Sol_140G0223Q0010.pdf

140G0223Q0010

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

11/30/2022 0040600279

1 54

PO BOX 25046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

DENVER CO 80225-0046

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

USGS

1 Gifford Pinchot Drive

Madison

WI 53726

303 236-9327Lisa Williams

12/12/2022 1430 MS

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.

1. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ). Submit written quotations on RFQ Number 140G0223Q0010. This solicitation will utilize the policies in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services, and in conjunction with the policies and procedures for evaluation, and award prescribed in FAR Part

13.1 Simplified Procedures, as appropriate for

this acquisition.

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)

140G0223Q0010

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

2022-08.

3. The solicitation is 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.

4. 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).

5. Please download attached Solicitation

140G02230010 for all Clauses and Provisions.

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 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: 56 samples X $______ per sample = Total

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)

140G0223Q0010

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Period of Performance: 12/19/2022 to 12/18/2023

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: 20 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Period of Performance: 12/19/2022 to 12/18/2023

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

4 54

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140G0223Q0010 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: 14 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

Period of Performance: 12/19/2022 to 12/18/2023

00040 Option 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.

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: 56 samples X $______ per sample = Total

5 54

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140G0223Q0010

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

12/16/2024

Period of Performance: 12/19/2023 to 12/18/2024

00050 Option 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)

12/16/2024

Period of Performance: 12/19/2023 to 12/18/2024

00060 Option 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

6 54

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140G0223Q0010

(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: 14 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

12/16/2024

Period of Performance: 12/19/2023 to 12/18/2024

00070 Option 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 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:

7 54

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140G0223Q0010

1. Water: 12 samples X $______ per sample = Total

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

12/15/2025

Period of Performance: 12/19/2024 to 12/18/2025

00080 Option 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: 10 samples X $______ per sample =

Total $_____

Anticipated Award Type: Firm-fixed-price

(Option Line Item)

12/15/2025

Period of Performance: 12/19/2024 to 12/18/2025

00090 Option 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.

8 54

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140G0223Q0010

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)

12/15/2025

Period of Performance: 12/19/2024 to 12/18/2025

Request for Quotation (RFQ) 140G0223Q0010

Table of Contents

Statement of Work DOI ELECTRONIC INVOICING Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (April 2013) GS0231 Technical Liaison -Technical Direction (JUL 2018) GS0301 General Requirements. (Jul 2001) GS0339 Green Acquisition (JUL 2018) GS1101 Contract Administration Office. (JUL 2001) GS1131 Unilateral Deobligation of Unexpended Funds. (MAY 2013) GS1329 Interpretation of Contract Requirements. (JUL 2001) GS1338 Notice to the Government of Delays (JUL 2001) GS1364 Nonpersonal Services and Supervision of Contractor’s Employees (SEP 2017) 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 Products and Commercial Services. (OCT 2022) 52.217-9 Option To Extend the Term of the Contract. (MAR 2000)

LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998) GS2101 Inquiries (FEB 2007) 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror. (AUG 2020) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) 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) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

(OCT 2022)

52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations. (OCT 2022) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. (FEB 1999) 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance. (APR 1984) Evaluation Factors Basis for Award Quotation Instructions Electronic Submission of Quotations - Required Questions - Cutoff 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998)

Clauses:

Statement of Work

1. Introduction:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water Science Center (UMid-WSC), Madison, 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 must provide specified laboratory services relating to microplastics analysis in water, sediment, and air media. The Contractor must 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 must 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 must 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 must 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 must be an ISO17025 accredited laboratory specializing in microanalysis of particles.

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

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

4.3 The laboratory must 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 must 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 must routinely analyze particles by confocal Raman microspectrophotometry down to approximately 1 micrometer.

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

4.8 The laboratory must 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 must 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 must, 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 must 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 must 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 must 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 must switch to materials and supplies free of microplastics.

5. Deliverables

5.1 After receipt of samples delivered to their premises for analysis, the laboratory must be accountable for all samples received. During the log-in process, the laboratory must 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 must notify the technical liaison immediately.

5.2 The laboratory must 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 must 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 must 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 must 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 must 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 must provide clear and comprehensive directions for the step-by-step execution of each processing and analytical technique used for each media. SOP’s must 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 must 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 must establish a system of security and safeguarding that must prevent analytical data, which must be government property, from being released to unauthorized persons.

(End of Statement of Work)

DOI ELECTRONIC INVOICING 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 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.

