A4_Sample_Testing_PWS.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS - PORTLAND DISTRICT

HYDROELECTRIC DESIGN CENTER

SAMPLE TESTING

1.0 General Statement

This is a Firm Fixed-Priced, five-year, Multiple Award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) entitled Sample Testing. Requests for services will be made via a “Call” utilizing the pricing in this Agreement. The Period of Performance will be five years from the date of award.

1.1 The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, and all other items necessary to perform sample testing services for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Hydroelectric Design Center (HDC).

1.2 The Contractor shall receive samples, machine appropriate specimen shapes, test samples, and submit reports of the test results for each Call issued by USACE - HDC.

The samples will be shipped directly to the Contractor and costs/duties associated with that shipment will not be at the expense of the Contractor. Please note that many samples may be shipped from international foundries, shops, or facilities. The required sample testing will vary based on the material and component the sample is representative of. The components represented by the samples are from or are for hydropower facilities across the Nation within the USACE fleet.

1.3 The Contractor’s laboratory facility must meet the accreditation criteria below and be able to perform the tests listed in the pricing schedule throughout the life of this agreement.

2.0 Definitions

Throughout this agreement terms are defined as follows:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): An international standard organization that develops and publishes consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO): A worldwide, non-governmental, and independent organization that compiles national standards.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): An international standard organization that develops and publishes standards for electrical, electronic, and related technology.

Contracting Officer (KO): The Government employee who is authorized to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The Government employee who has been authorized in writing by the KO as the Contracting Officer’s Representative, acting within the limits of their designated authority.

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): A written record of unsatisfactory performance by the Contractor as observed by the Government.

3.0 Government Furnished

The Government will coordinate the shipment and provision of samples that are to be tested under a given Call to the Contractor.

4.0 Contractor Furnished

The Contractor will provide all personnel, equipment, tools, and all other items necessary to perform sample testing services as defined in this agreement within their laboratory facility.

4.1 Laboratory Accreditation

All laboratories performing the required sample testing of a Call must be accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 throughout the life of this agreement.

4.2 Personal Safety Protection & Other Equipment

Under the performance of this agreement, the Contractor will provide their employees all personal protective safety equipment (PPE) and miscellaneous supplies necessary to perform the work outlined within each Call issued.

4.3 Insurance Certificates

Submit proof of insurance to the contracting office within five days after both parties have signed the agreement. Update insurance annually and keep current through the life of the agreement.

4.4 Letter of Authority

Submit and maintain an up-to-date Letter of Authority outlining the individuals and the authorities granted within a contractor’s company throughout the life of the agreement.

Within the Letter of Authority, include the typed signature block, handwritten signature, and contact information for everyone granted authority with identification of the authority granted them. The individual that signs this Letter of Authority must be the same as the individual who signed the agreement.

4.5 Subcontracting

The Contractor shall notify both the KO and the COR, in writing, of any work to be subcontracted. Compliance with the provisions of this agreement by subcontractors shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

5.0 Performance Standards and Requirements

The Contractor shall perform all testing according to the required standards of the Call and those associated with the material of the sample. The Contractor shall provide sufficient supplies, tools, and equipment to adequately perform testing. Attachment A1 is the Schedule of Tests by CLIN which lists either a set of tests or single tests to be completed for a given sample provided by the Government. Provide sufficient supplies, materials, and equipment to perform the required test(s). Note that Attachment A1 will be updated annually, upon mutual agreement between the Contractor and the Contracting Officer.

5.1 Testing

The Contractor shall perform tests as required within a given Call according to the standards for the tests and material associated with a sample. Attachment A1 is the Schedule of Tests by CLIN which lists either a set of or single tests to be completed for a given sample. The selected tests, anticipated quantity of CLINs, and price per CLIN (as agreed upon by the Contractor) will be included within a Call. Provide sufficient supplies, materials, and equipment to adequately test the samples. The schedule of tests and pricing will be evaluated annually and updated as agreed upon by the Contractor and Contracting Officer.

5.1.1 Response of Testing

The completed tests associated with the Call and the test report discussing the results is to be provided to the COR no later than 14 calendar days following receipt of the coupon at the laboratory. If deficiencies are noted, immediate notification shall be provided to the COR. Notification for upcoming testing will be made either by phone or email.

5.1.2 Testing

The following lists all possible types of tests that could be included in a Call. In Attachment 1, the line items are broken up into sets of tests or single tests. At the time of writing this BPA, it is expected that the materials of the samples may conform to ASTM A743, A148, A216, A516, and A27. However, other metals may be tested and will be coordinated with the Contractor accordingly.

a. Chemical Analysis Perform a chemical analysis according to the requirements of ASTM A751.

Report chemical composition percent for the following elements (carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chromium, nickel, copper, molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten). Compare reported values to the standard of the material identified in the Call.

