SOL-CI-15-00011_Attch_1_PWS.pdf

SOL-CI-15-00011 Attachment 1

Attachment 1

Performance Work Statement

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING,

AND MODELING SUPPORT III (STREAMS III)

The purpose of this contract is to support the development and evaluation of technologies, processes, and tools to prevent or reduce pollution of the air, land, and water, and to restore ecosystems. This contract will be managed in Washington D.C. by the Contracts Branch in the

Office of Administration and Research Support, Extramural Management Division; however, contract support is also available and encouraged for:

(i) All ORD Laboratories, Centers, and Offices (LCO)

(ii) Other USEPA organizations, such as Regional and Program Offices, which conduct research projects that could be supported under the scope of this PWS.

For additional information concerning the USEPA’s Office of Research and Development, see http://www.epa.gov/ord/.

The work requested through contract task orders could involve developing and/or evaluating technical concepts, methods/procedures, process options, and prototype systems in a research framework that permits and encourages changes in direction and mid-course corrections as needed and warranted. This could require a broad range of process development efforts, such as proof-of-concept, laboratory-scale, and bench-scale experiments; treatability studies and pilot-scale investigations; and/or field-scale evaluations. Work undertaken at these different scales could result in a decision on a selected approach to solving a problem or managing a particular type of waste material.

The Contractor may also be requested to develop and/or evaluate computer-oriented tools, approaches, and technologies, such as software, models, and decision-support tools. This contract is NOT to be used for stand-alone conferences, workshops, etc. However, the

Contractor may conduct conferences, workshops, etc. that are directly related to other work

(Task Orders) under this contract.

This contractor shall not be permitted to purchase property (i.e., contractor acquired property) or receive government property (i.e., government furnished property) under the contract/task orders.

The current research areas of interest to ORD are discussed in Attachment 4. Additionally, programs such as the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) Program, the Oil Spills

Program, the Brownfields Program, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Program, and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Program may have specific requirements that will be detailed in individual task orders. The programs and research areas listed in Attachments 2 and 3 are not intended to be all inclusive. The programs and research areas will evolve over the life of the contract based on changing Agency priorities.

I. TYPES OF RESEARCH WORK

For each research area of interest to the USEPA, the Agency may request any or all of the following types of research work in specific task orders. Each task order will also identify the purpose/objective of the work requested.

A. Proof-of-Concept, Laboratory-Scale, and Bench-Scale Experiments

Examples of support that may be required for this type of research work include:

1. Assessment of the suitability of all logistical and other support requirements for the type of facility or site to be utilized. Facility requirements may include items such as: i) space, ii) open or housed areas, iii) utilities, and iv) any other accommodations, as needed.

2. Preparation of design documents and drawings for fabricating the proof-of-concept, laboratory-scale, or bench-scale test apparatus.

3. Fabrication and “debugging” of the proof-of-concept, laboratory-scale, or bench-scale test apparatus.

4. Preparation of experimental designs and test plans for evaluating the technical concepts.

5. Implementation or oversight of the sampling and analysis of all process streams such as: i) influent streams, ii) effluent streams, iii) intermediates, iv) residues, and v) wastes, including type and composition of wastes generated and emissions to the environment

(point and area sources, fugitive and planned emissions, etc.).

6. Documentation of process or technology performance related to removal or transformation of target contaminants.

7. Documentation of all data related to manual and/or instrument control of bench-scale test system operations, such as critical process control parameters and response to transient and upset conditions.

8. Measurement, documentation, and assessment of all key operating and process performance data such as: i) the impact of contaminant loadings, ii) imposed environmental conditions, iii) toxic effects, and iv) chemical additives on the removal or transformation efficiencies of the treatment process or technology.

9. Maintenance of a detailed logbook summarizing information such as: i) operating time,

ii) waste processing downtime, iii) scheduled and unscheduled maintenance time, iv) the reasons for breakdowns, v) non-optimal performance, and vi) other significant events.

10. Preparation of a process or technology assessment providing recommendations on whether that process or technology is ready to be evaluated at pilot or field scale and, if so, under what test conditions.

