A02 PWS FINAL v2 COR.docx

Department of Defense Defense Health Agency Performance Work Statement

Trace Metals Sample Analysis

Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A)

Lab Sciences Directorate (LS)

PART 1

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 This is a non-personal services contract to perform low-concentration analysis of non-potable waters (including high salinity waters), soil/sediment samples, and biological tissue samples for the trace metals and other parameters.

1.2 Description of services/introduction: The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Trace Metals Sample Analysis as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) except for those items specified as Government furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards in this PWS.

1.3 Background: The mission of the Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A) is to “Enhance Military readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats; developing and communicating public health solutions; and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Public Health Enterprise.” As part of the DCPH-A mission, the Lab Sciences (LS) Directorate requires the analysis of Trace Metals samples in support of the operating environments and military bases to ensure the safety and security of all who work there. The LS does not currently have the analytical capability to perform trace metals analyses including analyses from various worldwide locations and from natural or man-made disaster locations.

1.4 Objectives:

· The Contractor shall perform analysis on Trace Metals samples provided by the Government. Section 1.2

· The Contractor shall follow Chain of Custody (CoC) procedures as defined in the Contractor’s CoC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Section 5.2.1.3

· The Contractor shall perform the sample analysis and media preparation within the stated turnaround time (TAT). Section 5.2.2

· The Contractor shall provide Quality Trace Metals samples analysis for various parameters as identified in this PWS in accordance with the documented methodology. Attachment 4

· The Contractor shall dispose of unused sample volumes and return Government shipping containers. Section 5.2.5

· The Contractor shall supply specialty sampling media. Section 5.2.6

· The Contractor shall pay liquidated damages for late or technically unacceptable data packages. Sections 1.10.3, 2.1.12, 5.2.4.5, and 5.2.7

· The Contractor shall store and handle the samples in accordance with (IAW) the analytical method specifications for each analysis in this PWS in Attachments 3 and 4.

1.5 Scope: The DCPH-A is requesting a Contractor that shall perform low-concentration analysis of non-potable waters (including high salinity waters), soil/sediment samples, and biological tissue samples for the trace metals and other parameters listed in this PWS. If the referenced standard procedures have been modified in any way (sample preparation, analysis, types and number of quality control (QC) samples employed, QC acceptance criteria, etc.), these modifications must be clearly explained in the laboratory SOPs and provided to DCPH-A prior to contract award for approval. Contractors shall employ safe handling techniques and quality assurance/quality control protocol as described in this PWS "General Quality Control Requirements". In addition, strict adherence to chain-of-custody and quality control procedures is required at all times.

1.6 Period of Performance (PoP): 26 September 2026 - 25 September 2031

1.7 Administrative specifications

1.7.1 Place of performance: The work shall be performed at the Contractor’s or sub-contractor’s laboratory facility.

1.7.2 Recognized Federal holidays: Holidays are considered calendar days for the Contractor

Independence Day

1.7.3 Hours of operation: The Contractor is responsible for conducting business Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

1.7.4 Emergency Services. On occasion, services may be required to support an activation or exercise of contingency plans outside the normal duty hours.

1.8 Contractor travel: N/A

1.9 Other Direct Costs (ODC): N/A

1.10 Quality

1.10.1 Quality Control (QC): The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective QC program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure nonrecurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s QC program is the means by which the work complies with stated requirements. The Contractor shall provide a draft Quality Control Plan (QCP) no later than 30 days after contract award. The Contractor shall prepare and adhere to a QCP describing how the Contractor intends to manage the contract to achieve the established standards set forth in the Performance Standards Summary Matrix and the Contractor’s QCP. At a minimum, the QCP must include a self-inspection plan, an internal staffing plan, and an outline of the procedures that the Contractor will use to maintain quality, timeliness, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. After acceptance of the Quality Control Plan (QCP) the Contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s (CO) acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

1.10.2 Quality assurance (QA): The Government will evaluate the Contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), Attachment 5. This plan provides a systematic method for the Government to evaluate performance and to ensure that the Contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.10.3 Corrective Action Report (CAR), Deliverable 8: Any data package determined to be technically unacceptable by the Government, shall require the Contractor to submit a Corrective Action Report (CAR) within thirty (30) calendar days of notification. The CAR shall include (at a minimum)

(c) Corrective Actions taken.

