DRAFT_PWS_FOR_SOURCES_SOUGHT_PURPOSES_1.pdf

DRAFT Performance Work Statement for the

Zooplankton Analysis of Water Samples

Table of Contents

1.0 General

2.0 Specific Requirements/Tasks

3.0 Contractor Quality Assurance

4.0 Delivery or Deliverables

5.0 Meetings

6.0 Required Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

7.0 Special Instructions

8.0 Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Information

9.0 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

1.0 General

1.1 Introduction

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources. The mission of the Upper Colorado Basin (UCB) Water Quality Group (WQG) is to monitor reservoir water quality and collect data and samples representing the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water and report conditions to congress. Similarly, the mission of the Lower Colorado Basin (LCB) Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program (CRWQIP) is to perform ongoing monitoring of the river and its tributaries to determine the quality of water and mitigate impacts from invasive species and to reduce their spread to other ecosystems.

This acquisition is to acquire contractor services to perform laboratory analysis of zooplankton in reservoir water quality samples in a unified manner between Upper and Lower Colorado Region teams.

1.2 Objective

Zooplankton are aquatic animals—including cladocerans, copepods, rotifers, and protozoans—that inhabit lakes, ponds, and rivers. Zooplankton feed on algae (e.g., phytoplankton) and bacteria, playing a vital role as secondary producers in the aquatic food web. By consuming algae, zooplankton help regulate algal populations, which can prevent harmful algal blooms. They also serve as an essential food source for fish and other aquatic organisms, supporting the transfer of energy up the food chain. The presence or absence of diverse zooplankton populations can provide important clues about environmental health, water quality, and the balance of an ecosystem in a reservoir. For example, a healthy zooplankton community generally indicates balanced nutrient levels and limited pollution, while their decline may signal ecological stress or the impact of invasive species.

Analyzing zooplankton in water samples is crucial for assessing the overall health and biological productivity of reservoirs. Their abundance, diversity, and composition can reveal changes in water quality, the effectiveness of management strategies, and the potential impacts of environmental stressors. A unified, single-laboratory approach to zooplankton analysis across a river basin is essential for achieving consistent and reliable taxonomic identification, minimizing discrepancies caused by varying laboratory methods or personnel, and enabling accurate interpretation of ecosystem health.

As such, the UCB and LCB are seeking contractor services to perform laboratory analysis of zooplankton in reservoir water quality samples. This includes speciation, 1.3

1.4 enumeration (abundance), and biovolume of zooplankton in samples collected from Reclamation reservoirs. The results from laboratory analyses will be evaluated by Reclamation and used in guiding program decisions and in reports to congress.

Scope of Work

This contract covers the identification and quantification of zooplankton in water samples collected from reservoirs in Reclamations’ UCB and LCB regions. The contractor will provide taxonomic analyses to support ongoing water quality monitoring and assessment efforts. The scope includes processing both newly collected and backlogged samples, with results used to evaluate reservoir health and primary productivity. The work is limited to sample analysis and reporting as specified in the contract. Reclamation will furnish labor for sample collection, sample bottles and preservatives, and will ship samples to the contractor for processing after each sampling period.

Background

Pursuant to Public Laws 84-485 section 15, 87-483 section 15, and 87-590 section 6, as amended, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to continue studies of quality of water of the Colorado River Basin, to appraise its suitability for municipal, domestic, and industrial use and for irrigation in the various areas in the United States in which it is used or proposed to be used, to estimate the effect of additional developments involving its storage and use on the remaining water available for use in the United States, to study all possible means of improving the quality of such water and of alleviating the ill effects of water of poor quality. Further, under the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974, Public Law 93-320, Reclamation is authorized to enhance and protect the quality of water in the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Under these statutory authorities, the UCB and the LCB have collected water quality samples for zooplankton analyses from Reclamation reservoirs with laboratory analyses conducted by contracted services for several decades. The most recent contract issued to the UCB for zooplankton analyses was 140R4020P0079, which expired 09/17/2025.The most recent contract issued to the LCB for zooplankton analyses was 140R3022D0005 and expires 7/26/2027.

Going forward, the UCB and LCB seek to have single-laboratory approach for analyzing zooplankton data across the Colorado River basin to achieve consistent and reliable taxonomic identification.

Water samples for biological analysis of zooplankton shall be collected from Reclamation reservoirs by Reclamation or partnering agency personnel (e.g., U.S.

Geological Survey). Zooplankton samples are collected as discrete samples with a surface Niskin-type water sampler. Water is collected in a 500mL bottle and preserved in the field using 1% Lugol's solution (standard preservation method).