B. Treatability Studies and Pilot-Scale Investigations

Examples of support that may be required for this type of research work include:

type of facility or site to be utilized. Facility requirements may include items such as: i) space, ii) open or housed areas, iii) utilities, and iv) any other accommodations, as needed.

2. Preparation of design documents and drawings for fabricating the treatability or pilot-scale test apparatus.

3. Fabrication and “debugging” of the treatability or pilot-scale test apparatus.

4. Preparation of experimental designs and test plans for evaluating the cognizant process or technology.

5. Implementation or oversight of the sampling and analysis of all process streams, such as: i) influent streams, ii) effluent streams, iii) intermediates, iv) residues, and v) wastes, including type and composition of wastes generated and emissions to the environment

(point and area sources, fugitive and planned emissions, etc.)

6. Documentation of process, or technology performance, related to removal or transformation of target contaminants.

7. Documentation of all data related to manual and/or instrument control of pilot-scale test system operations, such as critical process control parameters and response to transient and upset conditions.

8. Measurement, documentation, and assessment of all key operating and process performance data, such as: i) the impact of contaminant loadings, ii) imposed environmental conditions, iii) toxic effects, and iv) chemical additives on the removal or transformation efficiencies of the treatment process or technology.

9. Identification of the characteristics of wastes, water streams, and gases handled and treated. Examples include physical states and properties, range of chemical or microbial composition or contaminations thereof, and restrictions on wastes handled.

10. Maintenance of a detailed logbook summarizing details, such as: (i) operating time,

(ii) waste processing downtime, (iii) scheduled and unscheduled maintenance time, (iv) the reasons for breakdowns, (v) non-optimal performance, and (vi) other significant events.

11. Preparation of a process or technology assessment providing recommendations on whether said process, or technology is ready to be evaluated at field scale and, if so, under what test conditions.

C. Field Support

Examples of Contractor field support that may be required include:

type of facility or site to be utilized. Facility requirements may include items, such as: i) space, ii) open or housed areas, iii) utilities, and iv) any other accommodations needed.

2. Site characterization, including activities such as determining the level of contamination and the types of contaminants found on or around a site; identifying the physical characteristics, soil chemistry, and geomorphology of a site; collecting rainfall data, including historical data; collecting land use data; conducting sanitary surveys, and researching and documenting the historical site practices that resulted in the subject contamination.

3. Risk assessments.

4. Permit review (federal, state, and local) and, if needed, assistance in obtaining appropriate permits.

5. Site preparation, such as: i) drilling wells or pumping water into tanks, ii) laying gravel or concrete pads for equipment, iii) installing security fences, iv) removing trees and shrubs, v) excavating waste material, and vi) providing power.

6. Documentation of all data related to manual and/or instrument control of process operations, such as critical process control parameters and response to transient and upset conditions.

7. Measurement, documentation, and assessment of all key operating and process performance data, such as: i) the impact of contaminant loadings, ii) imposed environmental conditions, iii) toxic effects, and iv) chemical additives on the removal or transformation efficiencies of the technology or process.

8. The assembling of cost and operational data, such as: i) life-cycle capital, operating, and maintenance costs; ii) costs for unscheduled maintenance, spills, and other emergencies; iii) disposal costs for residues and other wastes; iv) quality assurance and monitoring costs; v) administrative costs, including permitting and insurance; vi) time required for design, permitting, manufacture, construction, and mobilization; vii) costs and extent of downtime; and viii) support for Green Infrastructure technology design, implementation, oversight, sampling, comparison, and impact assessment.

9. Maintenance of a detailed logbook summarizing details, such as operating time, waste processing downtime, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance time, the reasons for breakdowns, non-optimal performance, and other significant events.

10. Development of draft Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) as specified by pertinent regulations and policies.

11. Identification of the characteristics of wastes, water streams, and gases handled and treated. Examples include physical states and properties, range of chemical or microbial composition or contaminations thereof, and restrictions on wastes handled.

12. Measurement and analysis of treatment, destruction, and removal efficiencies, including those for all unit operations and for the overall process or treatment train.

13. Implementation or oversight of the sampling and analysis of all process streams, such as: i) influent streams, ii) effluent streams, iii) intermediates, iv) residues, and v) wastes, including type and composition of wastes generated and emissions to the environment

(point and area sources, fugitive and planned emissions, etc.).