Failure to provide a CAR, an adequate CAR, or to correct deficiencies, may result in rejection of the data package and/or liquidated damages.

1.11 Contractor personnel

1.12 Key personnel (Contractor): The Contractor shall provide a Program Manager (PM) 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. The PM or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The PM or alternate shall be available Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons. Qualifications for all key personnel are listed below:

1.12.1 Quality Manager (QM):

a) Experience: The individual who functions as the QM (or however named) of the laboratory shall have the education, training, and experience, or combination thereof, to enable that individual to identify the occurrence of departures from the implemented quality management system and to initiate actions to prevent or minimize such departures. The QM shall be knowledgeable of the quality management system and the technical and management system procedures used.

b) The QM must be an employee of the laboratory.

c) Regulations outlining requirements: ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

1.12.1 Program Manager (PM):

a) Experience: PM must have appropriate education, training, and experience, or combination thereof for the measurement technologies used by the laboratory, to:

1. be able to understand and communicate the analysis to the Government, and

2. enable that individual to communicate the occurrence of departures from the implemented quality management system or test procedures.

b) PM must be an employee of the laboratory.

c) PM must be proactive and able to meet short suspense dates and stringent QA/QC requirements.

1.13 RESERVED

1.14 RESERVED

1.14.2 Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): All Contractor personnel who will obtain access to proprietary, classified, or confidential information or any information release of which is protected or governed by law or regulation associated with DHA acquisitions shall be required to complete and sign a DHA Contractor NDA (DHA Form 49) prior to beginning work on the subject contract. The Contractor shall execute an NDA on behalf of the company and shall ensure that all staff assigned to, including all subcontractors and consultants, or other personnel performing on contract/Task order execute an NDA protecting the procurement sensitive information of the Government and the proprietary information of other Contractors. The NDA shall be executed not later than first day of employment and to be renewed upon exercising a contract option period. Assignment of staff who has not executed this statement or failure to adhere to this statement shall constitute default on the part of the Contractor. The Contractor shall maintain originally signed NDAs of individual employees and provide copy to the COR.

1.14.3 Government’s Contracting Officer Representative (COR): 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 interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notifies both the CO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of Government furnished property; and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations 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 conditions of the resulting contract.

1.14.4 Post award conference/periodic progress meetings: The Contractor shall attend post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.5. The CO, 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 appraise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will appraise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall provide weekly status reports after receipt of all samples until the final Analytical report and EDD has been issued to the Government. This report shall be emailed to the COR mailbox at dha.apg.Pub-Health-A.mbx.lab-cor@health.mil on Friday of each week that DCPH-A samples are in-house. The report shall contain the folder number, Outsource Sample Shipment (pick up order) number, project name, status of the project (e.g. received, in prep, in analysis, in reporting, etc.) and whether it is expected to be reported on time. If it is not expected on time, the report should provide the expected completion date.

1.14.5 Kick-Off Meeting: The Contractor shall participate in a kick-off meeting with the Government via phone or in-person within five (5) business days of contract award to ensure efficient project initiation and a thorough understanding of the contract requirements. (Deliverable 7)

1.15 Contractor Identification

1.15.1 Contractor personnel performing services in a contractor capacity in a government facility are required to possess and wear an identification badge that displays his or her name and the name of their company. All Contractor personnel shall identify themselves as Contractor support personnel in all forms of communication with all entities with whom DHA/Deputy Assistant Director for Acquisition (DAD-A)/Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) has business dealings. The Contractor shall: Answer all telephone calls and have a personalized voice message with an introductory statement that includes the fact that the person is Contractor support personnel. Ensure all those with whom the person interacts in any face-to-face dealings while supporting the DAD-A understand that the person is Contractor support personnel. Include a title block in all emails that states the fact that the person is Contractor support personnel. Ensure all those with whom the person interacts in any face-to-face dealings while supporting DHA/DAD-A/HCA understand that the person is Contractor support personnel.

