ACF_Organic_PWS_2023_1.docx

Analytical Control Facility Division of Ecological Services

Performance-Based Work Statement

Analytical Control Facility

Organic Contract

January 2023—December 2027

March 14, 2022

Page i of i Table of Contents

Page i of i Performance-Based Statement of Work Technical Science—Analytical Service

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 General

This solicitation will result in contracts to provide Technical Science—Analytical Services in Support of the Fish and Wildlife Service. The primary goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), a Bureau of the Department of the Interior, is the conservation and sound management of sport fishery and wildlife resources for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Attainment of this goal requires continual collection, analysis and synthesis of new information on which wise and timely management decisions can be based. As a part of this decision-making process, the Service has the responsibility for determining the effects of environmental contaminants on organisms and their habitats. A significant part of this responsibility requires the determination of trace amounts of organic compounds in soil, sediment, animal tissue, plant tissue, and water.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction

The Service is seeking analytical capability to perform organic analyses specifically Organochlorine pesticides, Aromatics, Aliphatics and PCB analyses, as well as other organic analyses, in soil, sediment, animal or plant tissues, and water. The Service is fully aware that there may be no technically qualified analytical lab available which can accommodate the annual estimated quantity of samples stated herein (especially when the seasonal nature of the sample submissions is considered). Moreover, it is possible that the number of samples may be significantly higher during some years because of year-to-year inconsistencies in demand and available funding. Therefore, the Service is prepared to award multiple contracts in order to assure that there will be sufficient analytical capability to meet the estimated annual need.

Due to the ever changing analytical needs the Service will be awarding contracts to analytical labs that can perform all Mandatory analyses as well as to analytical labs that may not provide all required analyses in “Section 1.4.1-4” but have proven proficiency in performing analyses of some of the Non-Mandatory analyses referred to in “Section 1.4.8”.

1.2 Background

As the Nation's leading nature conservation agency, the Department of the Interior (DOI) is responsible for protecting wildlife, habitat and wilderness found in 20% of the Nation’s land area. Protected lands include desert landscapes through forested ranges, over mountain passes, to Artic tundra. The DOI manages renowned natural wonders in the National Park System, critical wildlife habitat in National Wildlife Refuges, and many of the last wild places in America designated under the Wilderness Act. Interior is also responsible for wildlife such as migratory birds and endangered and threatened species throughout America. The DOI works to establish protected parks and to reduce human-wildlife conflict, the spread of wildlife diseases, invasive species, the bushmeat trade, and other threats to nature. It is only through such cooperation with our domestic and international partners that America can ensure that nature can survive for future generations.

Studies conducted by the Service, which may be used in litigation, cover a wide spectrum of contaminant, pesticide, and pollutant problems and geographic areas. These include studies involving organic compounds derived from agriculture, mining, energy development, industrial, oil spills, pharmaceutical, personal care and other activities. Because of the diversity of the studies and the unique requirements of individual studies, “catalogs” of samples submitted for analyses may vary considerably.

1.3 Objectives

In accordance with the requirement listed herein, the Contractor shall be responsible for all aspects of this effort and shall furnish all necessary Services, materials, labor, and supplies not otherwise indicated to be furnished by the Government.

1.3.1 The Contractor must have available, all equipment with backup capability (secondary instrumentation or a subcontractor) required to perform the proposed analyses in the 60 day turnaround time. The analytical facility should also have all equipment needed to prepare and extract the samples for analyses and the freezer capacity to store the samples before and after the analysis.

1.3.2 Due to the nature of the field sample collection season, most of the samples submitted, under this program, arrive at the laboratory over a very short period of time each year. The laboratory should not plan on even sample submissions over the course of the year. The Service has tended to issue over 60% of its analytical delivery orders during the months of July, August and September. The samples tend generally arrive within 30 days of the issuance of the delivery order. Submissions tend to drop to near zero during October, November, and December, and slowly increase starting in January. A large freezer capacity is needed to store the samples and offerors should be prepared to perform analyses within the required timeframes. The lab’s daily capacity for sample processing should be included in the proposal.

