Sol_140G0224R0001.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

GDB

DENVER CO 80225-0046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

PO BOX 25046

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

0006441305 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

541380

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORGDB

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

03/11/2024 1200 MD

02/09/2024

303-236-9321Jennifer Rollin (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140G0224R0001

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 77 0040646936OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

Denver CO 80225 DFC Bldg 95 E3 USGS National Water Quality Lab

15. DELIVER TO

DENVER CO 80225-0046

204 DENVER FEDERAL CENTER

PO BOX 25046

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USGS OAG DENVER ACQUISITION BRANCH

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Chemical and Geotechnical Analytical Testing Services.

1. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP). This solicitation will utilize the policies contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (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 15, Contracting by Negotiation, when applicable

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

Karen La Bouff-Kind

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

for this acquisition.

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

2024-02 Effective Date 1/22/2024.

3. The solicitation is set aside for small business. The North American Industry

Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380 -

Testing Laboratories. The small business standard is $19M.

4. Offers providing less than 90 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and rejected.

5. Offerors are required to be registered in

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

52.204-7(b)(1).

Period of Performance: 04/22/2024 to 04/21/2029

00010 Chemical and Geotechnical Analyses

Commercial service, non-personal to provide all

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

77 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 77

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

140G0224R0001 plant, equipment, supervision, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Chemical and Geotechnical Analyses in accordance with the attached performance work statement, terms and conditions, and appendices.

This line item represents a five (5) year period

Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

Contract.

Product/Service Code: B529

Product/Service Description: SPECIAL

STUDIES/ANALYSIS- SCIENTIFIC DATA

Delivery: 04/21/2029

00020 Chemical and Geotechnical Analyses

Commercial service, non-personal to provide all plant, equipment, supervision, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Chemical and Geotechnical Analyses in accordance with the attached performance work statement, terms and conditions, and appendices.

This line item represents an option for up to six

(6) months extension in accordance with FAR

52.217-8.

Product/Service Code: B529

Product/Service Description: SPECIAL

STUDIES/ANALYSIS- SCIENTIFIC DATA

Delivery: 01/13/2025

Period of Performance: 04/22/2029 to 10/21/2029

No funds are obligated by this contract. All funds shall be obligated by individual task/delivery orders citing applicable fiscal year and accounting data when issued.

Type of Award: Firm-Fixed Price

Solicitation POC:

Contract Specialist: Jenn Rollin, jrollin@usgs.gov

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

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Chemical and Geotechnical Analysis Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0001

Contents Performance Work Statement Contract Type Schedule of Items and Prices Estimated Quantities Clauses 52.212-5 Contract Terms And Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders— Commercial Items. (Dec 2023) 52.216-18 Ordering (Aug 2020) 52.216-19 Ordering Limitations (Oct 1995) 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) GS0301 General Requirements (Jul 2001) GS0339 Green/Sustainable Acquisition (Jul 2018) GS0912 Effective Periods of Contract – Ordering (Jul 2001) GS0916 Period for Exercise of Option to Extend Services (Jul 2001) GS1101 Contract Administrative Office (Jul 2001) GS1131 Unilateral De-obligation of Unexpended Funds (May 2013) GS1330 Key Personnel (Jul 2001) GS1352 Restriction (Jul 2001) GS1364 Non-Personal Services – Supervision of Contractor Employees (Sep 2017) GS1397 Contractor Reports (Jul 2002) GS1406 Confidentiality of Data (Oct 2005) GS1430 Ordering Authority and Procedures (Jul 2001) GS1431 Contract Maximum (Jul 2001) GS1432 Contract Guaranteed Minimum (Jan 2020) GS1440 Wage Determination Applicable (Jul 2001) GS1446 Not-to-Exceed Instructions (Jun 2014) DIAR 1401.670 Contracting Officer’s Representative (Apr 2015) DIAR 1452.201-70 Authorities and Delegations (Sept 2011) DOI-AAAP-0050 Contractor’s Performance Assessment Reporting System (Dec 2015) DOI Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (Apr 2013) Invoicing and Payment Requirements (For Foreign Entities not registered in SAM.gov) Provisions 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (Aug 2020) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law (Feb 2016) 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) Basis of Award – Best Value Evaluation Process 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) 52.215-6 Place of Performance (Oct 1997) 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984) 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations (Mar 2023) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (Feb 1999)

