Sol_140G0221Q0129.pdf

140G0221Q0129

1. REQUEST NO.

5a. ISSUED BY

NAME

a. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

7. DELIVERY

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

PAGE OF PAGES

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

8. TO:

b. COMPANY

e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

07/15/2021 0040534044

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PO BOX 25046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

DENVER CO 80225-0046

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center

8505 Research Way

Middleton

WI 53562

303 236-9327Lisa Williams

07/26/2021 1430 MD

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in water, sediment, and air media for The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

2. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested.

Continued ...

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

a. NAME OF QUOTER

AREA CODE

NUMBER

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

3. This solicitation is issued as a Request for

Quotations (RFQ). Submit written quotations on

RFQ Number 140G0221Q0129. This solicitation will utilize the policies contained in the Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items and in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation and award prescribed in FAR Part 13.1

Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as appropriate for this acquisition.

4. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)

2021-06.

5. The solicitation is NOT a Small Business

Set-Aside. The North American Industry

Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380

(Testing Laboratories) and the size standard is

$16.5 million.

6. Vendors are required to be registered in

System for Award Management (SAM) when submitting an offer or quotation. Register at https://www.sam.gov/index.html prior to submitting your quotation. See FAR provision

52.204-7(b)(1).

7. Vendors shall provide a Dun and Bradstreet

Number in quote.

8. Please download attached Solicitation

140G0221Q0129 for all Clauses and Provisions and

Attachment 1 - Past Performance Questionnaire in this announcement.

Period of Performance: 10/18/2021 to 10/17/2022

00010 Base Year:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in water for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in water in accordance

Continued ...

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129 with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Water: 20 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

00020 Base Year:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in sediment for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in sediment in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Sediment: 12 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

00030 Base Year:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in air for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in air in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and

Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Air: 8 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

00040 Option Year I:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in water for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in water in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

5 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Water: 90 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/10/2022

Period of Performance: 10/18/2022 to 10/17/2023

00050 Option Year I:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in sediment for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in sediment in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Sediment: 20 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/10/2022

6 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

Period of Performance: 10/18/2022 to 10/17/2023

00060 Option Year I:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in air for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in air in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and

Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Air: 10 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/10/2022

Period of Performance: 10/18/2022 to 10/17/2023

00070 Option Year II:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in water for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for

7 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129 microplastics analysis in water in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Water: 90 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/09/2023

Period of Performance: 10/18/2023 to 10/17/2024

00080 Option Year II:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in sediment for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in sediment in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Sediment: 20 samples X $______ per sample =

8 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/09/2023

Period of Performance: 10/18/2023 to 10/17/2024

00090 Option Year II:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in air for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in air in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and

Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Air: 10 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/09/2023

Period of Performance: 10/18/2023 to 10/17/2024

00100 Option Year III:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in water for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

9 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in water in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Water: 20 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/07/2024

Period of Performance: 10/18/2024 to 10/17/2025

00110 Option Year III:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in sediment for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in sediment in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

10 56

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140G0221Q0129

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Sediment: 12 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/07/2024

Period of Performance: 10/18/2024 to 10/17/2025

00120 Option Year III:

Laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in air for the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water

Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI.

Services, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, labor, supervision, and materials

(unless otherwise provided herein) necessary to provide laboratory analytical services for microplastics analysis in air in accordance with the attached Statement of Work, and Terms and

Conditions.

The number of samples are estimates. Samples will be sent to the Contractor on an as-needed basis.

Therefore the Government may or may not send all the samples and will de-obligate remaining funds after period of performance has ended.

Note to Vendors:

Vendors shall provide a firm-fixed price in US

Dollars (Not to Exceed) per the following media:

1. Air: 8 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

10/07/2024

Period of Performance: 10/18/2024 to 10/17/2025

Solicitation 140G0221Q0129

Table of Contents

Availability of Funds Statement of Work DOI Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (April 2013) GS0199 Prevention of Malicious Code (JUN 2018) GS0231 Technical Liaison -Technical Direction (NOV 2014) GS0301 General Requirements. (Jul 2001) GS0901 Place of Delivery (JUL 2001) GS0919 Legal Holidays (JAN 2002) GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds (MAY 2013) GS1364 Nonpersonal Services and Supervision of Contractor’s Employees (SEP 2017) GS1396 Release of Information (JUL 2001) GS1406 Confidentiality of Data (OCT 2005) GS1440 Wage Determination Applicable (JUL 2001) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items.

