RFQ SOW.pdf

Procurement Request #V3352073 Solicitation # 6913G620Q300046

Department of Transportation

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

Technical Support for Coast Guard Ballast Water Management Program

STATEMENT OF WORK

BACKGROUND

The National Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (PL 101-646), as amended by National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (PL 104-332), authorized the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to develop and implement a regulatory program to prevent the introduction of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) into the waters of the United States by vessels discharging ballast water. Pursuant to the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (hereinafter “NISA”), the USCG published regulations that established the National Ballast Water Management (BWM) Program for U.S. Waters. The program applies to all vessels that are equipped with ballast water tanks and transit the waters of the United States bound for ports or places in the United States.

A key component of the USCG BWM program requires that all vessels manage their ballast water if entering U.S. waters after operating outside of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The USCG’s Final Rule, Standards for Living Organisms in Ships’ Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters (Federal Register Vol. 7, No. 57; March 23, 2012), requires that ships manage ballast water to comply with the discharge standard. While some options exist for managing ballast water without treatment (for example, no discharge of ballast water, use of public drinking water, use of a shore-based discharge facility), the USCG expects that most ships will meet the discharge standard by employing treatment technologies.

The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) has been supporting the USCG’s Environmental Standards Division (CG-OES-3) ANS and BWM programs since 2000. The Volpe Center’s experience and technical expertise are currently needed to support the type approval process for Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) technologies.

OBJECTIVES

The U.S. type approval process requires a thorough review and evaluation of ballast water treatment technologies for use in U.S. waters. As of 2017, several` manufacturers have begun testing systems through USCG-approved Independent Laboratories (IL’s). The Coast Guard requires outside expertise to evaluate type approval packages regarding scaling data, testing procedures, data quality and interpretation of results.

Treatment system vendors must submit their type approval applications through one of the USCG-approved IL’s. During the type approval process, OES-3 coordinates with the USCG Marine Safety Center (MSC), which reviews the ballast water treatment system mechanical, electrical, safety and operational design. Contractor support is needed during the type approval process, particularly for reviewing new and emerging technologies, data quality issues, or other

Procurement Request #V3352073 technical issues requiring expert knowledge of biological efficacy testing and ballast water treatment system design and operation.

Contractor personnel required are a marine biologist, a micro biologist, and an engineer who are subject matter experts with experience evaluating the performance and operation of ballast water treatment systems. The contractor personnel shall form a dedicated team to work on the tasks described in this statement of work. In order to avoid a conflict of interest over the potential information being shared, contractors are not permitted to work on BWM type approval applications through one of the USCG-approved IL’s. The results of this work are for the use of the sponsoring agency, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards, Environmental Standards Division (CG-OES-3).

TASKS

Task 1 – Assessment of BWT Scaling Methods (CLIN 00100)

The contractor shall provide a dedicated engineer to assess the scaling methods used by a previously accepted Alternate Management Systems (AMS) manufacturer when they increase the treatment rated capacity (ballast water flow rates) by combining base units in series or parallel.

The contractor’s engineer shall review the scaling study submitted by the manufacturer and provide a technical evaluation of whether treatment system performance is equivalent between the base (tested) models and scaled models. The following types of general documents will be provided by the government to the contractor for review:

Survey Report for Land-Based Testing of Scaled Units (12 pages)

One Scaling Evaluation (12-16 pages)

Analysis of Scaling Study (excel spreadsheet)

Test Report (50-70 pages)

Scaling Guidance (5-7 pages)

The following aspects must be evaluated:

The scaling method must be fully described. General scaling characteristics such as geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity should be addressed. Scaling characteristics unique to the treatment technology should accurately represent the operational parameters of the system.

The treatment system should be modeled with measurable parameters. The model should give quantitative values of the parameters for each model of the treatment system.

The model must be validated with system testing results. While the base model test results may be used for validation, additional test points must be used to verify accuracy of the model. Test results must be compared to model results to conclude model accuracy.

Sensitivity analysis should be performed to corroborate model accuracy.

The Volpe Center requires that the contractor’s engineer produce one 2-4 page report that assesses whether the manufacturer's scaling study supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems. Where the scaling study does not support a positive assessment, provide recommendations of improvements to the scaling study that would increase confidence in predicted performance. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after award and receipt of data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide a maximum of 20 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

Task 2 – Response to Assessment of BWT Scaling Methods (CLIN 00200)

The Volpe Center requires support with potential technical questions and discussion with the BWT system manufacturer following their review of the contractor’s engineer’s scaling report.