Request for Proposal - 140G0224R0001

52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (Apr 1984) 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) GS2101 Inquiries (Feb 2007) GS2150 Proposal Format and Submission Instructions (Aug 2001) GS2160 Non-Price/Technical Proposal Instructions (Sep 2008) GS2182 Price Proposal Instructions (Aug 2001) GS2301 Single Award (Aug 2001) GS2320 Evaluation Factors (Mar 2019) Question Submission Proposal Submission Attachments: Appendices A-F

Performance Work Statement General Chemistry - Chemical and Geotechnical Analyses of Environmental Samples

1.0 Introduction and Background:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Resources Mission Area (WMA), through the National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL), conducts various types of scientific projects and has an obligation to provide chemical analyses of environmental matrixes, to include waters, sediments, suspended material, sludge, soil, and tissues or extracts from plants or animals, for chemical constituents. The use of standard analytical methods from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Public Health Association (APHA), or Standard Methods (SM) for legally defensible data meeting strict quality control standards are required for the examination of water, soils, sediments, tissues and wastewater in accordance with the terms and conditions herein and the specifications set forth. The Contractor and subcontractors shall provide analytical services, supplies and deliverables for chemical and geotechnical analyses of environmental samples collected for USGS projects. The analytical results from these samples will be used by the USGS in support of scientific and regulatory investigations and monitoring of project sites located throughout the United States.

The purpose of this contract is to obtain services as described in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) for:

(1) analysis of general chemistry and geotechnical environmental samples collected by USGS to study environmental contamination on waters, sediments, solids, and tissues.

(2) establish requirements to meet USGS data-quality objectives.

(3) documentation, data, metadata, and technical support for data users. The contract will specify the analytical services with analytes, methods, schedules, and metrics to be used to evaluate successful performance.

2.0 Scope:

The Contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, and facilities in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications set forth herein that are required for the chemical analyses. The Contractor is responsible for enforcing all terms and conditions applicable to their contract on all subcontracted vendors. All required instruments and/or equipment, shall be purchased, set-up, verified and approved for performance for the requested analyses, and on-line prior to award of contract or prior to the analysis of environmental samples from the USGS under this contract. If the Government determines at any time during the contract performance that property or services shall be provided, such Government furnished property or services shall be provided and documented by issuance of a contract modification.

The contracting laboratory is to follow the 40 CFR requirements, the USEPA Certification for Drinking Water, and maintain a successful accreditation with National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and/or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025. Analytical services may be requested by the USGS for other regulatory-type projects located throughout the United States.

Mandatory terms of this PWS are as follows:

1. The government intends to order from the Contractor non-personal, commercial analytical services specified herein for the USGS WMA, National Water Quality Laboratory (hereafter

USGS NWQL) for chemical and geotechnical analyses of environmental and associated quality-control samples. The samples are collected by USGS Water Science Centers (WSCs) and other USGS customers for projects funded in part or in whole by WMA appropriated funding, WSC appropriated and reimbursable funding, and funding from other Federal and State agencies, and require the use of USEPA methods or other standardized published analytical methods to meet 40 CFR regulatory-level and project-specific analysis and quality-control requirements, and data deliverables. This PWS excludes specialized analyses for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and constituents necessary for understanding potentially harmful algal blooms (HABs) for which deviations to standard methods, such as non-routine extractions, preparation steps, method modifications, or non-standard documentation or data delivery formats are required.

2. Subcontracting is allowed at one and only one additional level, and the subcontracted laboratory shall be held to the same requirements as the primary/awarded contract laboratory in order to maintain the consistency of the testing. The Contractor shall be responsible for enforcing all terms and conditions applicable to their contract on all subcontracted vendors. (Refer to USGS Local Clause GS1352-Subcontracting Restrictions). The offeror must perform at least 50% of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities.

3. The Contractor shall provide method documentation in the form of citable reference(s) and/or standard operating procedure(s) as described in the Methods of Analysis section, and the Contractor shall provide demonstration data showing capability of meeting quality-control requirements and performance criteria, as described in and sections for Internal and External Quality Controls, prior to performing analyses of environmental samples under this contract;

these requirements also apply if the work is subcontracted.