1.15.2 Contractor personnel will be required to attend meetings or otherwise communicate with Government and/or other contract representatives to meet the requirements of this order. Contractor personnel shall make their Contractor status known during introductions.

1.15.3 Contractor personnel, while performing in a contractor capacity, are prohibited from using their retired or reserve component military rank or title in any written or verbal communications associated with the contracts in which they provide services.

1.16 RESERVED

1.17 RESERVED

PART 2

2.0 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 Definitions: Although not inclusive of every term used within this PWS, the following provides a list of definitions used throughout this PWS and commonly used in the acquisition field.

2.1.1 Category D: Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunications Services (called D-Services)

2.1.2 Category R: Support (Professional/Administrative/Management) Services (called R-Services)

2.1.3 Contracting Officer (CO): A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

2.1.4 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): An individual, including a contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR), designated and authorized in writing by the CO to perform specific technical or administrative functions. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.5 Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the Government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.6 Day: A calendar day, unless otherwise specified

2.1.7 Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.8 Nonpersonal services contract: A contract under which the personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees.

2.1.9 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance. The Government may either prepare the QASP or require the offerors to submit a proposed quality assurance surveillance plan for the Government’s consideration in development of the Government’s plan.

2.1.10 Quality Control: All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.11 Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime Contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.12 Technically Unacceptable: Data that cannot confidently be defended as valid, traceable, or compliant with contract requirements (which can include QC failure affecting results, missing critical data, chromatograms, method compliance, or data integrity concerns). The Government reserves the right to determine data usability. Data packages deemed technically unacceptable shall be rejected and are not eligible for payment (may be subject to liquidated damages) until all deficiencies are corrected and accepted by the Government.

2.2 Acronyms: Although not inclusive of every term used within this PWS, or that may be included in an acquisition, the following provides a list of acronyms commonly used in the acquisition field.

2.3 Applicable Publications (Current Editions)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Methods

Required Laboratory Certifications. The Contractor is required to have the following Certifications:

International Organization for Standardization and the Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation (ISO/IEC) 17025: 2017 General requirements for the competence of testing calibration laboratories. The Contractor must also have documentation that they have been assessed against and have demonstrated compliance to the 2016 TNI Environmental Testing Laboratory Standard.

PART 3

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

Not Applicable

PART 4

4.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1 Services: The Contractor:

☐ Will NOT provide Contractor Furnished Services in support of this contract/task order. As a result, this paragraph is Not Applicable.

☒ WILL provide Contractor Furnished Services required in support of this contract/task orders. These Services are described below:

Sample Analysis – Analysis using approved methods (i.e. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Attachment 3; meeting detection limits (Attachment 4) and reporting requirements.

Quality Control – Calibration and Calibration Verification (CCV), Method blanks, matrix spikes, matrix spike duplicates, Control charts and Corrective Action reports, Data qualification if QC criteria are not met.

Data Deliverables – Complete analytical data packages (Level IV), case narratives, QC summaries, chain of custody (CoC), raw data, Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD).

Personnel and Supervision – Qualified Analysts and Lab personnel, Quality Assurance representative, Laboratory management, internal QC review completed prior to data package submission.

Equipment and Materials – Analytical Lab Instruments, Maintenance and Calibration of Analytical Lab Instruments, reagents and standards, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Project Management and Administrative Support – Scheduling and Sampling logins, Data reporting within established turnaround times (TATs), communication with the COR or Government representative and correction action report documentation.

