PWS_Draft_1.pdf

Project Title: Phytoplankton IDIQ Lens Number: 38192

Performance Work Statement for the

Phytoplankton Analysis of Water Samples

10/01/2026

Draf t

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 phytoplankton in reservoir water quality samples in a unified manner between Upper and Lower Colorado Region teams.

1.2 Objective

Phytoplankton are free-floating, photosynthetic organisms—primarily consisting of cyanobacteria, diatoms, and green algae—that inhabit the sunlit upper layers of freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers forming the base of the aquatic food web and producing oxygen in the water column. In healthy ecosystems, phytoplankton serve as an essential food source for a variety of aquatic organisms such as zooplankton, small fish, and other freshwater species. However, when excessive nutrients are present, phytoplankton populations can grow rapidly and create harmful algal blooms (HABs).

These blooms may release highly toxic substances that pose risks to fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and people.

Analyses of phytoplankton in water samples is important for characterizing the level of primary productivity and overall health of reservoirs. A unified, single-laboratory approach to analyzing phytoplankton data across a river basin is crucial for achieving consistent and reliable taxonomic identification. Variations in laboratory methods or personnel may result in discrepancies that are difficult to interpret.

As such, the UCB and LCB are seeking contractor services to perform laboratory analysis of phytoplankton in reservoir water quality samples. This includes speciation, enumeration (abundance), and biovolume of phytoplankton 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.

1.3 Scope of Work

This contract covers the identification and quantification of phytoplankton 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.

1.4 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 phytoplankton analyses from Reclamation reservoirs with laboratory analyses conducted by contracted services for several decades. The most recent contract issued to the UCB for phytoplankton analyses was 140R4020P0079, which expired 09/17/2025.The most recent contract issued to the LCB for phytoplankton analyses was 140R3022D0005 and expires 7/26/2027 Going forward, the UCB and LCB seek to have single-laboratory approach for analyzing phytoplankton data across the Colorado River basin to achieve consistent and reliable taxonomic identification.

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

Phytoplankton 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 phytoplankton 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 Period of Performance

The period of performance consists of a 12-month Base Period and four 12-month Option Periods, for a total potential contract period of five years, if all options are exercised.

Base Period: 11/02/2026 – 11/01/2027 Option Period I: 11/02/2027 –11/01/2028 Option Period II: 11/02/2028 – 11/01/2029 Option Period III: 11/02/2029 – 11/01/2030 Option Period IV: 11/02/2030 – 11/01/2031

1.7 Place of Performance

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

1.8 Applicable Documents

Laboratory analyses of phytoplankton 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 within five (5) business days after contract 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: Phytoplankton Sample Analysis

The contractor shall perform analysis of phytoplankton 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 phytoplankton samples. The Government may order analysis of up to 100 backlogged UCB samples during Base Period of the contract.

In addition to the backlogged samples, the Government may order analysis of up to 100 newly collected UCB samples annually (approximately 25 samples per quarter) and up to 136 newly collected LCB samples annually (approximately 34 samples per quarter).

Actual quantities will depend on Government sampling activities and requirements and may vary from the quantities stated above, including periods in which no samples are submitted for analysis.

The maximum quantity over the five-year ordering period is 1,280 samples, consisting of:

Up to 100 backlogged UCB samples;

Up to 500 newly collected UCB samples over the five-year ordering period; and Up to 680 newly collected LCB samples over the five-year ordering period.

These quantities establish the maximum quantities that may be ordered and do not represent a guarantee that the Government will order the maximum quantities.

Ordering Year UCB Backlog UCB New LCB New Maximum

Base Year 100 100 136 336

Option Period I — 100 136 236

Option Period II — 100 136 236

Option Period III — 100 136 236

Option Period IV — 100 136 236

5-Year Maximum 100 500 680 1,280

3.0 Contractor Quality Assurance.

3.1 Performance Standards

The contractor shall maintain a quality assurance system capable of ensuring all phytoplankton 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 after receipt of the backlogged samples.

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 will be considered acceptable when Reclamation’s independent laboratory verification yields genus-level abundance estimates within ±10% of contractor results at 90% confidence (two-tailed).

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 genus-level abundance or biovolume estimate differing by more than ±10% from government verification results will constitute a significant discrepancy.

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

Upon completion of the initial analysis, the Contractor shall retain all phytoplankton sample materials for a minimum of 60 days to allow the Government to perform QA/QC review. If the Government requests reanalysis during the 60-day retention period, the Contractor shall perform the reanalysis using the original preserved material within five business days. When reanalysis is required due to contractor error, failure to meet the performance standards of this PWS, or a confirmed analytical discrepancy attributable to the Contractor, reanalysis shall be performed at no additional cost to the Government.