1.3.3 Extracts/digests of samples submitted for analysis will be retained for one year after the analytical report is accepted. The Contractor will be required to store up to one year, all un-analyzed portions of samples (up to 200g) submitted for analysis during the period of performance until disposition is approved by the Service Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Method of storage will be by freezing at or below -20℃ (-4℉). Disposition includes either disposal or return to the submitter.

1.3.4 Periodically, the Contractor will receive samples that will require additional analyses to be performed at another laboratory. In these cases, the Contractor is required to homogenize the samples and forward, at the government’s expense, the appropriate subsample, to the other laboratories within three weeks after receiving the samples.

1.3.5 The Contractor’s technical proposal will be incorporated herein by reference into any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the technical proposal and any other clause of this contract (including, but not limited to, the statement of work), the conflict shall be resolved in accordance with FAR 52.215-33, Order of Precedence.

The detailed technical content of the proposal is an important factor in the selection of the Contractor for award of this contract. It is agreed therefore, that in the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall not deviate from the approved methodologies without the prior approval of the COR. If it is necessary for the Contractor to deviate from the approved procedures in order to comply with the requirements of this contract, the contract shall be modified at the discretion of the Government at no increase in cost/price or extension of the delivery schedule.

1.4 Scope of Work

The Contractor is required to analyze the samples in a manner that meets the quality control standards as stated in Part 3. Deviations from the Contractor’s approved methods will require the prior approval of the COR.

1.4.1 Organochlorine Scan

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. Generally methods involve solvent extraction, cleanup, separation of pesticides from PCBs, quantitation of analyte and confirmation by mass spectrometry.

An organochlorine scan shall include at a minimum quantitation of the following compounds:

1.4.2 Quantitation of Individual Aroclors

Upon request, the Contractor will analyze PCB fractions and provide quantitation of PCB’s as Aroclor 1242, 1248, 1254, and 1260.

1.4.3 Congener Specific PCB Scan

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the quality control standards stated in Part 3. Generally methods involve solvent extraction, cleanup, and quantitation of analytes.

An Individual Congener scan shall include quantitation of all PCB Congeners. It is understood that some co-elutions will occur. Offeror should specify which congener co-elutions are expected using their method. PCB congeners will be designated using the Ballschmiter-Zell numbering system.

This analysis will usually be ordered with the Organochlorine Scan but on rare occasions it may be ordered by itself. If ordered in conjunction with an organochlorine scan, it is assumed that much of the sample preparation work would only be done once and a discount would be offered.

1.4.4 Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbon Scans

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. Generally, methods involve solvent extraction, separation of aliphatics from aromatics, and quantitation of each analyte.

1.4.4.1 An aliphatic scan shall at a minimum include quantitation of the following compounds:

1.4.4.2 An aromatic scan shall at a minimum include quantification of the following compounds:

1.4.5 Additional Required Determinations

· Each analysis of a tissue sample will include quantitation of the percent lipid.

· All samples shall be pre-weighed before homogenization providing an initial whole weight. If this step cannot be performed, a justification should be provided in the case narrative.

· For each non-water sample, the percent moisture will be determined.

· All sample preparation and analysis must be performed within the EPA or analyte specific required holding times.

· Upon request, the Contractor is required to analyze soil/sediment samples for Grain size reported as a minimum percent clay, sand, and silt (other breakdowns which are not mandatory may also include gravel, coarse sand, fine sand, etc.). The Contractor is also required to analyze soil/sediment for Total Organic Carbon.

1.4.6 Full Data Report

Upon request, the Contractor will provide a report that includes copies of all raw data. If the request is for QC purposes or litigation, the Contractor will provide a full data report that includes copies of all raw data at no cost to the Service. The report will include all records related to the analyses that exist at the laboratory. These documents should include but are not limited to documents related to the receipt of the samples, logs on sample storage and preparation, reports on instrument calibration, instrument printouts, calculation sheets, data summaries, internal QC documents, analyst notes or any other information about the sample in question should be submitted. The request for a full data report can be made before or after the analysis. If a full data report is requested due to a data audit of a sample set, there will be no charge to the Service.