4.2 General: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work listed under Section 5 of this PWS.

4.3 Secret Facility Clearance: RESERVED

4.4 Materials: RESERVED

4.5 Equipment: The Contractor shall furnish Analytical Lab Instruments, Maintenance and Calibration of Analytical Lab Instruments, reagents and standards, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

4.6 Facilities: The Contractor shall have the following minimum Laboratory Facilities Minimum 5,000 square feet.

PART 5

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 Basic Services: This is a non-personal services contract to perform low-concentration analysis of non-potable waters (including high salinity waters), soil/sediment samples, and biological tissue samples for the trace metals and other parameters.

5.2 Tasks: Tasks consist of the following:

5.2.1 Receipt and Storage of Samples Prior to Analysis. The Government will provide samples for analysis to the Contractor facility. Each container contains specific parameters for which the sample must be analyzed. The Contractor is responsible for storing and handling the samples in accordance with any applicable analytical method specifications.

Samples will be provided to the Contractor either through a Contractor-provided courier, shipment from DCPH-A, or shipment directly from the field. All shipping costs are paid by the Government outside of this contract award.

5.2.1.1 Sample Pickup Protocol from the DCPH-A lab. If applicable, the Contractor's courier shall be responsible for pickup (from DCPH-A), packaging and delivery of samples. Samples shall be picked up by the Contractor's courier within 24 hours of notification by the DCPH-A COR or a designated representative. The courier is responsible for packaging and transporting the samples under conditions dictated in the applicable methodology. At the time of sample pickup by the Contractor, the samples and required tests will be identified by the DCPH-A COR on a Government provided Outsource Document. This document shall be signed and dated by the DCPH-A COR or designee to document the date and time of sample transfer to the contract lab. The Contractor courier shall date and sign the Outsource Document to conclude the transfer of possession of the sample(s). A Contractor Representative/Project Manager shall document the transfer of possession from the courier to the contract lab facility including sample receipt temperature. The Contractor shall immediately report in writing to the COR all samples lost or broken in transit.

5.2.1.2 Sample Shipment Protocol from the DCPH-A lab. DCPH-A shall pay the shipping costs, for transportation of the samples to the Contractor's facility. The Contractor and DCPH-A shall store and/or ship samples in accordance with the preservation guidelines as noted in the applicable analytical method until samples are analyzed, and thereafter until results are approved by the COR. The Contractor shall immediately report all samples lost or broken in shipment, with as much detail as possible (to include but not limited to photographs, etcetera), to the COR within 4 hours of identification of the breakage. In addition, the sample receipt temperature must be reported to the COR, as applicable, within 24 hours of sample receipt.

5.2.1.3 Direct shipment of samples from the field to the Contractor. If holding times are of concern, there may be a necessity to ship the samples to the contract lab directly from the field following collection. The DCPH-A sample submitter will ship the samples and a corresponding field CoC document to the contract lab.

When the contract lab receives the samples and corresponding field CoC forms, the Contractor's PM shall sign the CoC forms documenting receipt of samples and immediately (within the same business day of receipt) forward the field CoC to the COR for review, accountability and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) login at DCPH-A Lab. The Contractor's PM shall also report to the COR the condition of the samples upon receipt (to include receipt temperature) in the Contractor lab. The DCPH-A COR shall use project planning information and the information on the CoC form to generate an Outsource Sample Shipment Document containing all applicable information (i.e., DCPH-A lab ID, DCPH-A field ID, analyses requested, matrix, points-of-contact, etc.). The generated Outsource Document will be forwarded electronically to the contract laboratory. The Contractor shall then begin sample analysis. The contract laboratory PM shall assure that the contract laboratory analyzes the sample within holding times specified in applicable methodology. If paperwork from the COR is pending, the contract lab should obtain guidance from the COR to proceed with analysis to meet holding times.

5.2.2 Perform Sample Analysis within the stated Turnaround Time (TAT). The Government will designate samples as either "STANDARD" or "HIGH PRIORITY". TATs are calculated from the date of Contractor receipt of samples to the date of receipt of technically acceptable analysis results acceptance by the Government.

For each sample designation, the Contractor shall provide on-time, technically acceptable final analytical reporting and Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) (Deliverable 5, Attachment 1) transmission within the following TAT frames:

STANDARD: 25 days from date of Contractor sample receipt.