3.0 Technical Requirements:

3.1 Use specified analytical methods to perform analysis of environmental samples.

3.1.1 The Contractor shall use analytical methods specified in Appendix A - Pricing Schedule for the analysis of environmental samples collected for USGS projects. Each analyte/method pair offered by the contracting lab or subcontracting lab shall adhere to the proficiency testing requirements described in 40 CFR, at a minimum an annual successful Proficiency Testing (PT) for the analyte/method pair shall be always maintained by the contract lab. Final audit/certification reports shall be sent to the USGS NWQL Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within ten (10) business days of receipt. Should a provisional permit be issued to the contract lab by the primary/auditing body for any analyte/method pair, the contracting lab shall notify the COR in writing describing the reason for lapse in certification and the proposal to correct the findings as well as date of expected completion. Upon resolving the issue and obtaining full certification by the primary agency/accrediting body such certificate shall be made available to the COR within six (6) months.

The analytical methods listed in Appendix A - Pricing Schedule are USEPA analytical methods or other published, standardized analytical methods used commonly for the analysis of environmental samples of water, soil, wastewater, sediment, or tissue. It is estimated that at least 90 percent of the analyses for USGS projects will request analytical methods and procedures specified in the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule of the contract. Formal (published or promulgated) updates or revisions to existing analytical methods and associated analytical method numbers included in the Appendix A -

Pricing Schedule may occur during the period of this contract. The Contractor shall inform in writing within five (5) business days to the COR and Contracting Officer (CO) when there are updates or revisions to the analytical methods and associated method numbers listed in the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule.

3.1.2 Within the general scope of this contract, it may be necessary to modify existing analytical methods specified in the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule to meet specific data quality objectives, quality assurance project plans, or Department of Defense, USEPA, or other regulatory requirements for specific USGS projects. The Contractor shall discuss this with the COR and receive formal COR approval in advance before modifications to analytical methods or procedures specified in the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule are used for USGS projects. Use and cost of modified analytical methods and procedures shall be the subject of negotiations between the Government and Contractor.

In the event the modified analytical methods and procedures require changes to the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule, only the CO is authorized to negotiate with the contractor.

3.1.3 Because of the need to meet project-specific requirements, Federal and State requirements, new USEPA requirements, or new technology, there may be situations where USGS projects will need to request analytical methods not listed specifically in the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule. The Contractor shall discuss this with the COR and receive formal COR approval in advance and in writing before analytical methods or procedures not specified in the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule are used for USGS projects. Cost of these miscellaneous analytical methods and procedures shall be the subject of negotiations between the CO and Contractor. In the event miscellaneous analytical methods and procedures require changes to the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule, only the CO is authorized to make changes to the contract.

3.1.4 The Government may seek consideration for Unacceptable Performance if the USGS is required to recollect samples or if the analyses are determined to be unacceptable based on the project data quality objectives or regulatory-program requirements. Analyses of the recollected samples by approved methods shall be completed within the specified holding-time limits and shall be at no cost to the Government. In the event the Contractor performs unrequested analyses and require recollection of samples, the Government is not responsible for the incurred costs outside of the contract requirements.

3.2 Perform requested analyses of USGS environmental samples sent to Contractor.

3.2.1 The environmental samples to be analyzed by the Contractor shall be collected by the USGS to meet project objectives or regulatory-program requirements and will be sent to the Contractor as they are collected. Sample collection and shipment will vary in both quantity and type of analyses needed.

Field quality-control samples such as ambient blanks, equipment blanks, field-spiked samples, and trip blanks are to be treated and tested as environmental samples under the scope of this contract.

3.2.2 Advance notice of planned sampling schedules for a given Government fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for individual USGS projects will be provided to the Contractor by the COR, if adequate information is available to the COR. Every effort will be made by the COR to provide this information to the Contractor by the end of November. Sampling schedules for new projects or modifications for existing projects will be provided to the Contractor as soon as possible.

3.2.3 The Government will make a best effort to provide advance notice at least a week ahead of sample-container order and sample shipments will be provided to the Contractor by each COR by email. Typically, when sample containers are ordered by the COR, planned sample collection schedules will be provided to the Contractor. In some cases, sample collection may be based on specific climatic, hydrological, or logistical conditions and advance notice for sample collection and shipment may be limited.

3.2.4 Some samples collected by the USGS may contain hazardous materials. The concentrations of hazardous materials in any sample are expected to be low (micrograms to milligrams per liter levels for aqueous samples); however, some samples may contain concentrations high enough to be harmful, and all samples shall be handled with appropriate safety procedures to minimize exposure to personnel. The USGS will attempt to keep the Contractor informed of the samples that may contain high concentrations of such materials. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to take the appropriate safety precautions to ensure the safety of employees in the event that a sample does contain unexpectedly high concentrations of hazardous materials.