The contractor’s engineer shall review any new data and details of the design provided by the government and submit one 1-2 page report that summarizes whether the BWT system manufacturer’s response to the first report’s comments were adequately addressed. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after acceptance and receipt of revised data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide a maximum of 8 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

Task 3 –Desktop Review of Type Approval Applications (OPTION CLIN 00300)

The contractor shall provide a dedicated marine biologist and micro biologist to assist with resolving disparities between BWT system manufacturers and the IL’s assessment of existing biological testing data submitted to Coast Guard for US type approval. The marine biologist and micro biologist shall review the BWT manufacturer’s data provided by the government and provide a technical evaluation of whether treatment system performance was tested in accordance with type approval requirements. The following types of general documents will be provided by the government to the contractor for review:

Report on Land-Based testing (30-40 pages)

Report on Shipboard testing (20-30 pages)

Raw data from Land-Based testing (10-20 pages)

Raw data from testing (7-10 pages)

The Volpe Center requires that the contractor’s marine biologist and micro biologist produce one 2-4 page report that summarizes whether the manufacturer’s testing setup and protocols met type approval requirements and supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems. Where the biological data does not support a positive assessment, provide recommendations of improvements to the testing protocols and conditions that support confidence in predicted performance. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after award and receipt of data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide a maximum of 20 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

Task 4 – Response to Assessment of BWT Scaling Methods (OPTION CLIN 00400)

The Volpe Center requires support with potential technical questions and discussion with the BWT system manufacturer following their review of the contractor’s engineer’s scaling report.

The contractor’s engineer shall review any new data and details of the design provided by the government and submit one 1-2 page report that summarizes whether the BWT system manufacturer’s response to the first report’s comments were adequately addressed. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after acceptance and receipt of revised data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide a maximum of 8 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

Task 5 – Participation in a Ballast Water Management Program Teleconference Reviewing Type Approval Process Issues (OPTION CLIN 00500)

The Volpe Center shall participate in a one day intergovernmental teleconference hosted by Coast Guard Headquarters and U.S. Navy Research Laboratory to address emerging technical issues relating to the US type approval process for BWT systems. Other stakeholders participating in the teleconference will include Coast Guard Research and Development Center, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maritime Administration. The teleconference is expected to be convened for one day in March or April 2020 from 9AM-5PM EST. The contractor shall provide a dedicated marine biologist, micro biologist, and engineer who are subject matter experts and have worked on the scaling and desktop reviews described in this statement of work.

The contractor’s biologists and engineer will join in the group discussion and respond to technical questions, offering educated opinions and recommendations to improve the US type approval process. The contractor’s marine and micro biologists are required to travel to the Volpe Center and participate directly with the Volpe Project Manager. The engineer is required to make his/her own arrangements and call into the conference remotely. The agenda and call in information for the teleconference shall be provided at contract award.

Task 6 – Assessment of BWT Scaling Methods (OPTION CLIN 00600)

The contractor shall provide a dedicated engineer to assess the scaling methods used by a previously accepted Alternate Management Systems (AMS) manufacturer when they increase the treatment rated capacity (ballast water flow rates) by combining base units in series or parallel.

The contractor’s engineer shall review the scaling study submitted by the manufacturer and provide a technical evaluation of whether treatment system performance is equivalent between the base (tested) models and scaled models. The following types of general documents will be provided by the government to the contractor for review:

Survey Report for Land-Based Testing of Scaled Units (12 pages)

One Scaling Evaluation (12-16 pages)

Analysis of Scaling Study (excel spreadsheet)

Test Report (50-70 pages)

Scaling Guidance (5-7 pages)

The following aspects must be evaluated:

The scaling method must be fully described. General scaling characteristics such as geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity should be addressed. Scaling characteristics unique to the treatment technology should accurately represent the operational parameters of the system.

The treatment system should be modeled with measurable parameters. The model should give quantitative values of the parameters for each model of the treatment system.

The model must be validated with system testing results. While the base model test results may be used for validation, additional test points must be used to verify accuracy of the model. Test results must be compared to model results to conclude model accuracy.

Sensitivity analysis should be performed to corroborate model accuracy.

The Volpe Center requires that the contractor’s engineer produce one 2-4 page report that assesses whether the manufacturer's scaling study supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems. Where the scaling study does not support a positive assessment, provide recommendations of improvements to the scaling study that would increase confidence in predicted performance. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after award and receipt of data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide a maximum of 20 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

Task 7 –Desktop Review of Type Approval Applications (OPTION CLIN 00700)

The contractor shall provide a dedicated marine biologist and micro biologist to assist with resolving disparities between BWT system manufacturers and the IL’s assessment of existing biological testing data submitted to Coast Guard for US type approval. The marine biologist and micro biologist shall review the BWT manufacturer’s data provided by the government and provide a technical evaluation of whether treatment system performance was tested in accordance with type approval requirements. The following types of general documents will be provided by the government to the contractor for review:

Report on Land-Based testing (30-40 pages)

Report on Shipboard testing (20-30 pages)

Raw data from Land-Based testing (10-20 pages)

Raw data from testing (7-10 pages)

The Volpe Center requires that the contractor’s marine biologist and micro biologist produce one 2-4 page report that summarizes whether the manufacturer’s testing setup and protocols met type approval requirements and supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems. Where the biological data does not support a positive assessment, provide recommendations of improvements to the testing protocols and conditions that support confidence in predicted performance. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after award and receipt of data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide a maximum of 20 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

Task 8 – Assessment of BWT Scaling Methods (OPTION CLIN 00800)

The contractor shall provide a dedicated engineer to assess the scaling methods used by a previously accepted AMS manufacturer when they increase the treatment rated capacity (ballast water flow rates) by combining base units in series or parallel.