HIGH PRIORITY: 10 days from the date of Contractor sample receipt.

TAT is defined as the intervening time between the date of sample receipt in the Contractor's laboratory (or Outsource Document for Direct Shipped Samples) to the date of receipt of a complete and technically acceptable data package (Final PDF copy + EDD) by the DCPH-A laboratory. Technical acceptability will be determined by a thorough review by qualified DCPH-A technical Subject Matter Experts and communicated to the COR for any required actions with the Contractor. Holidays and weekends are considered 'calendar' days. DCPH-A may consider a Turnaround time (TAT) extension, on a case by case basis when the contractor TAT due date falls on a Holiday or weekend. Business days are for administrative responses (email correspondence for example revision requests and other administrative activities) that normally occur during business day (workweek) unless DCPH-A mission requirements dictate otherwise.

Approximately 10% of the total samples forwarded to the Contractor, per year, shall be designated high priority.

5.2.3 Provide final analytical report/ results (The complete data package) to the COR.

5.2.3.1 The Contractor shall submit technically acceptable results of all analyses within the TAT timelines as defined within this PWS (Deliverable 4) and on the Outsource Sample Shipment Document for each set of samples. The results shall be submitted electronically to the COR and include the information requested in the format outlined in the Final Reporting Requirements (Attachment 1).

Extensions for matrix issues and sample analysis anomalies may be negotiated with the COR on a case-by-case basis. However, these issues must be communicated to the COR when they occur, prior to the Contractor due date and when the lab believes a delay is possible, not after the data package is past due.

5.2.4 Provide Quality Trace Metals samples analysis for various parameter, as identified in this PWS, In Accordance With the documented methodology.

5.2.4.1 Use industry standard state-of-the-art instrumentation, technologies, and methodologies to analyze samples for any of the parameters listed.

5.2.4.2 Follow strict QA/QC protocol per applicable analytical methods. All method-specific QA/QC requirements (laboratory blanks, laboratory control samples, laboratory/method dups, and method-required matrix spikes) must be included in the Contractor, per field sample bid price (no additional charges for laboratory/method-required QA/QC). It is understood field QC samples (field blanks, rinse blanks, matrix spike requirements above method requirements) will be charged the field sample rate.

5.2.4.3 Provide the required analytical expertise and instrumentation to achieve required detection and quantitation (reporting) limits (Attachment 4). Any limits specified and analytical methods for a particular matrix must be achievable. In addition, Target Hazard Quotant (THQ)=0.1screening levels in the current EPA Regional Screening Levels (RSL) publication (tapwater criteria and Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - https://www.epa.gov/risk/regional-screening-levels-rsls-generic-tables - must be achievable (as laboratory quantitation limits). Further, any applicable EPA criteria approved during the life of this contract must also be implemented/achievable. Other project specific reporting requirements may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

5.2.4.4 Quality Control Data shall be analyzed and, where they are found to be outside pre-defined criteria, planned actions shall be taken to correct the problem and to prevent incorrect results from being reported. If additional quality assurance/quality control protocol is designated in the methodologies, these guidelines shall also be strictly followed.

5.2.4.5 Holding times: Analyze samples within the maximum holding times specified in the method, even if these times are less than the 25 day for Standard, 10 day for High Priority report delivery TATs required in this contract.

If a sample is not processed within the specified holding time per method, the sample will be considered "lost", unable to analyze and require recollection by the DCPH-A client/Project Officer. When this occurs, the Contractor shall not bill the Government for tests performed on samples beyond their holding times and be assessed liquidated damages (e.g. late penalties) in accordance with the "Liquidated Damages" clause incorporated into this contract. The Contractor shall not be liable if time remaining on the holding times, upon receipt of samples at Contractor, is less than 48 hours. Extenuating circumstances can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the COR. (Examples may include – Weekends /Holidays, late arrivals, unannounced arrivals.)