1.4.7 Rapid Turnaround

Upon request, the Contractor will provide analysis on a rapid turnaround basis for an additional charge to the Service. Rapid turnaround requires the final report to be submitted to the Service within 15 calendar days of receipt of the samples whereas the normal turnaround time is 60 days.

1.4.8 Non-Mandatory Analyses: Periodically the Service has a need for other organic determinations.

1.4.8.1 Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticides

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the quality control standards stated in Part 3. Generally methods involve solvent extraction, and quantitation of each analyte.

1.4.8.2 Organophosphate Scan

An organophosphate scan shall include quantification of the following compounds:

trichlorfon

1.4.8.3 Carbamate Scan

A carbamate scan shall include quantitation of the following compounds:

1.4.8.4 Dioxin and Furan Analysis

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the quality control standards stated in Part 3. Generally methods involve solvent extraction, cleanup, and quantification of each analyte. Offeror should propose a full Dioxin/Furan scan which includes:

A simplified scan of 2,3,7,8 TCDD & 2,3,7,8-TCDF should also be offered.

1.4.8.5 Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the quality control standards stated in Part 3. A PBDE scan is required to include PBDE 209. The recommended PBDE Scan includes quantification of the following:

1.4.8.6 Neonicotinoids

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. A neonicotinoid scan shall include a minimum quantification of the following:

1.4.8.7 Perfluorinated Compounds

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. The most requested is Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS). Recommended Perfluorinated Compounds are as follows.

1.4.8.8 Endocrine Disruptor/Pharmaceutical & Personal Care Products Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. The recommended analyte list includes quantification at a minimum of the following:

1.4.8.9 Alkylphenols

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the quality control standards stated in Part 3.

1.4.8.10 Chlorinated PCBs by HRGC/HRMS

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. Generally, methods involve solvent extraction, cleanup and quantitation of each analyte.

An Individual Congener scan shall include quantitation of all of the PCB Congeners. It is understood that some co-elutions may occur. Offeror should specify which congener co-elutions are expected using their method.

1.4.8.11 WHO 12 Chlorinated PCBs by HRGC/HRMS

Offeror will fully describe the methods to be used for analysis and must supply evidence that such methods meet the stated quality control standards. Generally, methods involve solvent extraction , cleanup and quantitation of each analyte.

An Individual Congener scan shall include quantitation of the following twelve PCB Congeners.

1.4.8.12 Other Non-Mandatory Analyses

On occasion the Service has a need for other organic determinations. These have included:

It is not required that an offeror provide these Non-Mandatory Services, but if any offeror desires to do so, they should provide method descriptions and prices. The non-mandatory section is not limited to the listed analytes and procedures. Offerors should include in their proposal any organic analyses they wish to offer the Service

1.4.8.13 Additional Analyses Proposed

Also, offerors may propose additional analytes and/or previously listed analytes at lower detection limits. Any method that is routinely performed at your analytical facility and would be considered an organic analysis can be offered. Methods, prices, detection limits and quality assurance data should be provided for each matrix.

If the analytical lab adds any additional analytical capabilities during the contract period that are deemed beneficial to the Service, the COR should be contacted so updates can be made to the lab’s analyte list. Modifications can be made to the contract based upon the Service’s analytical needs.

1.5 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months and four (4) 12-month Option Years beginning at the date the contract is awarded.

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Assurance/Quality Control

The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control/quality assurance program and provide a written work plan to ensure Services are performed in accordance with the FWS. The Contractor shall implement procedures within the guidelines of the Statement of Work (Part 3) in order to prevent and ensure non-recurrence of defective Services. The Contractor’s quality control/quality assurance is the means by which the analytical lab assures that their work complies with the requirement of this contract. The Contractor’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) shall follow the guidelines included in Part 3 of this statement of work. The QAPP shall be submitted as part of the analytical proposal.

1.6.2 Place of Performance

The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at various facilities across the U.S., in the respective Contractor’s analytical labs performing the analysis, as appropriate.

1.6.3 Special Qualifications

The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all employees possess education and experience required for each labor category needed for this project.