(JUL 2021)

52.217-9 Option To Extend the Term of the Contract. (MAR 2000) 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998) GS2101 Inquiries (FEB 2007) GS2102 Incurring Costs (JUL 2001) GS2115 Independent Review of Protests to the Agency (Jul 2001) 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror. (AUG 2020) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (OCT 2020) 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation. (OCT 2020) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. (FEB 2016) 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options. (JUL 1990) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. (FEB 2021) 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations. (NOV 2020) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. (FEB 1999) 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance. (APR 1984) Evaluation Factors Basis for Award Quotation Preparation GS2301 Single Award. (AUG 2001) Electronic Submission of Quotations – Required Questions – Cutoff 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

Clauses:

Availability of Funds

Funds are not presently available for this contract. The Government’s obligation under this contract is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for this contract and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

Therefore, it is imperative that your quote is valid for 180 days, see FAR Clause 52.212-1 - ADDENDUM TO CLAUSE 52.212-1(c) - The period for acceptance of offers specified in this paragraph, is hereby changed from 30 days to 180 days.

Statement of Work

1. Introduction:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water Science Center (UMid-WSC), Middleton, WI has a requirement for laboratory analytical services to provide microplastics analysis in water, sediment, and air media.

This Statement of Work defines the sample processing, laboratory analytical services, and data reporting needed to provide results in support of microplastics project activities for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) performed under the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Phase VI corridor study.

2. Background:

The USGS Upper Midwest Water Science Center (UMid-WSC) conducts unique investigations into the prevalence of microplastics in freshwater environments from around the Great Lakes region. The UMid-WSC, in collaboration with the Washington Water Science Center (WA WSC) microplastics laboratory, jointly developed proposals for microplastics projects under the MMSD Phase VI corridor study until the WA WSC microplastics laboratory discontinued offering analytical services to other USGS cost centers in May, 2020. As a result of this closure, The UMid- WSC needs an experienced, ISO certified accredited laboratory for microplastics analysis in water, sediment, and air media to allow for consistent, quality-derived, and cutting-edge microplastics results and research.

As part of the MMSD Phase VI corridor study, the USGS UMid-WSC is conducting microplastics research to evaluate,

1) the sources and types of microplastics to water and sediment in Milwaukee area streams and rivers under different urban land use settings, and 2) the effectiveness of infiltration-based green infrastructure practices on the removal of microplastics from urban stormwater. Data gathered during these evaluations, and the resulting information and interpretations will allow for a better understanding of sources and types of microplastics to the aquatic environment as well as potential remediation practices for the removal of microplastics from stormwater.

This project relies on the use of automated water sampling methods, and/or in person sampling techniques to collect water samples over the course of precipitation and/or snowmelt-induced runoff events. In addition, periodic sediment samples along with wet and dry atmospheric deposition samples will be collected to assess additional sources and types of microplastics to Milwaukee area streams and rivers.

3. Scope:

The Contractor shall provide specified laboratory services relating to microplastics analysis in water, sediment, and air media. The Contractor shall provide the required analytical services and conform to specialized micro-particle sample processing and analysis techniques and procedures.

USGS UMid WSC will send various samples of different media directly to the laboratory. All water and air samples will be sent in wide-mouth glass mason jars with deionized water and preserved with isopropyl alcohol. Sediment samples will be sent in 250 to 500 mL wide-mouth glass bottles. All samples will be labeled with a unique USGS assigned sample identification number. A chain of custody sheet will contain the list of assigned sample identification numbers, sample collection date and time, and media, for each sample submitted to the laboratory.

The Contractor shall use state-of-the-art particle handling and isolation techniques for micro-sized particles (e.g., microtomy and ultramicrotomy, ultra-microbalance) for each media sampled in addition to the use of advanced microparticle identification technology required (polarized light microcopy, infrared microspectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry).

The Contractor shall be strictly adherent to all defined tasks in order to maintain scientific integrity and to ensure consistency and data quality throughout the project effort. The microplastics analyses shall be performed by the same laboratory.