5.2.4.6 Acid preservation shall be performed upon receipt at the lab whenever possible (e.g., if hold times can be met). Otherwise, field preservation will be performed.

5.2.4.7 If there is specific QA/QC protocol designated in the methodologies, these requirements shall also be strictly followed.

5.2.4.8 The final analytical results reported under this contract must include results that have NOT been method blank-subtracted/corrected. The “non-method blank corrected” result must appear on the (pdf) analytical report form for that sample. In addition, the result of the associated method blank (or mean blank) must be reported on a sample analysis report form with the associated sample results, or on a separate blank summary report form that is part of the summary report. The method blank-subtracted sample result can be included/reported on the analysis report form in addition to the non-method blank corrected result if the vendor chooses to report all of this information. This is preferable, but not required. It is understood that some of the methods under this contract require, suggest, etc. certain blank correction procedures during calibration or other procedures. The contract requirement in this paragraph applies only to requiring that field sample results not be method blank-subtracted, and does not apply to other method requirements for subtracting other types of blanks for other method calculations and procedures. It is also understood that blanks may be subtracted from raw quality control sample results as per the reference methods. A standard comment must be placed in the report narrative for reports submitted under this contract that states that method blank subtraction was not performed for sample results (or that it was performed, but both the method blank-corrected and non-method blank corrected results appear on the analysis report forms). The results submitted with the Electronic Data Deliverable (EDD) (Deliverable 5) will be the non-method blank corrected results.

5.2.5 Disposal of unused sample volumes and return of Government shipping containers.

5.2.5.1 Unless otherwise instructed by the COR, the Contractor shall be required to dispose of unused sample volume and used sample bottles/containers no earlier than 60 calendar days following submission of analytical data to the COR. Sample disposal and disposal of unused sample bottles/containers is the responsibility of the Contractor and should be done in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations governing disposal of such materials.

The Contractor shall return all Government shipping containers (Deliverable 6), unless otherwise specified, to the COR within three (3) calendar days of receipt at the cost of the Government who will provide applicable shipping labels for return container shipments.

5.2.6 Sampling Media Request for Support.

5.2.6.1 Provide method specific sample containers to DCPH-A upon request prior to collection of samples. In addition, the Contractor will provide preservatives as appropriate (likely in pre-preserved sample containers).

5.2.6.2 For analyses/methods that require especially cleaned/acid washed containers for collection, the contract lab shall be required to supply these specially cleaned containers upon request from the DCPH-A. These containers must be supplied to the DCPH-A within fifteen (15) Business days of request from the DCPH-A. The laboratory shall provide specially cleaned media and sample collection supplies upon request by the DCPH-A. The prices of the sample containers shall be included in the bid price for the analysis. The prices for cleaning the other various equipment and supplies may be billed separately as identified on the Schedule of Services.

5.2.7 Liquidated damages assessment for late or deficient reporting.

5.2.7.1 Submit Final and Preliminary reports as well as electronic data as discussed in this PWS. If the Contractor does not submit data packages on time and/or submits incomplete/technically deficient data packages, the Contractor may be required to pay liquidated damages to the Government as follows:

5 days after reporting due date on the 6th day, the Government will initiate 5% per day late to a maximum of 50%

A Preliminary report (before a final validated data package is available) may be required only when the Government has a need for rapid, actionable results (for example a High Priority TAT requires a preliminary report one (1) day prior to the contractor High Priority TAT due date)

5.2.7.2 Extensions for matrix issues and sample analysis anomalies may be negotiated with the COR on a case-by-case basis. However, these issues must be communicated to the COR when they occur, prior to the Contractor due date and when the lab believes a delay is possible, not after the data package is past due.

5.3 Laboratory Qualifications and Capabilities:

5.3.1 Laboratory Instrumentation/Technology Requirements. The Contractor must have the following instrumentation/technologies to ensure the Contractors ability to process sample analyses within a timely manner based on the anticipated volume:

5.3.1.1 Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP).

