Solicitation_Questions___Answers_8_21_2025_0002.pdf

Questions and Answers – Soliciation 140R2025Q0066 Real Time Water Quality Monitoring

1) General Assumptions:

a. Please confirm that the solicitation assumes the contractor will adopt a fully functioning and calibrated flow and water quality monitoring network of 37 existing stations.

ANSWER: This is a network of 36 stations. The network of stations is fully functional except for the CONFL station; a barge recently destroyed the piling and infrastructure on the piling.

b. The equipment price schedule (quantities of instruments and supporting equipment) appears to assume that the existing network is fully functional. Can you confirm this assumption?

ANSWER: To our knowledge, all stations in the existing network (except CONFL- see above) are currently fully functional.

2) Government Furnished Equipment:

a. What aspects of the current continuous monitoring program will be furnished by Reclamation?

ANSWER: The total number of stations and required data types (sensor types) for those stations are listed in Table B1 (appendix of solicitation). Some remnant equipment (primarily instrumentation) will be provided, although the exact number is unknown. The quantities listed in the equipment list represent the estimated number of instruments that will need to be replaced this year due to aging out or needing repair. For sites where remnant equipment is not available, it is estimated that the contractor will need to purchase equipment for power, telemetry, data transfer, and other associated infrastructure needs (e.g., brackets, deployment equipment, cables, etc.) so that equipment and data communication fits with the contractor’s design and preference for station set-up.

3) Field Equipment

a. Instruments, loggers, and other hardware – could Reclamation provide a full inventory of instruments and supporting equipment, including current status?

ANSWER: No- please see section 2 above.

b. Power systems (solar panels, batteries, etc.) – could a complete inventory with current status be provided?

ANSWER: No- please see section 2 above.

c. Infrastructure (mounts, piles, piers, etc.) – could a complete inventory with current status be provided?

1. For the one-year period of performance, should we assume all infrastructure is currently in place and available for contractor use?

2. Would Reclamation consider a stepwise implementation, beginning with secured locations where access agreements and permits are already in place, and expanding as new sites become available?

ANSWER: Contractors will be able to use pilings or permanent infrastructures that have been previously installed at station locations.

We would like to set our expectations on the one-month set-up timeline for sensors, but we acknowledge that there may be challenges that will come up, and we are willing to work with the recipient(s) on this, including discussing a stepwise implementation.

d. Station-Specific Documentation

1. Does Reclamation have existing SOPs, Station Plans, QA/QC protocols, and metadata standards beyond those referenced on pp. 21–23 of the Solicitation?

ANSWER: We do not have information beyond what is referenced in the solicitation (note that some links direct to SOPs). Using the methodology listed, Reclamation will work with the contractor to develop necessary protocols.

2. Can Reclamation provide detailed specifications for how each station was set up, including full parameter lists, instrument types, depths, angles, bin sizes, and rating spreadsheets?

ANSWER: Instrument types are detailed in the solicitation and the Price Schedule, with the sensors listed for each of the Tasks. The other information will not be provided.

4) Administrative:

a. Is Reclamation named in the current access agreements and permits?

o If not, can they be transferred to Reclamation and/or the new contractor?

ANSWER: Reclamation is not named in all access agreements and permits. We are exploring options to get permits transferred to Reclamation and will work with the contractor on this.

5) Data Processing and Management:

a. Are records of ADCP ratings for stage area and index velocity available, including software code or scripts for assessing and adjusting ratings? If so, will these be furnished?

ANSWER: This information will not be furnished.

b. Will Reclamation furnish existing SOPs, QA/QC procedures, and metadata standards (beyond those on pp. 21–23), or should the contractor develop new documentation?

ANSWER: Please see response to question 4 above.

c. Will the contractor be expected to maintain and extend existing dashboards and analysis code, or create wholly new tools?

ANSWER: Examples will be provided so that the contractor understands the level of detail requested, but the contractor will create new tools specific to their data storage and management set-up.

d. Will the contractor be authorized to post data to CIMIS and/or NWIS databases? Are there examples of private entities currently contributing data to these databases?