3.1 Applicable Documents

3.1.1 Masura, J.; Baker, J.; Foster, G.; Arthur, C. Laboratory Methods for the Analysis of Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Recommendations for Quantifying Synthetic Particles in Waters and Sediments. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-48. 2015.

3.1.2 Zobkov, M.; Esiukova, E. Microplastics in Baltic Bottom Sediments: Quantification Procedures and First Results. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2017, 114 (2), 724–732.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.060.

3.1.3 GESAMP. Guidelines for the Monitoring and Assessment of Plastic Litter in the Ocean Kershaw, P. J.; Turra, A.; Galgani, F., Eds., IMO/FAO/UNESCO- IOC/UNIDO/WMO/IAEA/UN/UNEP/UNDP/ISA Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection). Rep. Stud. GESAMP No. 99; 2019, p 130.

3.1.4 Koelmans, A.; Mohamed Nor, N.H.; Hermsen, E.; Kooi, M.; Mintenig, S.; De France, J.

Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: Critical review and assessment of data quality. Water Research. 2019, 155, 410-422.

3.1.5 Scott, J.; Green, L. Development and Demonstration of a Superior Method for Microplastics Analysis: Improved Size Detection Limits, Greater Density Limits, and More Informative Reporting.

Technical Report. Champaign, IL, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center; 2020.

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/107799.

3.1.6 Cowger, W.; Booth, M.A.; Hamilton, M.B.; Thaysen, C.; Primpke, S.; Munno, K.; Lusher, L.A.;

Dehaut, A.; Vaz, P.V.; Liboiron, M.; Devriese, I.L.; Hermabessiere, L.; Rochman, C.; Athey, N.A.;

Lynch, M.J.; De Frond, H.; Gray, A.; Jones, A.H.O.; Brander, S.; Steele, C.; Moore, S.; Sanchez, A.;

Nel, H. Reporting Guidelines to Increase the Reproducibility and Comparability of Research on Microplastics. Applied Spectroscopy. 2020, 74 (9), 1066-1077.

3.1.7 ASTM International. D8333-20 Standard Practice for Preparation of Water Samples with High, Medium, or Low Suspended Solids for Identification and Quantification of Microplastics Particles and Fibers Using Raman Spectroscopy, IR Spectroscopy, or Pyrolysis GC/MS. West Conshohocken, PA;

ASTM International, 2020. doi: https://doi.org/10.1520/D8333-20.

4. Technical Requirements:

The technical requirements list technical details related to small particle isolation and identification, the processing of water, sediment and air samples for microplastics and quality assurance/quality control.

4.1 The laboratory shall be an ISO17025 accredited laboratory specializing in microanalysis of particles.

4.2 The laboratory should routinely work with particles ranging from 100 nanometer to 1 millimeter in size.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.060 http://hdl.handle.net/2142/107799 https://doi.org/10.1520/D8333-20

4.3 The laboratory shall routinely isolate individual synthetic organic polymeric particles as small as 1 micrometer from water, sediment, and air matrices with sample preparation capabilities that include expertise in microtomy and ultramicrotomy.

4.4 The laboratory shall routinely analyze particles by infrared microspectroscopy down to 10 x 10 micrometers and obtain data from even smaller synthetic organic polymeric particles.

4.5 The laboratory shall routinely analyze particles by confocal Raman microspectrophotometry down to approximately 1 micrometer.

4.6 The laboratory shall routinely have access to various commercial spectral libraries as well as internal libraries that include a wide range of organic synthetic polymers and inorganic fillers.

4.7 The laboratory shall have access to physical reference collections that are immediately available for developing particles for particle recovery control validation experiments.

4.8 The laboratory shall use the most up to date and established procedures and techniques for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of microplastics from various environmental media. The selected approach, procedures, and techniques must be robust to undergo U.S. Geological Survey and independent scientific peer-review for publication in scientific peer-reviewed journals. Methodological guidance documents have been provided in section 1.4 Applicable Documents.

4.9 The laboratory shall ensure microplastic particles are recovered and not destroyed during the preparation of samples regardless of environmental media. Obtain reference microplastics of various morphologies and polymers, preferably less than 333 micrometers in size, and preferably a bright color such as red, green, or yellow. Add between 5-10 reference microplastics to 10% of the samples per sample extraction batch prior to commencing any oxidation or digestion steps so that the reference microplastics are taken through all the steps of the extraction process.