1.6.4 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings

The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor’s performance. At these meetings the CO will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor’s performance and the Contract will apprise the Government of any problems being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.6.5 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The COR will be identified by a separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions:

· Assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract;

· Perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance;

· Maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract;

· Issue written interpretation of technical requirements, and

· Monitor Contractor’s performance and notifies both the CO and Contractor of any deficiencies via:

· A letter of designation issued to the COR,

· A copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitation of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates.

· The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and condition of the resulting order.

1.6.6 Key Personnel

The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Contract Manager/Alternate Contract Manager, QA/QC Officer, Chief Chemist, Sample Prepper and Analyst. The Contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Contract Manager/Alternate Contract Manager. The Contractor will provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the CO and COR. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

1.6.7 Data Rights

The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. The documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor. The Contractor shall request permission to publish or make public any data relating to this contract.

Organic Performance-Based Work Statement

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PART 2

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2.0 DEFINITIONS

2.1 Definitions

As used throughout this SOW the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:

2.1.1 ACF—The Analytical Control Facility (ACF) is a program, under the Branch of Environmental Response and Restoration, Division of Recovery and Restoration. ACF is dedicated to providing high quality environmental chemistry support to the Service and other Department of Interior Bureaus

2.1.2 Analyte—A substance or chemical constituent that is determined in an analytical procedure.

2.1.3 Blank Spike—An analytical control sample consisting of all reagents that are included with a group of samples and has been spiked with a known quantity of the analyte(s) of interest.

2.1.4 Blank Spike Duplicate—A duplicate of an analytical control sample consisting of all reagents that are included with a group of samples and has been spiked with a known quantity of the analytes(s) of interest.

2.1.5 Catalog—A work request to have a number of samples analyzed for environmental contaminants. ECDMS (See 2.7) is used to create a catalog when a submitter needs to have a set of samples analyzed for environmental contaminants. Catalogs contain biological and site-specific information about the requested analysis, cost code information, and special handling or processing that is needed.

2.1.6 CO—Contracting Officer means a DoD official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate procurement contracts and make related determinations and findings.

2.1.7 Contractor—means an entity to which a recipient or subrecipient awards a procurement transaction (also known as a contract).

2.1.8 COR—Contracting Officer Representative Individual who has been designated and authorized in writing by the CO to perform specific or technical or administrative functions on a contract.

2.1.9 ECDMS—A Web based application that is part of the Environmental Conservation On-line System (ECOS) suite of applications used by the Service. ECDMS is used to store biological, geographical, chemical and administrative data from samples collected to assess environmental pollution. This system allows environmental contaminant biologists and other USFWS personnel to both store and retrieve contaminant data on fish and wildlife and their supporting habitats.

2.1.10 ECOS—The Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) is a gateway web site that provides access to data systems in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and other government data sources. This central point of access assists Service personnel in managing data and information, and it provides public access to information from numerous Service databases.

2.1.11 Lab Generated Sample—A sample that is created in the lab that is usually clean of analyte and can be used for a blank, duplicate or spiking.

2.1.12 Matrix/Matrices—The components of the sample other than the analyte. Matrices included in this contract are animal and plant tissue, soil, sediment, and water.

2.1.13 Matrix Duplicate—An intra-laboratory split of the same sample from a group used to document the precision of a method in a given sample matrix.

2.1.14 Matrix Spike—A sample from the analytical group consisting of all reagents included with a group of samples and has been spiked with a known quantity of the analyte(s) of interest.

2.1.15 Percent Moisture—The quantity of water in a mass; expressed in percentage by the weight of water in the mass.

2.1.16 QAPP—Quality Assurance Project Plan (Work Plan which follows guidelines set forth by the Service).

2.1.17 Spiked Duplicate or Matrix Spike Duplicate—Intra-laboratory split samples spiked with identical concentrations of target analytes(s). The spiking occurs prior to sample preparation and analysis. They are used to document the precision and bias of a method in a given sample matrix.