If directed in the Call, verify the carbon composition percent using the combustion method according to the requirements of ASTM E1019-18, Sections 10-20. Carbon combustion method is anticipated to only be included in a Call for stainless steel materials where the Government limits carbon content to 0.03%.

b. Hardness Tests Perform a hardness test according to the requirements of ASTM A370. Include the results for three readings.

c. Tension Tests

Perform a tension test according to the requirements of ASTM A370. Machine the test coupon/sample to the form and dimensions of the standard round two-inch gage length specimen as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of ASTM A370. If directed on the Call, samples may be subsize requiring the smaller specimen sizes identified within ASTM A370. Report the yield strength (PSI and MPa), tensile strength (PSI and MPa), elongation (percent), and reduction of area (percent). Compare the reported values to the standard of the material identified in the Call.

d. Impact Tests Perform a Charpy V-notch impact test on three specimens per coupon at 0°C in accordance with ASTM A370. Machine the test coupon/sample in the form and dimensions of the standard full-size specimen as shown in Figure 11 of ASTM A370. If directed on the Call, samples may be subsize requiring smaller specimen sizes identified within ASTM A370. Report absorbed energy (joules) and the average for the three specimens (joules).

5.1.3 References for Sample Testing

ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories – 2025.

ASTM A751 Standard Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for

Chemical Analysis of Steel Products – 2025.

ASTM A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical

Testing of Steel Products – 2024.

ASTM E1019-18 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Sulfur, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel, Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt Alloys by Various Combustion and Inert Gas Fusion Techniques – 2018.

ASTM A743 Standard Specification for Castings, Iron-Chromium, Iron- Chromium-Nickel, and Nickel-Base Corrosion-Resistant for General Application – 2024.

ASTM A148 Standard Specification for Steel Castings, High Strength, for Structural Purposes – 2019 (reapproved 2021).

ASTM A216 Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service – 2021.

ASTM A516 Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Carbon Steel, for Moderate- and Lower-Temperature Service – 2017 (reapproved 2021).

ASTM A27 Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, for General Application – 2020.

5.2 Reporting Procedures

Work under this agreement is scheduled to commence in accordance with an issued Call. In the absence of direction provided by a Call, submit final test reports electronically as a PDF via e-mail to the COR within 24 hours after completion of the tests and within 14 calendar days of initial receipt of the samples.

Test reports are to be written completely, clearly, and in English. Include the results of all analysis/tests performed for a given Call along with the following information:

1. Identification of the sample(s) tested by their designated number so that the Government can match results with the designated number provided to the Contractor within a given Call.

2. Type of test completed, date/time of completed test, testing location, and the name of the organization performing the test.

3. Results of each analysis/test required in a given Call. This may include chemical, hardness, tensile, and impact tests as described in Paragraph 5.1.2. All results are to be provided in US Customary Units.

4. Include a comparison between the sample results and the standards associated with the material identified in the Call to be tested against. Identify any deficiencies found between the sample and standard.

5. Testing comments or observations.

6.0 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

The PRS is intended to ensure that the Government receives the services for which it contracted. The Government will only pay for services received. The Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) determines if the Contractor meets the performance standards of the agreement. It ensures timeliness, effectiveness, and that the Contractor is delivering the results specified in the agreement. Government contract Quality Assurance will be performed as necessary to determine the services conform to the requirements.

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items.

6.1 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) Table

These are the criteria against which the performance will be evaluated. Work is not considered complete when any of the following conditions are not fully met. See the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan for more information.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Performance Objective

Performance Standards

Acceptable Quality Levels

Method of Surveillance

Testing (all paragraphs in 5.1)

Testing standards and procedures requested within a given Call

Zero Deviations from

PWS

Review of final test report

Reporting (Paragraph 5.3)

Accurate, concise, and complete reports detailing results of tests requested within a given Call

Zero Deviations from

PWS

Review of final test report

6.2 Quality Control (QC)

Comply with the test standards associated with a given Call and with the laboratory’s accreditation.

6.3 Unacceptable Performance

When performance is determined unacceptable, as defined in the PRS, the COR will notify the Contractor’s representative that performance is unacceptable and provide written documentation. Refer to the KO for disputes. Examples of deficiencies include, but are not limited to:

a. Failure to perform the test in accordance with the applicable standard.

b. Failure to provide post-test reports in the specified timeframe.

c. Failure to maintain laboratory accreditation.

6.3.1 Correction of Unacceptable Performance

The COR will notify the KO of less than acceptable performance. If any of the services do not conform to contract or agreement requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with the agreement requirements and at no additional cost to the Government. When the defect(s) in services cannot be corrected by re-performance, the Government may:

a. Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure future performance conforms to the agreement requirements.

b. Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

c. If the Contractor fails to promptly re-perform the services, or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with the agreement requirements, the Government may use one of these methods to resolve the deficiency:

(1) By contracted procurement or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service.