4.10 The laboratory shall, following the completion of sample preparation, plate each sample containing the reference microplastics on either a microscope slide, appropriate filter, or other material depending on the appropriate analytical procedure and visually inspect via microscopy to verify the presence of both the quantity and structural integrity of the reference microplastics.

4.11 The laboratory shall identify a minimum of 80% of the reference microplastics. Identification of greater than 120% of the reference microplastics is an indication that the preparation procedures is overly aggressive and causing fragmentation of particles. Techniques used should be modified until fragmentation of reference microplastics is no longer observed.

4.12 The laboratory shall perform a sufficient number of negative control (blanks) equal to or greater than 10% of the total number of samples collected for each media. A petri dish, centrifuge tube, pipette, microscope slide, or other acceptable material used by the laboratory for the processing of microplastics samples that has gone through the complete preparation process (handling, extraction, oxidation, digestion, etc.), not including the sample sieve materials for each media preparation, should be used by the laboratory for performing negative controls.

4.13 The laboratory shall evaluate all sample processing materials, supplies, laboratory equipment, oxidation reagents, digestion reagents, solutions, solvents, laboratory purified water, and any other processing utensils, materials, and consumables used for the processing of any environmental matrix sample submitted for their contamination potential. If any of the above are found to have microplastics contamination, then the laboratory shall switch to materials and supplies free of microplastics.

5. Deliverables

5.1 After receipt of samples delivered to their premises for analysis, the laboratory shall be accountable for all samples received. During the log-in process, the laboratory shall check the condition of the samples received in each shipment and compare the contents of each box/cooler against the chain of custodies (COCs) supplied with the samples, or COCs will be emailed to the laboratory when the samples are shipped. If samples are missing, damaged, or if there are discrepancies between sample labels and entries on the COC, the laboratory shall notify the technical liaison immediately.

5.2 The laboratory shall enumerate microplastic particles by water, sediment, or air sample using established morphologically based characteristics categorized into the following: films, foams, fragments, fibers/lines, and pellets/beads. Other categories could be established if/when the laboratory identifies unique microplastic characteristics of said microplastics, the abundance of such microplastics are great enough to warrant creating a unique category, and after consultation with the technical liaison.

5.3 The laboratory shall enumerate microplastics by size fraction for each morphological-based category into three size fractions, 100 to 333 micrometers, 333 to 1000 micrometers, and greater than 1000 micrometers. Smaller size fractions can be established if field research and test samples suggest viable samples can be collected for particles less than 100 micrometers and greater than 1 micrometer.

5.4 The laboratory shall determine and record the mass (weight) of the total population of microplastics within each water, sediment, and air sample, and the mass of the population of microplastics by morphology-based category and size fraction within each water, sediment, and air sample.

5.5 The laboratory shall subsample a diverse set of individual microplastics constituting up to 5 to 10% of the total microplastics population from each morphology-based category and size fraction per water, sediment, and air sample. The microplastics selected should be analyzed to associate the microplastic particle to its inherent polymer(s) make-up using advanced microparticle identification technologies listed in paragraph three of section 1.3 scope. Individual particles selected for polymer identification will have their field sample information, morphology-based category, microplastic color, size fraction, and polymer(s) make-up recorded.

5.6 The laboratory shall provide a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) document(s) describing the methods, procedures, and all laboratory materials used and the processing steps performed for each media sample type. This should include details on initial sample sieving, extraction, oxidation, digestion, and any other steps used for the isolation, enumeration, categorization (morphological- and size-based), mass determination, polymer confirmation, and all details on reagents, solutions, solvents, utensils, materials, consumables, and equipment used.

SOPs shall provide clear and comprehensive directions for the step-by-step execution of each processing and analytical technique used for each media. SOP’s shall be provided in an electronic version in MS Word - to be delivered to the technical liaison 120 days after completion of 1-year of laboratory testing and analysis.