ANSWER: The contractor will post data to open access locations such as California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) and EDI for metadata (example: Data Portal - Data Package Summary | Environmental Data Initiative (EDI)). Data should be available real-time. We are looking into potential options for hosting these data and will work with the contractor to develop a solution.

Technical Approach

6. Will we have full access to existing infrastructure?

https://portal.edirepository.org/nis/mapbrowse?packageid=edi.1177.7 https://portal.edirepository.org/nis/mapbrowse?packageid=edi.1177.7

ANSWER: Contractors will be able to use pilings or permanent infrastructures that have been previously installed at station locations.

7. Will there be any remnant equipment or is it assumed all equipment will be new based on the equipment list? If yes, could you provide a list of which sites will have existing equipment and what equipment will remain?

ANSWER: Some remnant equipment (primarily instrumentation) will be provided, although the exact number is unknown. The quantities listed in the equipment list represent the estimated number of instruments that will need to be replaced this year due to aging out or needing repair. For sites where remnant equipment is not available, it is estimated that the contractor will need to purchase equipment for power, telemetry, data transfer, and other associated infrastructure needs (e.g., brackets, deployment equipment, cables, etc.) so that equipment and data communication fits with the contractor’s design and preference for station set-up.

8. Will the contractor be provided with existing stage-discharge rating curves for sites, or will new rating curves need to be developed?

ANSWER: The stage-discharge method cannot be used in the Delta, because it’s a tidal system. The index-velocity method should be used to calculate discharge. Methods for this method are included in the PWS. Data used to calculate discharge can be found online at WDFN (e.g., mean water velocity for discharge computation, etc.).

9. Will the contractor be provided post analysis scripts that were used with data previously? For example, sediment rating curves, values/criteria for identifying anomalies in data sets, post summary to translate to visualization tools?

ANSWER: Model archive summaries for suspended sediment rating curves can be found on ScienceBase here: Continuous 15-minute Time-series Suspended-Sediment Concentration Data and Model Summaries at Select Sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California - ScienceBase-Catalog (there is a list of stations).

Example metadata included for each station can be found here (example station CM51):

Sacramento R Deep Water Ship Channel Marker 51 CA - USGS Water Data for the Nation.

Here you can download discrete data (see example file Example_data_discrete_RYF_basicbio.csv) to understand the level of detail requested for discrete samples. Contractors should understand calibration protocols and needs and follow methodology provided with the PWS.

Materials that exist online can be used (e.g., ScienceBase, WDFN), but no additional post analysis scripts will be provided, nor code for translating to visualizations.

10. Did USGS previously use Aquarius to manage their real-time data? If yes, will we be provided access to that platform or the previous data managed within the Aquatic Informatics system?

ANSWER: Yes, USGS used Aquarius to manage their real-time data. The contractor will be responsible for developing their own database platform and data management system. All previous data can be found open access online at WDFN or CDEC.

11. For discrete sampling, what is the frequency expected for the following collecting the following constituents (e.g., monthly)? Are there any storm dependencies to factor in with frequency of monitoring?

a. Suspended-sediment concentration https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5eeca1bb82ce3bd58d8a27a7 https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5eeca1bb82ce3bd58d8a27a7 https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5eeca1bb82ce3bd58d8a27a7 https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-11455338/#dataTypeId=continuous-72137-0&period=P7D https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis https://cdec.water.ca.gov/webgis/?appid=cdecstation

b. Nitrate

c. Nitrite

d. Ammonium

e. Phosphate

f. Chlorophyll a

g. Phaeophytin

h. Phytoplankton Enumeration

ANSWER: In the PWS, the explanation for discrete water quality samples is as follows:

• “In addition to in situ measurements, discrete water samples will be collected every 4- 8 weeks at each station to validate and calibrate the instruments, as well as to measure additional parameters. Analyses will include nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate, total dissolved nitrogen, chlorophyll a, phaeophytin, and phytoplankton enumeration (methods examples in USGS, 2023 and Bouma-Gregson et al., 2023).

Discrete water quality validation data and phytoplankton enumeration data will be published online on a publicly available site (e.g., https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/6254b009d34e21f8276f4339.”