3.2.5 The Contractor shall obtain the appropriate approval and permits from the Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture to be able to handle the soil samples collected by the USGS from outside the continental United States (CONUS) or from regulated areas within the United States. Disposal of any remaining sample and sample extracts shall meet regulatory guidelines and is the responsibility of the Contractor.

3.2.6 The analytical requirements and the number of sample containers for each environmental sample shall depend upon the analytical needs of each USGS project. The specific analyses requested for each sample sent to the Contractor will be documented on an analytical services request (ASR) form, commonly used in most cases lieu of a chain-of custody (COC) record form sent by the USGS with the environmental samples; see Appendix E – Analytical Services Request (ASR) Form for an example of filled ASR for a template of a blank ASR form. The Contractor shall perform all the specific analyses of environmental samples that are properly requested and documented on the COC form.

3.2.7 The Contractor shall notify daily and within 72 hours to the USGS COR of samples received the previous business day and indicate issues with the ASR information and/or samples. If sample analyses are properly requested and documented on a COC form but are not analyzed by the Contractor, the Contractor shall notify the COR in writing with the reason (lost sample due to accident, etc.) and consideration for Unacceptable Performance will be requested if USGS is required to recollect samples. Analysis of the recollected samples shall be completed within the specified holding-time limits and shall be at no cost to the Government. Excessive failures to test sample(s) due to Contractor lab accident >10% within a given quarter, the Government may request a corrective action plan of the Contractor’s current processes and how the improvements will be made to avoid excessive failures.

3.2.8 In most cases, the environmental samples will be sent to the Contractor directly from the USGS project sites through an overnight delivery service. The samples will be delivered to the Contractor within 24 to 48 hours of sample collection for the Contractor to meet holding-times requirements.

The samples shall be in the appropriate sample bottles, properly preserved and labeled, and generally shipped in sample coolers with sufficient ice to maintain integrity. The Contractor shall be accountable for all the USGS samples received at their laboratory facilities and shall notify the COR before the quantity exceeds 60% of the contract ceiling. The Contractor shall be available Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays) 8AM to 5PM, Contractor’s Local Time to receive sample shipments. Coolers that are property of the USGS and are used for sample shipment to the Contractor shall be returned to the designated address within ten (10) business days of receipt at the Contractor 's expense that may be included with the cost of the analysis. Samples may also be shipped in sampling kits and coolers provided by the Contractor. The USGS NWQL or WSCs will return coolers belonging to the Contractor within ten (10) business days at the Government’s expense.

3.2.9 The USGS staff will assign a unique station identification (ID) number to each environmental sample sent with an ASR and this sample ID number will be documented on each sample bottle label. The unique sample ID number assigned by the USGS shall be used by the Contractor on all records, analytical reports, and deliverables pertaining to the sample. The Contractor shall maintain an internal tracking system to always ensure accountability of the samples and data.

3.2.10 The Contractor shall properly document the custody of USGS samples on the ASR form by recording the date, time, cooler temperature upon sample receipt and note any problems with the condition of the samples received. The signature of person receiving custody of the samples shall also be included on the ASR. The Contractor shall enter into their Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) the station identification ID, the name of the person receiving custody of the samples, the status of custody seal, and the cooler temperature. The Contractor shall provide the Government access to our samples through their LIMS.

3.2.11 Upon receipt of the samples, the Contractor and all subcontractors shall complete the Appendix C - Daily Receipt Example and send to the COR the next business day by email. This log is to maintain a record of all samples received as well as condition of the samples and any issues with ASR such as analyses requested or other documentation, or potential difficulties performing requested analyses. The Contractor shall not incur costs above the obligated amount of the task order.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer when 60% percent of the task order capacity is reached.

3.2.12 The Daily Sample Receipt report shall include the date of receipt, the contract laboratory ID, work order number (if applicable), the USGS station ID number, date collected, time collected, method name, analyte name (lab schedule, when applicable), status of sample (A=acceptable, U=unacceptable), general comments, and non-conformance comments for unacceptable samples.

The Contractor shall also send the COR the following: (1) a copy of the sample confirmation report and (2) a copy of the USGS ASR/COC form, within a business day.

3.2.12.1 The Contractor shall require the delivery of the same report from its subcontractor in the same file, under a separate tab with the same information as the primary Contractor.