The Contractor is not required to retain samples beyond 60 days after the initial analysis unless specifically requested in writing by the COR, in which case retention shall not exceed 120 days total.

3.4 Contractor Responsibility

The Contractor is responsible for implementing and maintaining quality assurance measures sufficient to ensure compliance with the requirements and performance standards of this PWS, including:

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

Ensuring personnel, methods, equipment, and data handling practices support consistent, defensible phytoplankton 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 phytoplankton 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 Phytoplankton Samples

For phytoplankton 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.

At a minimum, the electronic spreadsheet shall identify the sample identification number, reservoir, collection date, collection depth, taxonomic identification, division, genus/species as applicable, cell density (#/L), biovolume (µm³/L), analytical date, and applicable QA/QC information. The Government may provide a standardized reporting template after award.

4.3 Government Review

The government will review all deliverables upon receipt. The Contractor shall correct deficiencies identified by the Government within five business days after notification, unless the COR approves an alternative timeframe based on the nature of the deficiency.

5.0 Meetings

Routine clarification of analytical results, correction of deliverables, and reasonable participation in ad-hoc meetings associated with work performed under this contract shall be included in the applicable fixed unit prices and shall not be separately charged to the Government.

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 phytoplankton 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

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

It is in the government’s best interest to maintain consistent analytical methods, taxonomic practices, and QA/QC procedures to ensure long-term data comparability. Continuity in methods is critical for interpreting temporal trends in phytoplankton communities; continuity in laboratory contractor is not required.

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

During the final 60 days of the ordering period, the Contractor shall provide reasonable transition assistance related to the methodologies, QA/QC procedures, and analytical practices used under this contract. Transition assistance shall be limited to existing contract information and reasonable remote consultation and shall not require development of new analyses or deliverables unless separately ordered by the Contracting Officer.

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

8.0 Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Information

The Government will furnish sample collection labor, sample bottles, preservatives, and will ship samples to the contractor with a COC. No other Government-furnished property, equipment, or information will be provided.

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 – Summary of Tasks, Deliverables, and Performance Requirements

The following table summarizes the Contractor's principal tasks, deliverables, and associated performance requirements. The table does not replace or modify the detailed requirements of the PWS. In the event of an inconsistency, the applicable PWS requirement governs.

PWS Requirement

/ Reference Deliverable

Frequency / Quantity

Performance / Delivery Standard Deliverable Format

/ Destination

Task 1 – Sample Chain of Custody

(PWS 2.1)

Contractor-provided Chain of Custody (COC) form

One initial form;

used with each sample shipment

Provide COC form within 5 business days after contract award. Upon receipt of each shipment, document sample condition and date/time received. Completed COC shall accompany the applicable analytical report.

Electronic COC form / COR

Task 2 – UCB Backlogged Sample Analysis

(PWS 2.2)

Identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of backlogged UCB phytoplankton samples

Up to 100 samples during the Base Period/Base Period

Complete within 1 year after receipt of the backlogged samples and in accordance with PWS Sections 2.2 and 3.0

Electronic spreadsheet and completed COC /

COR

Task 2 – UCB Phytoplankton Sample Analysis

(PWS 2.2)

Identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of newly collected UCB samples

Up to 100 samples annually; actual quantity may be zero

Complete each sample batch within 60 calendar days after receipt and in accordance with PWS Sections 2.2 and 3.0

Electronic spreadsheet and completed COC /

COR

Task 2 – LCB Phytoplankton Sample Analysis

(PWS 2.2)

Identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of newly collected LCB samples

Up to 136 samples annually; actual quantity may be zero

Complete each sample batch within 60 calendar days after receipt and in accordance with PWS Sections 2.2 and 3.0

Electronic spreadsheet and completed COC /

COR

Quality Assurance

/ QA-QC (PWS

3.0)

QA/QC information supporting analytical results

With each analytical report

Meet PWS performance standards and provide required QA/QC data with each report

Included with electronic analytical report / COR

Corrected Deliverables (PWS 4.3)

Correction of deficiencies identified during Government review

As required Correct within 5 business days after Government notification unless the COR approves an alternative timeframe

Corrected electronic deliverable / COR

Ad-Hoc Technical Clarification (PWS 5.0)

Participation in remote meetings and clarification of analytical results or data

As reasonably requested

Participate with reasonable advance notice;

provide applicable existing analytical summaries/data/supporting materials

Teleconference and/or electronic materials / COR

Transition Assistance (PWS 7.0)

Methodology, QA/QC, and analytical-practice information necessary to support transition

As required during final 60 days

Limited to existing contract information and reasonable remote consultation; no new analyses/deliverables unless separately ordered by CO

Electronic information and/or teleconference / Contracting Officer