B09_Amd_0002_Questions_and_Answers_0002.pdf

140P8524Q0002 Amd 0002 – Chronic Toxicity Testing for Yosemite NP Page 1 of 2

RFQ 140P8524Q0002

CHRONIC TOXICTY TESTING FOR YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Questions and Answers

The following are questions and answers received during the RFQ:

1. Regarding the subject solicitation we have a question about the fact that our partners Laboratory is certified in the state of Texas under NELAC accreditation. Would this data be accepted to bid on this California located opportunity?

a. Answer: No. The Statement of Work specifies that it must be an accredited laboratory in located in California. Because these samples require specified maximum time holds and must be within specified temperature range, the sample wouldn’t make it to Texas within the time frames/temp frames. If NPS unable to ship within time frames/hold times, NPS will have to drive to a certified laboratory; Texas is not accessible for driving.

2. Sample hold time is 36 hours, not 30 hours as stated on the “Statement of Work.” Can we have this corrected.

a. Answer: Yes. The correct sample hold time is 36 hours. The Statement of Work will be amended to be 36 hours.

3. The SOW states "Per RWQCB permit, laboratory testing of collected samples must be completed within 30 hours of sample collection and must stay within 0-6 Celsius," however a 36 hour hold time is what is specified by protocol. Could we please have the hold time verified?

a. Answer: Yes. The correct sample hold time is 36 hours. The Statement of Work will be amended to be 36 hours.

4. The SOW referenced Order Number R5-2014-0068, NPDES Number CA0081759. In looking at the order and the SOW, we noted that the SOW requests a fathead minnow chronic, but the permit requires a rainbow trout chronic. See excerpt below. Since there does not appear to be a rainbow trout chronic protocol, it appears the permit is in error. Should the regulator be notified and permit corrected?

a. Answer: The Statement of Work has been updated to reflect most current Order Number:

R5-2019-0069, NPDES Number CA0081759. Order Number: R5-2019-0069, NPDES Number CA0081759 requires a fathead minnow.

5. Results will be reported within 14 business days from the date of sample receipt. Results cannot be guaranteed by August 30th, yearly, as it will depend on when the sample is provided. Please amend the “Statement of Work."

a. Answer: As NPS only provides a time range of when samples are anticipated to be provided, we find it acceptable to revise the Statement of Work to include that results will be provided within 14 business days from the date of sample receipt.

6. On the SOW, the line highlighted by the ***** requires that laboratory testing be completed within 36 hours. Two of the tests are week long tests and the other takes 96 hours, so this requirement is not possible. We believe that it meant to say that transportation of the samples to the laboratory must be completed within 36 hours (this is known as "hold time").

140P8524Q0002 Amd 0002 – Chronic Toxicity Testing for Yosemite NP Page 2 of 2

a. Answer: 36 hours is in reference to sample hold time. Laboratory testing must be started within 36 hours of sample collection. The Statement of Work will be revised to state that the sample hold time is 36 hours.

7. On the SOW, the line highlighted by the ***** requires that laboratory testing must stay within 0-6 Celsius when EPA protocol requires 25 degrees Centigrade for these tests. Is this correct?

a. Answer: The line that is referenced in the question is referring to sample hold time temperatures. As stated in the Statement of Work, Laboratory shall perform all chronic toxicity testing per EPA methods. The Statement of Work will be revised to clarify that the temperature range of 0-6 Celsius is in reference to sample hold time temperature range.

A total of 7 questions were received in response to this solicitation as of November 17th, 2023. No other questions will be addressed at this time.