Storm-dependent sampling for constituents other than suspended sediment is not a component of this project. For suspended sediment, additional sampling may be conducted during/after storm events, which may increase the sample frequency, but is important for creating sediment rating curves. Any changes or modifications to the anticipated sampling frequency can be discussed with the COR as needed.

Proposal Submittal

1. Can the rate be different by company or does this need to be the same rate per role (e.g. an average of the prime and sub rates)?

ANSWER: No, you cannot have different rates for Prime and Sub. The rate for each labor category must be the same, which is why we ask for fully burdened labor rate for each labor category. How ever you arrive at the labor rate is up to you, but you should be able to explain how you arrived at that rate should the question ever arise. For example, if a Project Technician Level III lists a fully burdened rate for this labor category as $100 per hour, then you will charge $100 per hour each time they work on the project, no matter if that person is with the Prime or Sub.

2. Do subcontractors need to meet liability insurance as stated in DIAR 1452.228-70?

ANSWER: No, subcontractors are not required to meet liability insurance as stated under DIAR 1542.228.70, but they should obviously have liability insurance.

3. Is there a maximum for the number of references? Is it preferred to have 3 per each category? One for each sub?

ANSWER: There is no set number of references. We just require enough information to be able to evaluate the prime appropriately. Most vendors generally provide 3-5 references and I would recommend at least 1 reference for each subcontractor.

4. Are there unlimited pages for attachments (e.g. resumes)?

ANSWER: I recommend that attachments, such as resumes are kept at a minimum. Receiving documents that have hundreds of pages attached is not ideal and https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/6254b009d34e21f8276f4339 makes the technical review process very long. Please try and strip your documents down to only what is needed if things start becoming too long.

5. Could you confirm if the submittal is required to be in the SF330 format, or if another format would be acceptable?

ANSWER: You do NOT need to submit your documents via the SF330. We prefer you do not use this form, but you can use whatever format is easiest for you.

6. Vendor ABC will be the prime and is planning to use Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) to highlight our previous experience. Is there a specific format that USBR prefers?

ANSWER: There is no specific form or format. You can use whatever is easiest for you.

7. Based on our understanding of the program and its requirements, we estimate that the monitoring activities and deliverables described in the Performance Work Statement may require fewer hours than the labor price proposal provided by Reclamation. Would it be acceptable to present an alternative best-value pricing schedule with reduced hours, in addition to the hours estimated by Reclamation?

Answer: Yes, you may submit two quotes with your proposal. The first should use the estimated hours by Reclamation, and the second can be your alternative best-value price schedule. However, for evaluation purposes compared to other received quotes, we will use the price schedule with Reclamation's estimated hours.

8. We did not see a request for resumes or staff bios. What do you prefer to be included in the proposal?

Answer: Please include the relevant information for applicable staff that will demonstrate to Reclamation that you have the staff with the necessary experience to perform the tasks of this project.

9. What elements are excluded from the 75-page limit (e.g., executive summary, staff bios, CPARS)?

Answer: Your proposal should include the relevant information addressing your Technical Approach, experience, and staff bios/ resumes which will demonstrate clearly to Reclamation that your company and staff have the applicable skills and experience to perform the tasks of the project.

C5.5 Attachment 1 – Price Schedule 8/7/2025

1. Equipment: the sheet has a list of equipment with a quantity listed; is this quantity accurate for the number of units to be purchased? Or are these just example quantities?

ANSWER: The quantities listed in the Price Schedule represent the estimated number of instruments that will need to be replaced this year due to aging out or needing repair. We anticipate working with the contractor to identify when and what equipment needs to be replaced or newly installed (if existing equipment is not available). See answers to first two questions for additional details.

2. Labor: Are we correct in our understanding that we need to fill in the rates for our team for each category and use these hours exactly (no adjustments)?

ANSWER: The price schedule is an example/expected budget based on estimates from previous work. The contractor should fill in equivalent positions and rates when putting together the quote so that it is as accurate as possible. Minor adjustments can be made based on expected time for each position to fulfill the work described in the PWS.