(2) Issue a Cure Notice.

(3) Terminate the Agreement for Government Convenience.

(4) Terminate the Agreement for Cause.

6.3.2 Correction of Non-Performance of Work

Employ an adequate quantity of personnel to ensure that any area found to be not in compliance, and therefore not acceptable, can be made acceptable by the performance or re-performance of the work.

If the Contractor fails to perform or re-perform the services required by a Call, the Government may also choose to assign the work to another party. If this occurs, the Contractor will be required to reimburse the Government for the full costs of the work performed including labor, materials, transportation, and supervision.

The Government may require the Contractor to discontinue using any employee in the performance of the work specified within this agreement if determined by the Government to be unsatisfactory.

6.3.3 Performance Standard

Recurring defects are not permitted for any of the above service items. No defect is recorded against the Contractor's performance if the defect is immediately corrected.

However, if this same situation occurs again during the agreement period, an incident will be recorded and reported to the KO for appropriate action in accordance with FAR 52.212.4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (May 1997).

7.0 General

7.1 Calls for Service

Work under this agreement is scheduled to commence in accordance with an issued Call. Calls will be issued when sampling and testing services available under this agreement become known and needed. Calls are issued via a Call Order form provided as Attachment A3 Sample Testing Call Order Form. Calls must be placed by an Authorized Ordering Individual. Calls are not to be received by the Contractor from individuals who are not designated as Authorizing Ordering Individuals. The Authorized Ordering Individuals may be changed by the Government at any time with an updated list provided to the Contractor.

7.1.1 For Calls under $2,500, the Government will contact a vendor/Contractor under the BPA directly. To choose a vendor/Contractor, the Government will consider (1) cost based upon awarded price schedule, (2) certification for the test needed, (3) availability, and (4) potential conflict of interest (on a particular project, the Government will not utilize a testing agency already being used by the Construction Contractor). Generally, the Government will attempt to spread work evenly amongst all vendors under the BPA.

However, cost will be the primary factor when choosing a vendor.

7.1.2 The Contractor must be able to take payments via a credit card over the phone as payments under $25,000 will be paid for on a Government Purchase Card (GPC).

7.1.3 For Calls over $2,500, the requirement will be competed amongst all BPA Contractors. On Calls over $25,000, payments will be processed through the USACE Finance Center using receiving reports and take up to 30 days for payments to be paid.

7.1.4 The Government will track Calls placed to the Contractor. A unique Call number will be assigned per each Call placed by the Government.

7.2 Measurement and Payment for the Price/Bid Schedule

7.2.1 Price/Bid Items for tests with the unit of measure of EACH-“EA” will be measured for payment based on the number of each test performed. The price and payment will be compensation for labor, materials, and equipment to perform laboratory tests and to submit test reports as specified in the referenced standard for each unit item.

7.2.2 Price/Bid Items for tests with the unit of measure of SET will be measured for payment based on the number of each set of tests performed. The price and payment will be compensation for labor, materials, and equipment to perform laboratory tests and to submit test reports as specified in the referenced standard for each unit item.

7.3 Invoicing for Work

The Contractor may invoice USACE for work performed at the conclusion of a test, after the test results have been provided. Invoices shall be submitted based upon the information contained in the Call and upon the dollar value of the Call. As stated previously, Calls under $25,000 will be paid for by credit card, whereas Calls above $25,000 will be paid for by an invoice sent to the USACE Finance Center and to the office of the COR and POC who placed the Call.

7.4 McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA)

The SCA will apply to all Calls over $2,500 and the requirements of the SCA would apply to all employees working on the Calls.

Every employer performing work covered by McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) is required to post a notice of the compensation required (including, for service contracts, any applicable wage determination) in a prominent and accessible location at the worksite, (for this agreement the worksite would be the employee’s place of work or laboratory), where it may be seen by all employees performing work on the agreement.

A copy of the poster is available at the following website for the Department of Labor:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/sca.htm.

7.5 Contract Changes

Changes in scope, time, or deliverables can only be authorized by the KO. The Contractor shall notify the KO immediately if they have received direction to perform work outside the scope of the contract. Changes in scope will be negotiated and a written modification issued, before proceeding with the work.

7.6 Points of Contact

Points of contact for each Call, will be established at the time each Call is placed. The COR(s) will be established and communicated to the Contractor following contract award.

8.0 Attachments

Attachment A1 – Schedule of Tests and Sampling by CLIN

Attachment A2 – BPA Call Order Tracking Sheet

Attachment A3 – Sample Testing Call Order Form

Attachment A4 – Sample Testing Terms and Conditions

Attachment A5 - QASP Sample Testing