3.2.13 Samples analyzed by USEPA analytical methods or other published, standardized analytical methods shall be in compliance with 40 CFR and the requirements of those analytical methods.

3.2.14 The Contractor shall store all USGS samples and sample extracts at 4 ± 2 degrees Celsius until analysis, unless specified otherwise in the analytical-method documentation.

3.2.15 The unused portion of the sample remaining after completion of all analyses shall be properly stored by the Contractor for ninety (90) days following submission of the laboratory analytical-results report to the USGS NWQL. After ninety (90) days, both the sample and the sample container shall be disposed of properly at Contractor's expense. It shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all applicable regulations are followed in the disposal of samples, containers, and related chemicals. If the USGS will request return of a sample(s) prior to the expiration of the ninety (90)-day interval, they shall be returned at USGS’s expense in a manner that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

3.3 Perform analysis of environmental samples within holding-times specified by analytical method or procedure, or applicable regulatory program.

3.3.1 The Contractor shall analyze the environmental samples within the preparation and analysis holding-time limits specified by the analytical method or procedure.

3.3.2 If samples are not received by the Contractor within 24 to 48 hours of collection, and the Contractor cannot meet specified holding-time limits, the Contractor shall qualify the data produced.

3.3.3 If the Contractor knows in advance that sample analyses will not be completed within specified preparation or analysis holding-time limits, the Contractor shall discuss anticipated sample preparation or analysis delays with the COR within one (1) business day in writing. The USGS may request the Contractor to proceed with the analyses even though holding times cannot be met.

3.3.4 If sample analyses are not completed within specified holding-time limits due to errors or delays by the Contractor, refund for Unacceptable Performance can be requested. The USGS may instead recollect samples for the analyses determined to be unacceptable. Analyses of the recollected samples will be completed within the specified holding-time limits and shall be analyzed at no additional cost to the Government.

3.4 Provide analytical results of environmental sample analyses in specified reporting limits, reporting conditions, and reporting units.

3.4.1 The Contractor shall determine method detection limits (MDLs) for the target analytes for the analytical methods listed in Appendix D - Methods with Reporting Requirements. In most cases, MDLs will be established using procedures and requirements as described in 40 CFR 136 Appendix B- Electronic Data Delivery (EDD) file example. The Contractor is to report MDL values for all analytes reported every twelve (12) months, see Appendix D - Methods with Reporting Requirements. Additionally, associated documentation supporting the establishment of the MDLs, such as chromatograms and calculations, shall be made available to the USGS COR upon request.

3.4.2 The Contractor shall use reporting limits (RLs) for USGS sample analyses that are commonly referred to as practical quantitation limits (PQLs). PQLs are identified as the lowest reporting level that can be reliably achieved within specified limits of precision and accuracy during routine laboratory operating conditions. In most cases, PQLs are based on method detection limits established for individual analytes. Established RLs for individual analytes shall be made available to the USGS COR upon request. The Contractor shall notify the COR of any changes in the existing or established RLs for any of the target analytes for the methods listed in Appendix D - Methods with Reporting Requirements.

3.4.3 Project-specific reporting limits (PSRLs) may be required for some USGS projects when applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs), maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), or project-specific data quality objectives (DQOs) are required. In advance of sample delivery to the Contractor, the COR will notify the Contractor if PSRLs are needed for a USGS project.

3.4.4 Unless notified in advance by the COR to not perform this requirement, the Contractor shall report analytical results of USGS sample analyses down to the established MDLs for the individual target analytes for the analytical methods listed in Appendix D - Methods with Reporting Requirements. The Contractor shall include the established RLs with the analytical results for each target analyte analyzed. The appropriate MDLs for each target analyte analyzed also shall be reported either with the analytical results. All analytical values reported below the established RL, and at or above the MDL, shall be qualified by the Contractor with some type of flag code such as “J” and documented as an “estimated result” or similar comment. Results will be reported in two Tab Delimited text files also known as qwresult.txt and qwsample.txt files, see Appending B - Electronic Data Delivery (EDD) for an example of this deliverable.

3.4.5 Some USGS projects may require that the analytical results of sample analyses are not reported below the established RLs. In advance of sample delivery to the Contractor, the COR will request that the Contractor not report analytical results below the established RL.

3.4.6 The Contractor shall report all analytical results of solid-sample analyses on a wet-weight basis unless notified in advance by the COR. A moisture content determination shall be completed and reported with all solid-sample analyses.