5.7 The laboratory shall deliver microplastics data no later than 240 days following receipt of the last batch of samples, unless an agreement is made with the technical liaison to provide additional time for analysis, or the technical liaison requests data at certain points throughout the project for quality assurance assessment, cooperator project updates, or other reasons. Data should be accompanied by a spreadsheet listing provided sample collection information from sample COC receipts. Data should be provided in a machine-readable format and include the following information by sample media: sample media type, number of microplastics by size fraction, morphology, and overall total. The overall microplastics mass of each sample and by size fraction and morphology should be included. Lastly, data from individual microplastic particles selected for polymer identification using advanced microparticle identification technologies should be included. All corresponding quality control information should be accompanied with data delivery.

6. Security:

The Contractor shall establish a system of security and safeguarding that shall prevent analytical data, which shall be government property, from being released to unauthorized persons.

(End of Statement of Work)

DOI Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (April 2013)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

“Payment request” means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice: A copy of the Contractor’s internally generated invoice.

The Contractor shall submit monthly invoices that includes the number of samples each per line items.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRBSTL) within 3 - 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

GS0199 Prevention of Malicious Code (JUN 2018)

(a) Definitions

Malicious code is a computer code developed for the purpose of causing some form of intentional damage to computer systems or networks. Malicious code may be a complete program or code imbedded in software programs that appear to provide useful functions. The term includes computer viruses and other destructive programs, such as "Trojan Horses" and network "worms."

(b) The contractor must have in place an anti-virus procedure to ensure that media supplied is uncontaminated by malicious code.

(c) The contractor is required to scan all delivered software to insure it is free of malicious code prior to its installation or operation on USGS-owned computers or contractor-owned computers connected to USGS computer systems or networks. Contractors using diagnostics software disks or connecting to a non-USGS computer while performing repairs or upgrades to a USGS computer will scan the serviced computer's drive(s) to insure they are free of malicious code upon completion of the service call, or prior to return of serviced equipment, if servicing is performed off-site.

GS0231 Technical Liaison -Technical Direction (NOV 2014)

(a) The performance required herein shall be subject to the technical direction of the Technical Liaison (TL) as identified below. As used herein, "technical direction" is defined as direction to the contractor that fills in details, suggests possible lines of approach, or otherwise supplements the scope of the work set forth herein and shall not constitute a new assignment, and does not supersede or modify any article or clause of this contract.

(b) The Technical Liaison is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government. Only a warranted Contracting Officer is authorized to obligate funds on this or any other contract action.

(c) The contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing if the Technical Liaison has taken an action (or fails to take action) or issues direction (written or oral) that the contractor considers to exceed the above limitations.

(d) The Technical Liaison assigned for this contract is: (The Technical Liaison will be determined at the time of award)

Telephone: [xxx] U.S. Geological Survey Address and MS: [xxx]

(e) Only the Contracting Officer may designate a new Technical Liaison.

GS0301 General Requirements. (Jul 2001)

The Contractor shall furnish all facilities, labor, and materials to provide goods/services in accordance with the terms and conditions herein and the specifications set forth above, entitled “Statement of Work, pages 12-16.”

GS0901 Place of Delivery (JUL 2001)

All products shall be delivered FOB Destination to the following address:

U.S. Geological Survey Wisconsin Water Science Center

8505 Research Way Middleton, WI 53562

Attn: To be determined at time of award

Receiving hours for deliveries to the loading dock are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding U.S. government holidays.

GS0919 Legal Holidays (JAN 2002)

The following legal holidays are observed by this Government agency:

New Year's Day January 01 Martin Luther King's Birthday 3rd Monday in January Presidents Day 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth June 19 Independence Day July 04 Labor Day 1st Monday in September Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October Veterans Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25

When a holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on the adjacent Friday or Monday, respectively.

GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds (MAY 2013)

The contractor shall submit all invoices under the award no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance has expired, unless a request for extension has been submitted to the Contracting Officer.

After 120 days has passed since the expiration of the performance period, the government reserves the right to issue a unilateral modification deobligating any unexpended funds, and to initiate closeout procedures.