2.1.18 Whole weight—The original mass of sample that was received at the analytical lab before homogenization.

2.2 Acronyms

2.2.1 ℃—degrees Celsius/Centigrade

2.2.2 ℉—degrees Fahrenheit

2.2.3 ACF—Analytical Control Facility

2.2.4 AVS—Acid Volatile Sulfide

2.2.5 CFR—Code of Federal Regulations

2.2.6 CO—Contracting Officer

2.2.7 COR—Contracting Officer Representative

2.2.8 DOI—Department of Interior

2.2.9 ECDMS—Environmental Contaminants Data Management System

2.2.10 ECOS—Environmental Conservation Online System

2.2.11 FAR—Federal Acquisition Regulation

2.2.12 FWS/USFWS—U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)

2.2.13 G/g—Grams

2.2.14 ICP—Inductively Coupled Plasma

2.2.15 Kg/kg—Kilogram

2.2.16 Mg/mg—Milligram

2.2.17 MS—Mass Spectrometry

2.2.18 NIST—National Institute of Standards and Technology

2.2.19 NRC—National Resource Council

2.2.20 PCD—Project Completion Date

2.2.21 PPB—Parts per billion

2.2.22 PPM—Parts per million

2.2.23 QA—Quality Analysis

2.2.24 QC—Quality Control

2.2.25 RCRA—Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

2.2.26 RPD—Relative Percent Difference

2.2.27 SEM—Simultaneously Extracted Metals

2.2.28 SOP—Standard Operating Procedure

2.2.29 SRM—Standard Reference Material

2.2.30 TOC—Total Organic Carbon

PART 3

QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE

3.0 Quality Assurance/Quality Control

3.1.1 Offerors must supply a copy of their QAPP which describes the steps used to assure a valid analysis. The Service may modify Part 3 of the performance-based statement of work if the requirements needed for specific tasks or analytes arise. These modifications will be provided to the Contractor prior to the submission of new analytical work. The operation of the laboratory must be in conformance with applicable portions of the Good Laboratory Practices regulations as stated in 40 CFR Part 160. Specifically:

· SUBPART B Organization & Personnel

· 160.29 a, b, c, d, e

· 160.31 a, b, d, e, f

· 160.33 b, c, e, f

· 160.35 a, b.6

· SUBPART C Facilities

· 160.41

· 160.51

· SUBPART D Equipment

· 160.61

· 160.63 a, b, c

· SUBPART E Testing Facilities Operation

· 160.81 a, (SOPs must exist and deviations must be documented), b.3, b.5, b.10, b.11, c

· 160.83

· SUBPART G Protocol for and Conduct of a Study

· 160.130 e

· SUBPART J Records and Reports

· 160.185 a.6 (see reporting requirements)

3.1.2 Assuring a Valid Sample

The QAPP must address the following topics and meet any minimums listed (for the purposes of this program, all samples are treated as one of four matrices, animal tissue, plant tissue, soil/sediment, or water):

A. Sample validation upon receipt: condition, identification, and integrity.

B. Storage requirements: time and conditions before and after analysis.

C. Maintaining the Chain of Custody of the samples.

D. Actions provided if problems arise in A or B above must be clearly defined in Standard Operating Procedures. Especially if a storage system failure occurs.

3.1.3 Assuring a Valid Measurement Process

A. Only validated methods should be used. Validation includes, at a minimum:

1. Calculation of the Method Detection Limit for each analyte in each matrix.

2. Documentation that minimum acceptable precision has been achieved.

3. Documentation that minimum acceptable accuracy has been achieved.

4. Standard Operating Procedures must be up-to-date and followed.

5. A state of control must be demonstrated through control charts covering both precision and accuracy.

B. Instrument Calibration.

1. Standards must be "in-date" as defined in a Standard Operating Procedures.

2. Standard curves must be run for each analyte where practical. SOP’s will clearly state when quantitation of an analyte is based on the instrumental response of another.

3. Standard curves must be established with at least three points, in addition to zero.

4. Linearity must be established with a regression coefficient of greater than 0.995.

5. Mid-range calibration standards must be analyzed after every tenth sample and the last injection of any run must be a standard.