Sample labels on the bottle identify the date, time, location, depth, and sample number. Sample batches will be shipped by Reclamation or a partnering agency to the contractor for zooplankton analyses. Sample batches shall be shipped every three (3) months, or after each sampling trip if 12 or more samples are collected.

1.5 Type of Contract Contemplated

The resultant award will be a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract.

1.6

1.7

1.1.

Period of Performance

The period of performance of this contract consists of a base year and four additional years, with an anticipated start date of July 26, 2027, and continues for 60 months, ending on July 26, 2032.

Place of Performance

Laboratory analyses of zooplankton samples will be performed entirely at the contractor’s facility (off site).

Applicable Documents

Laboratory analyses of zooplankton samples, performed by the contractor, shall be conducted following the methods described in Standard Methods For the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 10200 Plankton (https://doi.org/10.2105/SMWW.2882.207).

2.0 Specific Requirements/Tasks

2.1 Task One: Sample Chain of Custody

The contractor shall provide a chain of custody (COC) form to Reclamation upon award. The COC will accompany samples during shipment to the lab and will serve as documentation of the number and types of samples submitted for analysis. The form will be populated by the government upon collection of samples and shall be completed by the laboratory upon receipt of samples, noting the condition of samples and the date and time received. The completed COC must become part of the complete report of analysis.

2.2 Task Two: Zooplankton Sample Analysis

The contractor shall perform analysis of zooplankton samples to the lowest practical taxon (typically species or genus) and in accordance with the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Analyses shall identify all species by division (i.e.

cyanobacteria). Analyses shall include both cell density (#/L) and biovolume estimates (µm3/L). Samples are to be prepared using standard membrane filtration techniques (APHA Standard Methods 10200) and a minimum of 400 natural units enumerated to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Cell biovolumes should be based on measurements of at least 10 organisms per taxon when possible.

The UCB has a backlog of approximately 100 zooplankton samples. These samples (not to exceed 100) are to be processed in the base year of the contract. The number of samples sent from the UCB to the contractor is not to exceed (NTE) 120 samples annually (NTE 30 samples quarterly). The number of samples sent from the LCB to the contractor is not to exceed 136 samples annually (NTE 34 samples quarterly). Annual or quarterly sample quantities from the UCB or LCB may be zero.

Zooplankton Samples Upper Colorado Region Lower Colorado Region

Base Year Backlog of 0 – 100 samples

0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 120 samples annually

0 – 34 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 136 annually

Year 2 0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 120 samples annually

0 – 34 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 136 annually

Year 3 0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 120 samples annually

0 – 34 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 136 annually

Year 4 0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 120 samples annually

0 – 34 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 136 annually

Year 5 0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 120 samples annually

0 – 34 samples collected quarterly; 0 - 136 annually

3.0 Contractor Quality Assurance.

3.1 Performance Standards

The contractor shall maintain a quality assurance system capable of ensuring all zooplankton analyses meet the performance standards and accuracy expectations specified in this Performance Work Statement. Contractor performance will be evaluated against measurable criteria including:

Timeliness:

• Completion of all sample analyses and data deliveries within the required timeframes.

• Backlogged sample analyses completed within one (1) year of contract award.

Quality of Analyses:

• Compliance with accepted taxonomic standards, including identification to the lowest practical taxon and adherence to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System.

• Enumeration and biovolume estimation performed using recognized methods (APHA Standard Methods 10200).

• Results must achieve accuracy within 90% confidence limits, as verified through independent comparison.

• Quality assurance/quality control (QAQC) data for each analyte must accompany each report of analysis.

3.2 Government Surveillance and Verification

The government will evaluate contractor performance using surveillance methods appropriate to the type and complexity of the work, including:

Random Sampling Inspection:

• The government may select up to 5% of samples for verification through an independent laboratory. Results will be compared at the genus level. Any significant discrepancies will constitute non‑compliance with the performance standards.

Right to Use Additional Surveillance Methods:

• The government reserves the right to apply any additional inspection or monitoring procedures deemed necessary to ensure compliance with contractual requirements. Surveillance methods may be altered at any time at the government’s discretion.

3.3 Corrective Actions

If surveillance identifies deficiencies or results outside acceptable quality limits:

• The contractor shall re‑perform affected analyses within 24 hours of receiving notice from the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

• Re‑performed work will be completed at no additional cost to the government.

3.4 Contractor Responsibility

Consistent with the template’s guidance on quality assurance, the contractor is responsible for:

• Implementing internal quality controls sufficient to meet all performance requirements without government direction.

• Ensuring personnel, methods, equipment, and data handling practices support consistent, defensible zooplankton analyses.

• Maintaining a quality system capable of supporting government inspection and verification activities.