GS0231 Technical Liaison -Technical Direction (JUL 2018)

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 added at the time of award)

Telephone: [xxx] Email: [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, supervision, labor, and materials to provide goods/services in accordance with the terms and conditions herein and the specifications set forth below, entitled “Statement of Work, pages 10-14.”

GS0339 Green Acquisition (JUL 2018)

The USGS is committed to promoting the natural environment and protecting the health and well-being of people. In the performance of work under this contract, the Contractor shall exert its best efforts to provide services in a manner that will promote the natural environment and protect health and well-being. Green purchasing or environmentally preferable contracting includes the initiatives described below:

Alternative Fuels and Vehicles are described at http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/

Biobased Products are described at http://www.biopreferred.gov/

Energy efficient products are described at http://energystar.gov/products for Energy Star products and at http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement for FEMP designated products.

Environmentally Preferable Computers are described at http://www.epeat.net

Significant New Alternatives Program (SNAP) are described at http://www.epa.gov/snap/overview-snap

The Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines promote the use of recovered and recycled products at https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program

Water efficient products and services are described at https://www.epa.gov/watersense

GS1101 Contract Administration Office. (JUL 2001)

(a) This contract will be administered by:

U.S. Geological Survey http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ http://www.biopreferred.gov/ http://energystar.gov/products http://www.epeat.net/ http://www.epa.gov/snap/overview-snap https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program https://www.epa.gov/watersense

Denver Federal Center Denver Acquisition Branch

Attn: Lisa Williams P.O. Box 25046, MS 204 Denver, CO 80225-0046 Telephone: (303) 236-9327 Fax: (303) 236-5859 Email: ldwilliams@usgs.gov

(b) Written communications to the Administrative Contracting Officer shall make reference to the contract number and shall be mailed to the above address.

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.

GS1329 Interpretation of Contract Requirements. (JUL 2001)

No interpretation of any provision of this contract, including applicable specifications, shall be binding on the Government unless furnished or agreed to in writing by the Contracting Officer.

GS1338 Notice to the Government of Delays (JUL 2001)

In the event the contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when it anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or date, or whenever the contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the contractor shall immediately notify the contracting officer and the COR (if one has been designated), in writing, giving pertinent details. This data shall be informational only in character.

Notice under this provision shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date or of any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

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;

mailto:ldwilliams@usgs.gov

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 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, while performing work under this contract, contractor employees are required to identify themselves as such when attending meetings, in email and other correspondence, in documents or reports produced, and when working in situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties. Further, 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.

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 Products and Commercial Services. (OCT 2022)

(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 products and commercial services:

(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 (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115- 91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (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 products and commercial services:

☐(1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020), with Alternate I (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

☐(2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (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.)

☒(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).

☒(8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

☐(9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

☐(10) [Reserved].

☐(11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C.

657a).

☐(12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C.

657a).

☐(13) [Reserved]

☐(14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

☐(15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

☐(16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

☐(17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

☐(iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

☐(iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

☐(v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9.

☐(18) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

☐(19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637s).

☐(20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

☐(21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

☒(22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C.

632(a)(2)).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-28.

☐(23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

☐(24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole-Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

☐(25) 52.219-32, Orders Issued Directly Under Small Business Reserves (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C.

644(r)).

☐(26) 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(17)).

☒(27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) (E.O.11755).

☒(28) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2022) (E.O.13126).

☒(29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

☒(30) (i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) (E.O.11246).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.

☐(31) (i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-35.

☒(32) (i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jul 2014) of 52.222-36.

☐(33) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

☐(34) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

☒(35) (i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2021) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

☐(36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (May 2022) (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial products or commercial services as prescribed in FAR 22.1803.)

☐(37) (i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

☐(ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

☐(38) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(39) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(40) (i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.

☐(41) (i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jun2014) of 52.223-14.

☐(43) (i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.

☒(44) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Jun 2020) (E.O. 13513).

☐(45) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(46) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun2016) (E.O. 13693).

☐(47) (i) 52.224-3 Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552 a).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

☐(48) (i) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).

☐(ii) Alternate I (Oct 2022) of 52.225-1.

☐(49) (i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (Oct 2022) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C.

4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110- 138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.

☐(ii) Alternate I (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

☐(iii) Alternate II (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

☐(iv) Alternate III (Jan 2021) of 52.225-3.

☐(v) Alternate IV (Oct 2022) of 52.225-3.

☐(50) 52.225-5,…