect laboratory operations or data integrity (e.g., data backup and recovery, alternate locations as applicable, and key personnel coverage). The plan shall be provided to the COR upon request and updated as needed.

10. Government Roles and Authority Only the CO may authorize changes to the Task Order scope, schedule, or price. The COR may provide technical direction within the scope of this Task Order, including coordination of data formats, shipment logistics coordination, and technical review of deliverables.