6. Standard curves must be analyzed at the beginning and end of a run, and at least daily for multi-day runs.

C. Samples must be quantified within the demonstrated linear range for the analytical run.

D. Limit of detection measurements must be made at least annually. This limit is considered the minimum limit of detection. It is recognized that on an infrequent basis, it may be necessary to adjust detection limits upward to account for interferences in the samples or sample sizes. In such cases the lab will consult with the COR.

E. Control charts demonstrating a state of control in both precision and accuracy will be established and maintained for each matrix. These charts may be requested at any time by the COR.

3.1.4 Assuring Precision

Samples will be analyzed in duplicates at a rate of 5%, with at least one duplicate per matrix per analytical run. This requirement is waived when there is insufficient sample to perform a matrix duplicate analysis. During this occurrence the lab is required to include a spiked blank duplicate (spiked duplicate/lab generated duplicate) to assure precision of the data set.

3.1.5 Assuring Accuracy

A. At a rate of 5%, with at least one spike per matrix per analytical run, a field sample will be fortified with a known quantity of analyte and analyzed as part of the run. The spike level should be between 10 and 50 times the limit of detection, or the expected analyte concentration, whichever is higher. If there is insufficient sample to analyze a spike of the submitted samples, the laboratory is required to include a spiked blank/lab generated spike to assure accuracy of the data set.

B. At a rate of 5%, with at least one per analytical run, a procedural blank will be analyzed.

C. At a rate of 5%, with at least one per matrix per analytical run, a Standard Reference Material will be analyzed. Standard Reference Materials provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NRC Certified Reference Materials, and ERA Certified Reference Materials are acceptable. Prior approval of the COR is required for the use of other SRMs for use in this program.

3.1.6 Limits of Detection

For the purposes of this contract, the Limit of Detection is the “Method Limit of Detection” as described by the Environmental Protection Agency in 40 CFR Part 136, Appendix B. In summary, the limit of detection is defined as the Student's t test for 99% confidence times the standard deviation of seven replicate measurements of the same low level sample.

The following is a list of the analytes to be determined under the Organic contract and the minimum acceptable limit of detection in tissues, soils/sediments, and water for that scan. The minimum acceptable limit assumes an adequate weight of sample was submitted for analysis.

Minimum Acceptable Limits of Detection

(ppm—Dry Weight) Soil/Sediment (ppm—Dry Weight) Water (ppm—Wet Weight)

a. As low as possible (to be determined when and if samples are submitted) Offerors should list the Limits of Detection routinely obtained in their laboratory for all elements for which analyses are routinely performed.

3.1.7 Precision and Accuracy Acceptance Criteria

The principal measure of accuracy used to assess the quality of data submitted will be the recovery of spiked analyte. The average recovery of most organochlorine, organophosphate, and carbamate pesticides, PCBs, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons from spiked tissue should be between 70 and 130 percent. The average recovery of Dioxins, Furans and individual PCB congeners from spiked tissues should be between 60 and 110 percent.

Additionally, when charted, the spike recoveries must indicate that the procedure is in a state of control. Approximately 95% of the points should be within 2 standard deviations of the mean. In computing the averages, only valid spikes will be used. In a valid spike, the amount of analyte added is at least as much as was present in the sample originally. It is understood that some of the more volatile analytes, such as HCB or naphthalene, will not meet this criterion. In the proposal, the offeror should list those compounds for which the proposed method will not meet this requirement.

Separate charts are to be maintained for each matrix and for each analyte.

The principal measure of precision will be the average relative percent difference (RPD) between duplicates. It is understood that an acceptable RPD will change depending on the proximity of the analyte concentration to the limit of detection. Data reported under this contract will be evaluated according to the table below based on the average analyte concentration of the duplicate pair.

Duplicate Analyses Acceptance Criteria

Additionally, when charted, the RPD’s must indicate that the procedure is in a state of control. Approximately 95% of the points should be within 2 standard deviations the mean.

Separate charts are to be maintained for each matrix and for each analyte. Separate charts can be maintained for each concentration group or, alternatively, a Range Ratio chart can be maintained.