3.4.7 The Contractor shall use the specified reporting units to be discussed after the contract is awarded.

3.4.8 Other reporting units may be required to meet project-specific or regulatory requirements for some USGS projects. For example, some metal analytical results may need to be reported as milligrams per liter (mg/L). For selected low-level analyses, other measurement units such as nanograms per liter (ng/L) may be needed depending on the analytical methods used, project data quality objectives, or regulatory requirements. Other reporting or measurement units usually specified by the analytical method or procedure will be used for other physical/chemical determinations (such as specific conductance and turbidity) and geotechnical analyses.

3.5 Provide analytical results of environmental sample analyses and other required data results in specified data deliverables.

3.5.1 The Contractor shall provide the analytical results of USGS samples and other specified and associated data results for analyses in the following data deliverables:

(1) analytical-results report (PDF)

(2) raw-data report (Microsoft Excel or CSV)

(3) two electronic data deliverable (EDD) files (TXT).

Data deliverables for geotechnical analytical results shall include similar analytical report and EDD files. Unless requested in advance for specific USGS projects, all the data deliverables shall be sent to the COR. These specified data deliverables shall be included in Appendix A – Pricing Schedule for the analytical methods. The above files are required to be included.

The Contractor shall be able to produce the following elements in routine analytical results reports:

a) Cover page including client name and address, client designated individual receiving the report, laboratory name and address, project name/number, laboratory order #, date received, date reported, number of samples received, notes applicable to the type of samples, signature, and title of reviewer.

b) Title and Laboratory Order #

c) Sample Identification Contract Lab ID

d) USGS Station ID

e) Date of Collection

f) Time of Collection

g) Matrix

h) Air Volume Information – where applicable

i) Test Name

j) Method Name References

k) Analytes Reported and Reporting Units

l) Final Results including surrogate recoveries and control limits – where applicable.

m) Detection Limits: LOQ percent recovery, Reporting Limit, and MDL.

n) Method blank concentration

o) Date and Time Analyzed

p) Analyst

q) Dilution Factor

r) Qualifier Flags

s) Page Numbers

t) Chain of Custody Record

u) Definitions

v) Quality Control summary that includes, where applicable, the results, percent recovery and control limits for; Method blanks, Laboratory Control Samples (secondary source standards), Matrix Spike/Matrix Spike Duplicates (RSD percent recovery), Duplicate samples (where applicable), and other QC samples such as ICV,CCV, ICB, CCB, Dilution, etc.

w) Sample Summary

x) Dates Report – Includes preparation, extraction and analysis dates for holding time verification.

y) Case Narrative

3.5.2 If requested by the COR, the specified data deliverables shall be prepared by the Contractor based on a sample delivery group (SDG). An SDG usually consists of a set of environmental samples (commonly of the same matrix and processed/analyzed using the same methods, procedures, reagents, and standards within the same time period) from one USGS project that is received by the Contractor on a single day. An SDG shall be assigned a unique SDG number by the Contractor. For some USGS projects, an SDG may include samples received by the Contractor over multiple days.

In advance of sample delivery to the Contractor, the COR will notify the Contractor if samples that are shipped to the Contractor over multiple days need to be batched into one SDG. The above procedure for an SDG remains the same as other routine samples.

3.5.3 For each order, the Contractor shall provide the analytical results of the environmental samples and associated laboratory QC results and data on an EDD file in one standard text format (spreadsheet compatible) and if needed, one additional format may be required by mutual agreement between USGS and the Contractor to meet the needs of data-system requirements. The type of data needed on the EDD files will be determined by the format needed. Additional EDD files in other optional formats may be requested for specific USGS projects with applicable charges as per the Appendix A - Pricing Schedule. The Contractor shall have the capability to generate EDD files of the analytical results for each order in the following required EDD file formats:

(a) The current version of the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) format for entering data into the water-quality system.

(b) The current version of the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence Environmental Resources Program Information Management System (ERPIMS). Specifications for the data-record names, codes, record (field) size, and other applicable information required for the EDD standard text format and the EDD file formats (NWIS, Department of Defense Earth Science Program (DODESP)) will be provided to the Contractor by the COR.

3.5.4 If requested by a USGS project, the Contractor shall provide an additional copy of the analytical-results report and raw-data report in a portable document format (PDF) file at no additional charge to the Government.