4.0 Delivery or Deliverables

4.1 Overview of Deliverables

The contractor is responsible for delivering all analytical results and reports associated with zooplankton sample processing in accordance with the timelines, formats, and standards identified in this Performance Work Statement. All deliverables must be submitted electronically in the specified formats and organized by reservoir.

4.2 Deliverables for Zooplankton Samples

For zooplankton samples collected and shipped by Reclamation throughout the year:

• The contractor shall complete the identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of each sample batch within 60 days of receiving the samples.

• The contractor shall complete the identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of backlogged samples within one (1) year of receiving the samples.

• Results must be delivered electronically to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in electronic spreadsheet format.

• Results must be separated and summarized by reservoir.

• The completed COC must become part of the complete report of analysis.

4.3 Government Review

The government will review all deliverables upon receipt. Any deficiencies identified must be corrected promptly by the contractor as part of the required performance standards.

5.0 Meetings

Routine, recurring meetings are not anticipated under this contract. However, the government may request one‑off, ad‑hoc meetings as needed to discuss contract performance, clarify technical issues, or resolve concerns related to sample processing or data deliverables.

All meetings will be conducted via teleconference or other remote communication methods approved by the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall ensure staff availability to participate in these discussions when reasonably requested.

Ad‑hoc meetings will be scheduled at the request of the government with reasonable advance notice. Specific dates and times will be mutually agreed upon by the contractor and the government.

For each meeting, the contractor shall provide any analytical summaries, data clarifications, or supporting materials requested by the government to facilitate discussion. Materials may be delivered electronically before or during the teleconference.

6.0 Required Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

No travel is required or anticipated under this contract. All contractor activities associated with the identification and analysis of zooplankton samples will be performed at the contractor’s facility, and no on-site presence at government locations is needed to fulfill contract requirements.

7.0 Special Instructions

Zooplankton analyses performed under this contract are part of an ongoing, long‑term water quality monitoring program. The government anticipates that zooplankton analytical services will continue beyond the five‑year period of performance, and a follow‑on contract will be pursued at that time.

Maintaining consistent laboratory methods and taxonomic practices is critical for interpreting temporal trends in zooplankton communities. For this reason, it is in the government’s best interest to avoid changes in laboratories performing these analyses whenever possible.

If, at any point, analytical services transition to a new laboratory through a follow‑on contract, the incumbent contractor shall:

• Cooperate fully with the successor contractor, as needed, to ensure continuity of data quality and analytical comparability.

• Provide methodological clarifications, historical context, calibration information, or any other technical support required to allow the successor to align methods appropriately.

• Participate in teleconference discussions if requested by the Contracting Officer to support a smooth transition.

8.0 Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Information

No Government‑Furnished Property, Equipment, or Information will be provided under this contract. The contractor shall furnish all facilities, equipment, materials, and resources necessary to perform zooplankton analyses as specified in this Performance Work Statement.

9.0 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Acronym/Abbreviation Definition APHA American Public Health Association COC Chain of Custody COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CRWQIP Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program FP Fixed Price HABs Harmful Algal Blooms IDIQ Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity LCB Lower Colorado Basin NTE Not To Exceed ODCs Other Direct Costs QAQC Quality Assurance/Quality Control PSC Product or Service Code PWS Performance Work Statement Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation UCB Upper Colorado Basin USGS U.S. Geological Survey µm³/L Cubic micrometers per liter (unit for biovolume)

Table 1: Model for List of Deliverables

For fixed-price line items:

Line Item

Description Product or Service Code

(PSC)

Accounting classification

Unit of measure

Quantity Unit price

(FP)

Total price

Delivery schedule

Destination

SOW

reference*

001 UCB backlogged sample analysis (one-time processing of ~100 samples)

TBD Cost Center:

RR040U2200

Functional Area:

R13510000.000000 Fund: XXXR4081G1

Per sample ~0 – 100 TBD TBD Due within 1 year of contract award

Electronic delivery to

COR

Section 4.2

002 UCB zooplankton sample analyses

TBD Cost Center:

RR040U2200

Functional Area:

R13510000.000000 Fund: XXXR4081G1

Per sample 0 – 120 / year

TBD TBD Due within 60 days of receipt of each batch

Electronic delivery to

COR

Section 4.2

003 LCB zooplankton sample analyses

TBD Cost Center:

RR03026000

Functional Area:

R31430000.000000 Fund: 26XR0680A3

Per sample 0 – 136 / year

TBD TBD Due within 60 days of receipt of each batch

Electronic delivery to

COR

Section 4.2

004 Ad-hoc data clarification support (teleconference meeting materials if needed; no routine meetings)

TBD TBD Per occurrence

As needed

TBD TBD Upon government request with reasonable notice

Teleconference Section 5.0