5.3.1.2 Mercury Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence (CVAF) System.

5.3.1.3 Equipment/method to remove interferences from high salinity waters to achieve the quantitation limits (Attachments 3 & 4).

5.3.2 Laboratory Facilities (minimum requirements)

5.3.2.1 Minimum 5,000 square feet of laboratory space (for and efficient laboratory operations equipment, compliance requirements, and workflow separation (e.g. prevent contamination, data integrity and CoC)

5.3.2.2 Adequate electrical service.

5.3.2.3 Reagent Water to meet ASTM Type I/II classification.

5.3.2.4 Class A volumetric glassware for all analyses.

5.3.2.5 Adequate fume hood system to provide safe storage of hazardous materials.

5.3.3 Laboratory Certifications and Qualifications for Trace Metals Sample Analyses

All methods (Attachment 3) covered under this contract must be on the laboratory’s scope of accreditation, and/or other (ISO 17025) scope of accreditation granted by another accrediting body. The accreditation certifications and qualifications of the Contractor will be reviewed to determine acceptance prior to contract award. If accreditation certifications and/or qualifications are changed after contract bid is placed and prior to contract award, the CO must be notified within 48 hours. Loss and/or changes in the laboratory’s accreditation(s) may result in a technically unacceptable evaluation of a potential contract laboratory

5.3.4 Accreditations during Contract Performance

The Contractor is required to notify the COR, in writing, within 48 hours of changes that result in the loss of any of the required laboratory certifications (to include loss of accreditation in individual methods or analytes). The Contractor shall cease performance of any sample analysis impacted until accreditation is restored and evidence of such is provided to the COR. If accreditation is not restored within 30 calendar days from notification, the contract may be terminated for default. The Contractor shall provide the COR with the most current accreditation certificates that relate to this contract within five (5) business days of receipt of the updates accreditation certificates.

5.3.5 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): At a minimum, the Contractor shall have, in writing, documented procedures e.g. SOPs for the following:

5.3.5.1 Sample receipt, handling, storage and control.

5.3.5.2 Security, chain of custody and document control.

5.3.5.5 Calibration of standards, traceability (show traceability of standards to National Measurement Systems (for example National Institute of Standards and Technology)).

5.3.5.6 Ongoing or routine laboratory operations (including maintenance of instrumentation, procurement of supplies, scheduling of calibration for balances, thermometers, etcetera).

5.3.5.7 Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene (should address wearing of coats, gloves, goggles, handling of hazardous materials, eye lavaging, storage of hazardous materials, safety showers, fire safety, etcetera).

5.3.5.8 Lab QA/QC (to include procedures for conducting in house audits; procedures for allowing technicians and chemists to have an independent means of checking the quality of their results; procedures for the development and implementation of contingency plans; and procedures for the initiation of corrective action).

5.3.5.9 Data production, reduction, transcription, verification, review, distribution and in house storage.

5.3.5.10 Determination of Reporting Limits. (Contractor must document the criteria under which the reporting limits are established/re-established for each analytical process. Must also include acceptance criteria for such reporting limit evaluation) Attachment 4

5.3.6 Analytical Training Records

All Contractor personnel performing sample handling/processing/analysis in support of this Government contract shall have records demonstrating proficiency in performing methodologies.

5.4 On-site Laboratory Inspections. The Government reserves the right to conduct on-site inspections of the Contractor’s and subcontractor’s laboratories to ensure that appropriate processes and quality assurance procedures are being followed in order to ensure that samples are being analyzed in accordance with the standards listed in PWS section 3.0, the requirements found in the published method, as well as the requirements in the applicable TNI Modules and corresponding checklist(s).

5.5 Subcontracting. There is no subcontracting of joint ventures permitted for this contract work as identified in the PWS. Sending samples to any location for analysis other than the physical location that is placing the bid is considered sub-contracting even if it is within the same corporation.

Sending samples to any location for analysis other than the physical location that is placing the bid is considered sub-contracting even if it is within the same corporation.