3.5.5 As requested by the COR, the Contractor shall provide the requested EDD files either via email, or other electronic file transfer protocol (FTP).

3.5.6 Advance notice about the type and number of the data deliverables required for individual USGS projects will be provided to the Contractor by the COR in some type of data-deliverable summary listing. If there are changes to the data-deliverable requirements for an individual USGS project, the COR will provide revised data-deliverable information to the Contractor within three (3) business days of notification.

3.5.7 Under certain circumstances, the USGS may require data deliverables to be prepared in formats equivalent to an USEPA contract laboratory program (CLP). Additional charges to prepare required data deliverables in the CLP format are subject to price negotiation upon need.

3.5.8 Under certain circumstances, the USGS may require data deliverables to be prepared in non-specified, custom formats to meet project-specific or regulatory needs. The COR will notify the Contractor in advance on any specialized, custom data deliverables needed for specific USGS projects. Use and cost of non-specified, custom data deliverables shall be negotiated between the Government and the Contractor.

3.6 Provide analytical results of environmental sample analyses and data deliverables within specified time schedules.

3.6.1 The Contractor shall complete the requested analyses and required data deliverables within 45 calendar days (not including contract-specified holidays). All prices for analyses listed in Appendix A - Pricing Schedule are based on a 45-day turn-around time (TAT). The Contractor shall notify the COR when work orders are completed. Files shall be submitted by email or for large files notification that retrieval from portal is available within 45 days after sample receipt.

Realistic TATs will be agreed upon after award for any and all emerging analyses between USGS and the Contractor. The Contractor will be held accountable for correct timely data, defined as data that are within quality-control limits and within accepted TATs, at Contractor’s expense. All requirements apply to subcontractors, and it is the responsibility of the primary contracting laboratory to meet contracted deliverables and to notify the Government immediately if deliverables cannot be met. If the Contractor is consistently late then the Government reserves the right to request consideration.

3.6.2 For emergency USGS projects, preliminary (before final review by Contractor) and final analytical results may be requested to be sent to the COR by email before the final data deliverables at no additional cost to the Government. If the files are too large to be delivered by email, it is acceptable to notify the COR that the results can be retrieved online.

3.6.3 If the Contractor cannot meet the standard TAT and the data deliverables will not be completed within specified time schedules, the Contractor shall formally notify the COR in writing within one (1) day, by email, of anticipated delays in the delivery of the data deliverables.

3.7 Perform all analytical services under an established and documented quality system with specified quality-control procedures and measures.

3.7.1 The Contractor and subcontractors shall perform all analytical services required in this contract under an established and well-documented quality system. The quality system shall meet or exceed requirements set forth in the 40 CFR, USEPA, accrediting body, and shall include quality assurance (QA) policies, quality-control (QC) procedures, and laboratory acceptance criteria used for data approval and release, which shall be described in the Contractor’s Laboratory Quality Manual (LQM) or similar QA document and followed to ensure and document the quality of the analytical data.

3.7.2 The LQM shall describe in detail the quality system implemented at individual laboratory facilities (for contract labs and subcontract labs) and shall be in compliance with published EPA approved methods with the USEPA Certification for Drinking Water requirements. Moreover, the LQM shall comply with the NELAP, or ISO17025 accreditation for general chemistry methods. The Contractor shall provide the COR a copy of the LQMs for all labs performing testing and updated copies if there are new revisions.

3.7.3 The Contractor shall prepare and use standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all methods and procedures performed in the laboratory facilities. SOPs shall provide clear and comprehensive directions for the step-by-step execution of an operation, procedure, or analysis. Copies of the SOPs shall be available to the COR upon request.

3.7.4 The Contractor shall have detailed written protocols. The Contractor shall apply and monitor the following essential quality-control measures:

(a) Positive and negative controls such as blanks and spikes to monitor analytical methods and results.

(b) Duplicate and replicate analyses to define and evaluate the variability and repeatability of the analytical results.

(c) Measures including initial calibration, continuing calibrations, use of certified reference materials, secondary source standards and proficiency test samples to ensure the accuracy of the analytical methods and results.

(d) Use of appropriate measures such as regression analysis, comparison to internal and external standard calculations, and other statistical analysis to reduce raw data to final analytical results.