3. Other Direct Costs / Required Travel: the approximate miles are included plus the number of trips and guidance to use the federal rate for mileage reimbursement. Since that multiplication is fairly straightforward using the information provided (miles x $0.7 per mile x # trips), is it expected that we update mileage based on where our facilities are located relative to these locations? Is it correct that the time for someone to travel to these locations is included under labor as opposed to including here?

ANSWER: Example locations and mileage for those locations were provided in the Price Schedule. We expect the contractor to update based on their existing or expected boat docking locations using the current federal rate for mileage reimbursement. Labor for travel is to be included in the hour total in the labor section- only mileage for travel is covered in the required travel section.

4. Would you be able to provide labor descriptions to correspond to the labor categories?

ANSWER: After speaking to the program office, we provided example methods described in the PWS, but we are not in the habit of providing position descriptions. The labor categories listed were originally filled with USGS positions, which are described here: Nationwide Standard Position Descriptions | U.S. Geological Survey.

The positions used in the past were Supervisory Chemist, Supervisory soil scientist, supervisory hydrologist, and then various levels of biologists, hydrologists, hydrologic technicians, physical scientists, and administrative operations assistant. Reclamation would expect the people that you recruit will have the relevant knowledge to carry out the tasks described in the PWS. So, experts in hydrology, soil science/suspended sediment dynamics, biology (especially biogeochemistry), and technicians.

We generally leave it to the vendor to have the applicable staff required for any project, since we provided the methodology that we would use.

Other Related Questions –

1. Currently, USGS provides technical support to Reclamation providing most/all of the services identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the subject solicitation. Our understanding is that USGS has developed budgets to continue to support Reclamation with the monitoring activities included in the PWS for the same performance period as identified in the PWS. Can you clarify if and how the bids/proposals received from contractors (e.g., non-governmental agencies) through this solicitation will be evaluated and/or compared to estimates received from USGS? How will Reclamation determine if services will be procured through this solicitation vs. continued agreements with USGS?

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinklock.titanhq.com%2Fanalyse%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.usgs.gov%252Fhuman-capital%252Fnationwide-standard-position-descriptions%26data%3DeJxUy91q8yAAxvGrMQcvKEZNmsDrmF0b2GiyUcZgh1ZtI21U_Fhuf-RwZw8P_5_ijLVdW8sO1rhTkHU7DKVqrpComhlJrkrTutL8X7Xw__tv-nHG_bjvCGOiaXp2EG1fM9rgnh7E7kUwisXznww5uYSocY9C9Br5kh_e35Hyy1OVeJqNvRh1BwyXdIno5n-qyJdcojMRMDye3o7T1-v5fRqP06c4ba4qfM45JEAFIAMgw7quqKRb2jQgw1wW6aCSwWb5AGRwMlvvVqsNTFk6LaOGwSe7vVCbpKIN206_AQAA___Y1FUN&data=05%7C02%7Csheibeck%40usbr.gov%7C805f08f9cb934ec7e5d908dde0f0d61e%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638914047197838493%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F17NzjNhCK0Te56hN%2FRO%2Fy%2BetmgdYKnGY3xkWs2KXnQ%3D&reserved=0

ANSWER: Yes, the USGS is currently providing these services under a task order issued from an IDIQ, but at this time we are uncertain if they are going to continue to do so, which is why it was requested from the Program Office we posted this solicitation. To be transparent, the government is pursuing the best value for these services and is entertaining proposals from other government agencies.

2. We note that the RFP suggests the selected contractor only has one month to purchase equipment, take delivery of the equipment, test and calibrate, and install the equipment, and also procure all needed permits (within that same month). Is that accurate? Does USBR already have any of the required permits? Is there any flexibility in this schedule? Permitting time-frames can be uncertain at best.

ANSWER: We would like to set our expectations on the one-month timeline, but we acknowledge that there may be challenges that will come up, and we are willing to work with the recipient(s) on this. Additionally, we are still looking into the permitting, and there may be a way to transfer to Reclamation, and this is something we will also work with the recipient(s) on.