FAQs.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 25 KB Posted
- Attached to
- PFAS testing Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 61320626Q0017
- Issued by
- Consumer Product Safety Commission
About this file
This file is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document addressing inquiries related to CPSC Notice ID 61320626Q0017 for PFAS testing services in textile samples.
The FAQs clarify that laboratories do not require formal ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for award but must demonstrate technically appropriate methods and quality controls aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. All responsive bids must include total organic fluorine (TOF) analytical capabilities in addition to targeted PFAS analysis; laboratories focused solely on targeted PFAS analysis without TOF capabilities will not be considered responsive. Two-firm submissions are not addressed as acceptable. The contract will provide five initial textile samples with an optional additional approximately 60 individual samples submitted in groups of 2 to 6 throughout the project duration, with each sample undergoing TOF analysis and triggering PFAS quantification if organic fluorine is detected above baseline. Samples will be approximately 5-10 grams each. CPSC will provide unique labeling and may arrange shipping, though transportation costs are evaluated as part of proposals. Quotations should detail the full scope of analytical capabilities and methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative search libraries, as larger libraries are distinguishing evaluation factors. Branched and linear isomer quantitation is not explicitly required but labs should detail their standard practices. No defined PFAS suspect list exists. Quotations may propose cost structures based on per-analysis pricing, with CPSC expecting to pay upon sample submission and report completion. Contractors may dispose of remaining samples after analysis, and normal laboratory sample and data retention policies are acceptable for CPSC's post-delivery discussion needs.
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Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 61320626Q0017 AMENDMENT 1.pdf | ||
| 61320626Q0017.pdf |
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Text version
Sheet1
| PFAS Testing Notice ID 61320626Q0017 | |
| Question | Answer |
| Confirm the exact CPT code for this test. | It appears CPT codes are primarily for medical services and procedures. There is a code for PFAS testing of blood. There is no CPT code for consumer product testing. |
| Please confirm whether formal ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, including an accredited scope covering the proposed PFAS and/or total organic fluorine methods, is required for award, or whether a laboratory may qualify by demonstrating technically appropriate methods and project-specific quality controls aligned with the ISO/IEC 17025 requirements identified in the solicitation. | Yes, a laboratory may qualify by demonstrating technically appropriate methods for total organic fluorine and PFAS content in textiles using quality controls aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. |
| Will laboratories focused on targeted PFAS analysis be considered responsive if they do not perform non-targeted PFAS screening? | This testing will require both TOF and PFAS testing for textile samples. All responsive bids require total organic fluorine (TOF) analytical capabilities. |
| Would a two-firm submission be accepted for this particular RFQ? The use of Total Organic Fluorine for textile testing is exciting, but would fall outside of standard EPA-validated methods. While my organization has peer-reviewed published methods for PFAS-textile processing, the accredited analysis aspect would require an analytical services firm. |
Is there information on the type of organic fluorine finish being investigated? Is this contract for textiles that may have been treated with PFAS (a focus on extractable organic fluorine), or for textiles impregnated with fluorinated polymers (a focus on total organic fluorine). The testing laboratory does not need to be accredited for ISO/IEC 17025 PFAS analysis in textiles, but should follow similar expected protocols for chain of custody, sample handling, and analytical rigor. We are expecting the same laboratory to handle both TOF and PFAS quantification.
There is no information regarding the types of PFAS being investigated or their possible concentrations. Laboratories should submit responses detailing any type of organic fluorine analytical methodologies within their professional scope so that they may be evaluated.
| In point 6c, 5 initial samples will be provided, with up to 60 over the project duration in groups of 2 to 6. However, there is a statement on page two that notes 2 samples with an additional 28 tests per sample—is this regarding screening being above method blank and thus allowing for numerous non-targeted and then targeted analyses? Or will there be up to 60 individual samples provided? | There will be five initial samples. Optionally there will be additional samples totalling up to approximately 60 individual samples. Every individual sample will undergo TOF analysis, and finding organic fluorine above baseline will trigger PFAS quantification analysis. The phrasing of groups of two individual samples in up to 28 groups is meant to show that a few samples will be submitted sporadically throughout the remainder of the contract and not as one large submission. |
| Would it be possible to submit a budget based on the number of samples versus price per analysis? Due to the nature of the analysis, the cost is minimal between expanding an analytical method from 1 to 5 or even 20 samples. | We will examine the cost per analysis as a basis for comparing responses and value to the CPSC. We expect to pay as we submit samples and have completed sample reports return to us. Individual samples are not expected to be submitted in one large group. |
| Is there a preferred search library? | There is no single preferred search library required for this analysis. Laboratories should respond with their capabilities. Larger qualtitative and quantitative search libraries are distinguishing factors that will be taken into account during review of submissions. |
| Please clarify the period of time determined appropriate for the clause regarding the option of increased-quantity separately line item in section 52.217-7. | 30 Days |
| Does CPSC, Laboratory Sciences – Chemistry (LSC), want the raw data provided? | Only insomuch as is presented in the normal sample report. |
| Will CPSC arrange shipping, logistics, and unique labeling for textile samples provided? | Unique labeling will be provided by CPSC. Shipping and logistics may be incorporated into a response for evaluation, or requested that the CPSC ship. Even if CPSC ships the samples, transportation cost will be evaluated. |
| Will the contractor return unused samples back to CPSC, or will they be responsible for disposal? | The contractor may dispose of remaining sample. Please include disposal fees, if applicable. |
| Is there an approximate weight or amount of sample that can be expected? | Approximately 5-10 grams of each individual sample will be provided. |
| Is branched and linear quantitation required for any PFAS of concern, if detected? | Per the SOW, quantification of branched and linear PFAS isomers is not explicitly required, however labs should submit responses detailing their full capabilities and standard practices for evaluation. |
| How long will samples need to be stored by the laboratory? How long will data need to be stored in the laboratory? | The responding laboratories' normal sample and data retention policies may be enforced. CPSC may need to discuss the results shortly after the analytical report is delivered, so as long as the laboratory sample and data policy is sufficient for discussion. |
| For the technical proposal, is a detailed methodology required? Ex. what standards, what compounds used for internal spiking, etc. | Details should be sufficient to understand the analytical techniques and methodologies being used. Responses will be evaluated based on the robustness of the analyses that will be performed. |
| Is there a defined PFAS suspect list, or is this subject to the details of the contractors technical proposal? | There is no defined PFAS suspect list. Responses will be evaluated on the contractor's available quantification and qualification capabilities. |
| Will the results of this work be used in any ongoing or upcoming litigation? If so, can CPSC provide information to determine COI? | Upcoming litigation or not should not be a factor for submitting a response. Contractors should be confident in the laboratory methodologies such that it would hold up in court, if necessary. |
| Along with chemistry data, is the CPSC considering statistical analysis to support lines of evidence? | CPSC is not requesting statistical interpretation at this time. |
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