GS1364 Nonpersonal Services and Supervision of Contractor’s Employees (SEP 2017)

a. This contract is a “nonpersonal services contract” as defined in FAR 37.101. It is therefore, understood and agreed that the contractor and/or the contractor’s employees:

(1) shall perform the services specified herein as independent contractors, not as employees of the government;

(2) shall request clarification in writing from the Contracting Officer if the Contractor finds it necessary with respect to the scope of services to be performed or the manner in which the services are to be performed hereunder;

(3) shall be responsible for their own management and administration of the work required and bear sole responsibility for complying with any and all technical, schedule, or financial requirements or constraints attendant to the performance of this contract;

(4) shall be free from supervision, direction or control by any government employee with respect to the manner or method of performance of the services specified; but

(5) shall comply with such general direction of the Contracting Officer (or the duly authorized representative) pursuant to the government’s right and obligation to inspect, accept or reject the work as is necessary to ensure accomplishment of the contract objectives.

(6) shall not be at any time during the contract period employees of the U.S. Government.

b. The contractor's employees and subcontractors must make clear, in dealings with the public, federal employees, or other contractors that they are not federal employees. To minimize possible confusion, contractors and subcontractors are not permitted to wear clothing or other items (apart from official identity credential) bearing the name, logo, or seal of the U.S. Geological Survey while performing work under this contract.

GS1396 Release of Information (JUL 2001)

(a) Disclosure of information gained as a result of work performed under this contract shall be accomplished according to U.S. Geological Survey procedures or through USGS channels. As used in this clause, the term "information" includes raw data, data derivative there from, and analysis or interpretations thereof, regardless of form. The term includes data developed or acquired by the contractor during performance of this contract, including analysis of samples provided by the Government and samples or recordings made by the contractor during contract performance.

b) The contractor hereby agrees not to disclose such information to the public or to unauthorized parties without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. This restriction does not apply to releases of information to subcontractors (including consultants) as necessary for successful performance of the contract, provided (1) such information is of no commercial value to the subcontractor, and (2) the subcontractor agrees to be bound by the restrictions in this clause.

(c) After the contents of the contractor's final report have been made public by the Government, further releases of information may be made by the contractor, except for information subject to restrictions imposed elsewhere in this contract, if any. All releases must also comply with any additional restrictions which have been determined necessary by the Contracting Officer and provided to the contractor in writing.

(d) News releases pertaining to work under this contract shall not be made at any time without the approval and involvement of the cognizant Government Public Information Office.

GS1406 Confidentiality of Data (OCT 2005)

(a) The work under this contract requires access to proprietary, business confidential, or financial data of other companies and/or USGS internal scientific, planning or procurement sensitive/source selection data, which, if released to third parties may give unfair business, technical, or competitive advantages. As long as such data remains proprietary or confidential, the contractor shall protect such data from unauthorized use and disclosure and agrees not to use it to compete with such companies or for any purpose other than performance of this contract.

(b) This data may be in various forms, such as documents, raw photographic films, magnetic or digital media, photographic prints, computer system data, or it may be interpretative results derived from analysis, investigative, or study effort. Regardless of the form of this data, the contractor agrees that neither it nor any of its employees will disclose to third parties any such data, or derivatives thereof, except as may be required in the performance of this contract. Further, the contractor will not copy any of this data, or derivatives thereof, other than as necessary for the performance of this contract.

(c) The contractor will establish policies and procedures to implement the substance of this clause at the individual employee level which will assure that affected employees are made aware of the contract provision and the contractor's implementing policies and procedures. Particular attention will be given to keeping employees advised of statutes and regulations applicable to the handling of third party confidential or financial data.

(d) This clause does not preclude the contractor and/or its employees from independently acquiring and using data from legitimate sources outside of this contract, or from performing and using independent analysis of data so acquired, provided that the contractor and/or its employees fully document the source of such data, and the independence of any such analysis.

(e) The Contractor shall immediately notify, in writing, the Contracting Officer in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

(f) The contractor will insert the substance of this clause in each subcontract hereunder (other than for purchase of supplies or equipment) unless the Contracting Officer has waived this requirement, in writing, as to particular subcontracts or classes of subcontracts.

(g) Any unauthorized disclosure of information may result in termination of this contract for cause.

GS1440 Wage Determination Applicable (JUL 2001)

This requirement is subject to the Service Contract Act of l965, as amended. The wage determination will be determined at the time of award and will be incorporated thereto.

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items. (JUL 2021)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (JUL 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (AUG 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.203-19#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-23#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-25#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.209-10#FAR_52_209_10 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-3#FAR_52_233_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.233-4#FAR_52_233_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3

__ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUNE 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUN 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

_X_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X_ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the…