3.7.5 The Contractor shall evaluate continually the quality-control measures and acceptance criteria used to assess the quality of the analytical results. Unless specified by regulatory program or project-specific requirements, the Contractor shall use historical data to statistically establish and continually re-evaluate the QC acceptance limits for individual analytical methods. If the laboratory-derived QC limits are less precise than the method-specified QC limits, the method-specified QC limits shall be used.

3.7.6 When USGS projects require regulatory-type compliance, the Contractor will be notified and shall follow the QC measures and data requirements specified by each program. For all other USGS projects not requiring specific regulatory-program compliance, the Contractor shall follow the QC data requirements and guidance for USEPA or other published, standardized analytical methods.

3.7.7 The Contractor shall analyze the appropriate laboratory QC samples, including method blanks, laboratory control samples, surrogate spikes, and matrix spikes with the analyses of all USGS environmental samples. At a minimum, the Contractor shall analyze the laboratory QC samples specified at the frequency indicated by the published analytical method or specified by the regulatory program. The Contractor may supplement the laboratory QC samples required by the analytical method to ensure accurate and precise data. For some USGS projects, other types of laboratory QC sample analyses also may be requested based on project-specific needs and requirements. The cost to analyze these project-specific, specialized QC samples shall be negotiated between the COR, CO and the Contractor and agreement shall be conducted in writing.

3.7.8 The Contractor shall analyze method blanks every 20 samples that are prepared, extracted or tested per matrix type for each analytical method a minimum of one within 24 hours. The method blank results are used to identify any potential interferences or contamination of the analytical system that may cause the reporting of elevated analyte concentrations or false positive data. Unless other criteria are specified by the regulatory program, project-specific requirements, or analytical method:

• Target analytes detected in the method blanks at values at or greater than the MDLs shall be reported, and the associated environmental and laboratory QC sample results shall be reported with appropriate data-qualifying codes.

• The presence of analytes in the method blanks at concentrations greater than the established reporting limits shall indicate the need for corrective action and reanalysis of the samples associated with the method blanks shall be performed before reporting the data. Unless required for a specific analytical method, no analytical results of USGS environmental samples shall be corrected for the presence of analytes detected in the method blanks.

3.7.9 The Contractor shall analyze laboratory control samples (LCS, secondary source standard) when applicable for the preparation or extraction of a batch of 20 or less samples per matrix type for each analytical method; except for analytes for which spiking solutions are not available and not requested by the published method such as total dissolved solids, pH, and turbidity. The results of the LCS analyses are used as a positive control to monitor the analytical method performance in terms of analytical accuracy. Whenever an analyte in a LCS does not meet the QC acceptance criteria, the problem shall be evaluated, and the analytical system restored to meet the acceptable criteria by the method before any USGS samples are analyzed and reported. If there is no more sample volume to conduct a repreparation and re-testing of the samples, the Contractor will report the data with the appropriate qualifier. If the samples shall be reanalyzed because the quality of the analytical results is compromised, the COR shall be informed of the problem as soon as possible so that the need to collect another sample can be evaluated. Excessive number of samples result in batches reported with LCS qualifiers are grounds for meeting with the COR to resolve the issue and might lead to a contract termination.

3.7.10 The Contractor shall analyze surrogate spikes for all organic chromatography methods in adherence with the published method, except when the published method does not require it. For non-published methods, the COR can approve not using them if the sample matrix precludes their use or when surrogate compounds are not available. Surrogates are added to the appropriate environmental samples and laboratory QC samples to monitor the success of sample preparation and the effects of sample composition on the accuracy of the analytical process on an individual sample basis.

3.7.11 The Contractor shall analyze one matrix spike (MS) and matrix spike duplicate (MSD) at the frequency required by the published method, typically every ten (10) samples. Exceptions apply in congruence with the published method requirements, for example total dissolved solids, pH, and turbidity. The results of the MS/MSD analyses are used as a positive control to monitor the effect of the sample matrix on the accuracy and precision of the analytical method performance. USGS projects may collect and designate environmental samples for matrix spiking. The MS/MSD are part of the routine QC required for methods; therefore, the price shall be included in the analytical method charge per analyte/sample. If the USGS does not designate the environmental samples to be matrix spiked, the MS/MSD samples selected by the Contractor shall be rotated among the environmental samples received so that various matrix problems may be evaluated or addressed.

3.7.11.1 The COR can request the matrix spike information such as spiking information: spike manufacturer, manufacturer lot number, certification date, expiration date, analyte(s) spiked, volume spiked, and the concentration spiked for each analyte from the Contractor.