ID04150093_TAB_10_ITO_Min_Stds_Attach_3.docx

Federal Acquisition Service Southeast Sunbelt Region

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ATTACHMENT 3

Minimum Performance Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, NC, is seeking to procure a best estimated annual quantity of 200,000 PTFE PM2.5 filters meeting the requirements set forth at 40 C.F.R. part 50, appendix L.

The EPA is responsible for procuring, testing, and distributing filters of high purity to the State/local air pollution control agencies. The Teflon® filters are used with a sampler to collect PM 2.5 and PM-10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers or 10 micrometers, respectively) samples. This process assures filters with uniform characteristics and known quality assurance testing for the national particulate networks.

EPA obtains the filters each year from a contractor and has them shipped to EPA for acceptance testing. The filters per delivery order must be made from the same lot of raw materials for distribution to the States. If the acceptance testing confirms that the filters meet EPA specifications for physical and chemical properties, the EPA distributes the filters to the State/local air pollution control agencies.

Under this solicitation, each offeror shall submit 50 Teflon filters meeting the requirements at 40 C.F.R. part 50 Appendix L with consecutive numbering to the client agency (EPA) as part of their response to this RFP.

The PTFE Teflon® filters shall be numbered consecutively on both sides of the filter as follows:

In addition, a data matrix code shall be added to each side of the filter for unique identification that would match the number specified for inclusion on the filter as described above.

Review each minimum performance standard listed below. If the contractor can validate meeting the Minimum Standards, mark the box for ‘Yes’ AND Fill in the Contractor’s Quote Paragraph Number that details where you explain how you plan to meet this standard. If the contractor marks ‘Yes’ but does not provide the Quote Paragraph that validates and explains how they meet this standard at the minimum standard required, the quote may be considered technically unacceptable.

If the contractor cannot validate meeting the minimum standard select ‘No’.

NOTE: To pass the testing criteria and be considered technically acceptable, 90 percent of the sample filters must pass the defective test and 95 percent of the sample filters must pass the reject test.

Performance Standard

Yes, Meet Minimum Standard (offeror complete)

List Quote Paragraph # Detailing meeting of Standard

NO, does NOT Meet Minimum Standard (offeror complete)

Government Use Only

Offered filter conforms to all of the technical requirements outlined in the purchase description/specifications included at 40 C.F.R. part 50, Appendix L

Physical Inspection Test Requirements

Size:

Circular, 46.2 mm diameter 0.25 mm. Failure of this criterion classifies the filter as a reject.

Medium:

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE Teflon), with integral support ring. Failure of this criterion classifies the filter as a reject.

Support ring:

Polymethylpentene (PMP) or equivalent inert material, 0.38 0.04 mm thick, outer diameter 46.2 mm 0.25 mm, and width of 3.68 mm (+0.00, -0.51 mm). Failure of these criteria classifies the filter as a reject.

Filter weight stability:

Filter weight loss shall be less than 20 μg, as measured in each of the following two tests specified in 1.(d)(1) and 1.(d)(2). The following conditions apply to both of these tests: Filter weight loss shall be the average difference between the initial and the final filter weights of a random sample of test filters selected from each lot prior to sale. The filters shall be weighed under laboratory conditions and shall have had no air sample passed through them (i.e., filter blanks). Each test procedure must include initial conditioning and weighing, the test, and final conditioning and weighing. Failure of these criteria classifies the filter as a reject. Conditioning and weighing shall be in accordance with Part 50, Appendix L, and general guidance provided in the following reference:

REFERENCE

Quality Assurance Guidance Document 2.12 Monitoring PM 2.5 in Ambient Air Using Designated Reference or Class I Equivalent Methods. This document can be downloaded at: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/ambient/pm25/qa/m212covd.pdf

(1) Test for loose, surface particle contamination. After the initial weighing, install each test filter, in turn, in a filter cassette (Figure numbers L-27, L-28, and L-29) and drop the cassette from a height of 25 cm to a flat hard surface, such as a particle-free wood bench. Repeat two times, for a total of three drop tests for each test filter. Remove the test filter from the cassette and weigh the filter. The average change in weight must be less than 20 μg.

(2) Test for temperature stability. After weighing each filter, place the test filters in a drying oven set at 40 C 2C for not less than 48 hours. Remove, condition, and reweigh each test filter. The average change in weight must be less than 20 μg.

Physical Inspection Test Requirements

The following descriptions of visual defects will be used in the acceptance inspection of the filters. Each filter will be inspected, using a light screen or table or by viewing over a black surface, for the following defects:

Pinhole - a small hole appearing (1) as a distinct and obvious bright point of light when examined over a light table or screen, or (2) as a dark spot when viewed over a black surface. Such a filter is considered a reject or unusable filter.

Other - a filter with any imperfections not described above, such as irregular surfaces or other results of poor workmanship, may be considered defective.

U.S. General Services Administration 401 West Peachtree Street, NW Suite 2700 Atlanta, GA 30308 image1.jpeg