The contractor’s engineer shall review the scaling study submitted by the manufacturer and provide a technical evaluation of whether treatment system performance is equivalent between the base (tested) models and scaled models. General guidance for treatment method of scaling will be provided by the government. The following types of general documents will be provided by the government to the contractor for review:

Survey Report for Land-Based Testing of Scaled Units (12 pages)

One Scaling Evaluation (12-16 pages)

Analysis of Scaling Study (excel spreadsheet)

Test Report (50-70 pages)

Scaling Guidance (5-7 pages)

The following aspects must be evaluated:

The scaling method must be fully described. General scaling characteristics such as geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity should be addressed. Scaling characteristics unique to the treatment technology should accurately represent the operational parameters of the system.

The treatment system should be modeled with measurable parameters. The model should give quantitative values of the parameters for each model of the treatment system.

The model must be validated with system testing results. While the base model test results may be used for validation, additional test points must be used to verify accuracy of the model. Test results must be compared to model results to conclude model accuracy.

Sensitivity analysis should be performed to corroborate model accuracy.

The Volpe Center requires that the contractor’s engineer produce one 2-4 page report that assesses whether the manufacturer's scaling study supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems. Where the scaling study does not support a positive assessment, provide recommendations of improvements to the scaling study that would increase confidence in predicted performance. The Volpe Center requires that this task be completed within 30 days after award and receipt of data from Volpe.

Due to the potential for variable quality of data provided to the contractor from various sources (e.g. foreign companies), the intent of this task is to provide maximum of 20 hours, for the contractor to review and comment on the quality of the data provided, and to answer certain questions only to the best ability that the data supports.

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

The required personnel qualifications for this task order shall be, at a minimum:

• Marine biologist: at least one advanced degree in the field, experience in development of experimental designs and test protocols in marine biology, knowledge of marine micro- and macro-organisms, including plankton of all types, nektons, and the various formative life stages of larger marine organisms.

A doctorate and research experience is preferable. Direct experience with technology development programs and applications, such as the Coast Guard Ship Technology Evaluation Program (STEP), Type Approval Process and EPA’s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program, is desirable.

• Micro biologist: at least one advanced degree in the field, experience in development of experimental designs and test protocols in marine micro biology, knowledge of marine micro-organisms, including algae, bacteria, protists, and viruses. A doctorate degree and research experience is preferable. Direct experience with technology development programs and applications, such as the Coast Guard’s STEP Program, Type Approval Process and EPA’s ETV program, is desirable.

• Engineer: at least a Bachelor of Science and licensed professional engineer, experience in the design, installation, and operation of water treatment equipment, knowledge of water quality issues, and experience in test and evaluation of environmental technologies. An advanced degree and research experience and are preferable. Direct experience with technology development programs and applications, such as the Coast Guard’s STEP Program, Type Approval Process and EPA’s ETV program, is desirable.

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The Contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions cited. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will inspect and accept work performed under this order.

DELIVERABLES

Deliverable Task(s) Due Date

Provide a 2-4 page summary report on whether the treatment system’s performance is equivalent between the base (tested) models and scaled models

Task 1 30 business days after receipt of data

Provide a 1-2 page report that summarizes whether the BWT system vendor’s response to the first report’s comments were adequately addressed.

Task 2 30 business days after receipt of data

Provide a 2-4 page report that summarizes whether the vendors testing setup and protocols met type approval

Task 3 30 business days after receipt of data

Deliverable Task(s) Due Date requirements and supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems

Provide a 1-2 page report that summarizes whether the BWT system vendor’s response to the first report’s comments were adequately addressed.

Task 4 30 business days after receipt of data

Marine biologist, micro biologist, and engineer shall participate in a one day intergovernmental teleconference on US type approval process issues.

Task 5 30 business days after notice of teleconference

Provide a 2-4 page summary report on whether the treatment system’s performance is equivalent between the base (tested) models and scaled models.

Task 6 30 business days after receipt of data

Provide a 2-4 page report that summarizes whether the vendors testing setup and protocols met type approval requirements and supports accurate predicted performance of untested treatment systems

Task 7

30 business days after receipt of data

Provide a 2-4 page summary report on whether the treatment system’s performance is equivalent between the base (tested) models and scaled models.

Task 8 30 business days after receipt of data

*Deliverables shall be delivered electronically in Microsoft Word to the COR.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance will be date of award through October 9, 2020.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

Christopher Murray U.S. Department Of Transportation (US DOT) John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center Infrastructure Engineering and Deployment Division, V-335 55 Broadway, Kendall Square Cambridge, MA 02142 Email: Chris.Murray@dot.gov Office: 617-494-2524 Cell: 617-512-7193

Travel

All travel costs associated with the Tasks listed above should be included in the firm fixed price amount proposed for each line item.