· Average moisture and lipid RPD’s should be less than 5%

· Average Total Organic Carbon RPD’s should be less than 10%

· Average grain size RPD’s should be less than 20% In computing the Relative Percent difference, if the concentration of analyte is less than the limit of detection, take 50% of the limit of detection for use in the calculation.

In addition to the quality control performed in conjunction with the actual analyses, the Service will on a periodic basis send proficiency check samples to the laboratory. These samples may or may not be labeled as such. The Contractor will be paid for performing these analyses. Any group of samples analyzed by the Contractor is subject to call back to the Service for reanalysis in one of its own laboratories. The Service will, on occasion, request copies of all raw data for the purpose of conducting a data audit. It is a requirement that the Contractor take whatever steps are necessary to correct any deficiencies uncovered.

Contractor shall provide copies of control charts to the COR on request.

Inspections of the facilities or site audits (both announced and unannounced) will be made at the discretion of the Service.

Confirmation of Analyte Identification by Mass Spectrometry It is required that the identity of compounds analyzed by gas chromatography (unless the detection is by mass spectrometry) be analyzed by mass spectrometry or another approved method, for the purpose of confirming analyte identification at a rate such that both of the following are met.

· 10% of the samples in a single submission are analyzed

· One (1) sample per matrix is analyzed If all of the analytes are less than the detection limit for performing the mass spec confirmations, this requirement is waived. The maximum acceptable mass spectrometric limit of detection is ten times the limit stated above for the various analytes.

To report an analyte as "CONFIRMED", the spectrum must contain at least three of the major ions. It is usually best that these be the heavier ions since these are less likely to be subject to interference. For the above ions to be accepted, their mass chromatographic peaks should be at least three times the background noise, they must be coincident with each other and match the retention times of the standard run under the same conditions. The relative abundances of the three selected ions must be within 30% of the expected abundances of these ions as determined from analysis of a standard of the compound run on the same instrument and under the same conditions. The three ions must be either selected from separate and unique isotopic cluster groups or if they are within a cluster group the isotopic peaks should be in the correct proportions and the isotopic ratio tolerance match to the standard should be no greater than 20%.

A concentration estimate should accompany the spectral determination and it should be within an order of magnitude of the concentration reported using gas chromatography.

To report an analyte as "TENTATIVELY CONFIRMED" the spectrum must contain at least two of the more abundant ions. For the above ions to be accepted their mass chromatographic peaks should be coincident with each other and match the retention time of the standard run under the same conditions. One of the two ions must be the highest mass which occurs at greater than 20% of the base peak. The two ions must be selected from separate and unique isotopic cluster groups or, if they are within a cluster group, the isotopic peaks should be in the correct proportions.

A concentration estimate should accompany the spectral determination and it should be within an order of magnitude of the concentration reported.

If an analyte appears to be present at a concentration higher than the limit of detection for mass spectrometry, based on gas chromatography and the identity of that compound cannot be confirmed or tentatively confirmed, the report should be adjusted. The adjustment is for all samples controlled by the mass spectral sample in question. The detection limit is to be redefined.

3.1.8 Corrective Actions

It is required that whenever a quality control sample does not meet the standards listed above, that the procedures be reviewed by the Contractor in an attempt to ascertain the cause of the error. If errors are found, the analyses shall be repeated from the point of the error. If no errors can be found and the quality control failure appears to indicate that most of the scan is questionable, the analyses shall be repeated. If it appears the quality control failure impacted a small number of the analytes within the scan, the Service Quality Assurance Officer shall be contacted for a decision. Any corrective action must be applied to all samples analyzed concurrently with the sample which initiated the action.

It cannot be stated strongly enough that simply flagging quality control errors is NOT a sufficient action.

3.1.9 Access to Methods Used

Much of the data provided under the contract will be submitted as part of a scientific publication and/ or used in litigation. It is required that successful offerors provide the Service with either a literature citation that completely describes the methods used or provides the Service with an electronic copy of the procedures used which will be published by the Service on the World Wide Web.

PART 4

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

4.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

The Government will list items and Services provides by the Government for each task order.