5.6 Management Reports and Plans

5.6.1 Quality Control Plan (Deliverable 1). The Contractor shall provide a draft Quality Control Plan (QCP) no later than 30 days after contract award. The Contractor shall prepare and adhere to a QCP describing how the Contractor intends to manage the contract to achieve the established standards set forth in the Performance Standards Summary Matrix and the Contractor’s QCP. At a minimum, the QCP must include a self-inspection plan, an internal staffing plan, and an outline of the procedures that the Contractor will use to maintain quality, timeliness, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.

5.6.3 Weekly Status Update. The Contractor shall provide weekly status reports (Deliverable 2) after receipt of all samples until the final Analytical report and EDD (Attachment 1) has been issued to the Government. This report shall be emailed to the COR mailbox at dha.apg.Pub-Health-A.mbx.lab-cor@health.mil on Friday of each week that DCPH-A samples are in-house. The report shall contain the folder number, Outsource Sample Shipment (pick up order) number, project name, status of the project (for example received, in prep, in analysis, in reporting, etc) and whether it is expected to be reported on time. If it is not expected on time, the report should provide the expected completion date.

6. Deliverables

The Contractor shall complete and submit deliverables in accordance with the “Deliverables Table” below. Unless specified in the PWS within the description of the deliverable, all deliverables will be made to the COR electronically.

DELIVERABLES TABLE

E: Electronic D: Deliverable

7. Reports and Documents Reports and documents delivered by the Contractor in the performance of this contract shall be considered Technical Data as defined in the applicable FAR clause 52.227-14, Rights in Data. All documentation shall reflect the latest version of the work product or activity, unless specifically directed otherwise by the Government. All documentation shall be prepared in accordance with standard industry practices, ensuring electronically produced documents which reflect logical flow of material, tables of contents indexes and page numbering. Where applicable, the Contractor’s attention is called to the availability of commercial, industry, federal, and military guides, instructions, and standards for many of the topics addressed in this PWS and under this contract.

8. Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). CPARS is a web enabled application used to document and evaluate Contractor performance on awarded contracts that meet/exceed the minimum dollar threshold required for reporting. These evaluations are then marked available for Government users in a source selection.

CPARS is used to assesses a Contractor’s performance and provide a record, both positive and negative, on a given contract during a specific period of time. The CPARS process is designed with a series of checks and balances to facilitate the objective and consistent evaluation of Contractor performance. Both Government and Contractor program management perspectives are captured on the CPAR form and together make a complete CPAR. Once the Assessing Official completes the proposed assessment for the period of performance, the CPAR is released to the appropriate Government Contractor Representative for their review and comments. User ID and password will be provided to the designated Government Contractor Representative upon issuance of a task order. The Contractor has 30 days after the Government's evaluation is completed to comment on the evaluation. The Government Contractor Representative must either concur or non-concur to each CPAR. If the Contractor concurs with the proposed assessment and the Reviewing Official does not wish to see the CPAR, the Assessing Official may close out the CPAR. Otherwise, they must forward the CPAR to the Reviewing Official for them to review, enter comments if appropriate, and close out. The Reviewing Official may at their option direct the Assessing Official to forward every CPAR to them for review.

8. Inspection and Acceptance

The COR delegated oversight of specific technical, functional and oversight responsibilities is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all services, incoming shipments, documents, and services. Certification by the Government of satisfactory services provided is contingent upon the Contractor performing in accordance with the performance standards contained in the Performance Work Statement and all terms and conditions of this order, including all modifications.

8.1 COR Information. To be determined upon contract award.

PART 6

6.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SECURITY

6.1 All work under this contract is Unclassified.

6.2 The TIER 1 or TIER 2. RESERVED

6.3 Personally Identifiable Information (PII)/Protected Health Information (PHI), Procurement, and Federal information requirements: RESERVED

6.4 Training

6.5 Cybersecurity Requirements for Non-DoD IT or Covered Contractor Information System (IS): RESERVED

6.6 Risk Management Framework (RMF) for DoD IT: RESERVED

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