PART 5

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

5.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

5.1. General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities, and Services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under PART 4.

5.2. Hard-copy publications and/or e-files of papers, reports, findings, manuals, proceedings and/or other documents, as appropriate and requested.

PART 6

SPECIFIC TASKS

6.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

6.1 For each individual catalog all samples:

A. Even if shipped in different boxes, arrive at the laboratory intact (not broken) and properly labeled.

B. Shall have the sample identification number as listed in the ECDMS “Working Catalog Report”.

C. Shall match the work described in the delivery order.

D. The lab provides the Service with a lab integrity report indicating when the samples were received, any problems encountered and how they were resolved (for example, broken sample jars, unmatched sample labels, and etc.), and the lab approval date.

6.2 Sample Types

Sample types to be submitted include:

· Animal tissues (e.g., whole bodies or organs, fish, wildlife, blood, serum, invertebrates and eggs)

· Plant tissue (roots, tubers, wet and dry vegetation)

· Sediment/Soil

· Water

· Other matrices will at times be submitted

6.3 Sample Homogenization

The Contractor must be capable of homogenizing samples with the following wet weight ranges:

· Animal or plant matrices—up to 5 kg

· Soil or sediment—up to 5 kg While most samples will weigh from 30 g to 1 Kg, on occasion samples may exceed the ranges listed above. If problems occur in homogenizing such samples, advice is available from the COR. Samples should be homogenized so that replicate analyses meet the criteria listed under Quality Control Section.

PART 7

REPORTS

7.0 Reports

7.1 Lab Integrity Report

For each catalog (set of samples) received, the lab is required to provide the Service with a lab integrity report which is entered into ECDMS consisting of the following:

1. Lab Receipt Date—The date that the samples were received at the lab. This also includes samples received from other labs as aliquots.

2. Any problems encountered with regard to the samples, paperwork, sample integrity, sample labels, missing samples, broken samples, and so forth.

3. How any problems encountered were resolved.

4. Lab Approval Date—The date that all aspects of the catalog and samples are correct, and all problems have been resolved.

5. The initial lab integrity report with the lab receipt date shall be completed within 48 hours of sample receipt.

6. The lab must provide an updated projected completion date (PCD) and justification of lateness using ECDMS when the results are not received based on the computed PCD.

Furthermore, the lab is required to provide the lab integrity report using the Service’s secure Internet application ECDMS.

7.2 Reporting Sample Results

The Service has a secure Internet application (ECDMS) for reporting sample analyses and QA/QC results. All sample results will be reported using ECDMS with the exception of certain non-routine analyses.

A. Results for soil, sediment, and plant tissue are to be reported inclusive of a % moisture and reported in ppm(ug/g) wet and dry.

B. Results for animal tissue are to be reported inclusive of % moistures and % lipids. Analytical findings are to be reported in ppm(ug/g) wet and dry.

C. Results for water samples are to be reported in ppm wet (ug/ml).

Section J details the specifications, the data format, and method of transfer that will be used. The Contractor may be required to modify the report format at no-additional costs, as further development of the system takes place or requirements change. Section J will be provided to all labs once awarded a contract.

7.3 Routine Paper Reports

Paper reports shall be provided to the Service upon request. These reports must include the following:

1. A description of the samples, their condition on receipt, and storage prior to analysis.

2. A brief summary of the analytical procedures.

3. Analytical results, reported as ppm dry weight, or as % in the case of moisture, TOC, or grain size determinations. Water samples are reported on a wet weight basis.

4. Quality Assurance Report including:

a. Results of procedural blank analyses.

b. Results of duplicate analyses, including a computation of the average, and the relative percent difference.

c. Results of spiked sample analyses, including the percent recovery, and the amount in the original sample.

d. Estimate of the limit of detection, on a sample-by-sample basis. (This shall be included in the results section).

e. Discussion of any problems with the analyses.

PART 8

SERVICES SUMMARY

8.0 SERVICES SUMMARY

The Government has the right to inspect all Services required in the contract. The purpose of the Services Summary is to define performance evaluation and payment procedures. The Performance Objective (Column 1) describes what the government will survey.

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