14. Preparation and analysis of mass flow balances. Examples include: i) feed stocks, ii) residues, iii) emissions, and iv) energy balances for utilities consumption.

15. Verification of engineering scale-up factors and cost engineering.

D. Development, Evaluation, Verification, or Modification of Methods, Procedures, Technologies, Software, Models, or Decision Support Tools

The Contractor shall research, develop, evaluate, verify, or modify methods, procedures, technologies, software, models, and decision support tools (e.g., measurement, sampling, analytical, best management practice, electronic, web-based). The Contractor shall keep current on information technology advances (including freeware) and apply current technology in applicable task orders. The Contractor shall begin any evaluation, verification, or modification only after USEPA notification that the method/procedure/technology/software/model/decision support tool is complete and/or functioning properly. Examples of tools in ORD that need support or development are Greenscope, TRACI, PARIS III, WAR, Computational Toxicology, and E-Waste Tracking System Development. Depending on the type of development, evaluation, verification, or modification, the Contractor may also be required to:

1. Document all performance and design parameters.

2. Record and analyze data for operation/performance, maintenance, durability, and reliability of equipment.

3. Perform sampling and analysis.

4. Monitor during system perturbations to collect data on how the process performs during a failure-mode type of operation.

5. Participate in round robin studies.

6. Provide estimates of accuracy, precision, and method detection limits.

7. Describe within laboratory and between laboratory variability.

8. Develop, calibrate, and validate models at different spatial and temporal scales to solve environmental problems.

9. Use basic and fundamental principles to modify and, if necessary, develop mathematical models to better describe physical, chemical, and biological processes and systems, such as watersheds and ecosystems.

10. Use basic and fundamental principles to modify and, if necessary, develop mathematical models to better analyze cost/benefit information related to both market and nonmarket activities.

11. Integrate environmental, social, and economic aspects into a comprehensive solution.

12. Review state-of-the-science/state-of-the-art methods, procedures, technologies, models, software, and decision support tools and identify technology gaps and research needs.

13. Develop Geographic Information System (GIS) databases, which may include Digital

Evaluation Maps, soil maps, and land use/land cover maps. The Contractor shall also provide support for the following two GIS requirements:

a. GIS Database and Internet Applications. The Contractor shall develop and implement GIS technologies using application development, modeling, spatial information analysis, and evaluation and analysis of environmental data to produce GIS-based decision support tools. Applications will include environmental and natural resources management.

b. Advanced Level Support. The Contractor shall assist in integrating environmental and engineering models and GIS databases. The Contractor shall design, develop, and implement databases and advanced spatial analyses that support engineering and environmental models.

14. Other software models and decision support tool requirements will be specified in individual task orders. The Contractor shall be required, at a minimum, to be proficient in

Visual Basic, Java, and C++ programming, and web server tools such as XML, HTML, XSL, and SVG and other common or off-the-shelf software to support tool development.

E. Technical Support

The Contractor shall provide a broad spectrum of technical support to various programs and offices, such as the USEPA Superfund Program, the RCRA Program, and the Office of Water, as well as general program support. Technical support requests may require a quick response. For quick response task orders, responses will be required within 5 to 15 working days. Quick response requirements will be covered by technical directives issued under a “Technical

Support” task order.

The following list identifies examples of Contractor technical support that may be required:

1. Visit research/contaminated sites, gather factual data, and provide options analyses or other specified reports regarding effective remediation and/or corrective action in the areas of remedial design/remedial action (RD/RA) and/or corrective measures implementation and/or treatment options.

2. Conduct field operations at a variety of scales that are related to generalized or site-specific technical support of Superfund sites, RCRA Corrective Action sites, contaminated source or groundwater sites, or other sites (nationally and internationally).

Field operations may include activities such as collecting and analyzing water, soil, sediment, and/or air samples for site characterization purposes; gauging rainfall events;

assisting in the design of sampling strategies or passive and semi-active treatment technologies; and conducting field-scale pilot tests to determine innovative technology applicability to subject and other sites.

3. Evaluate contaminant location, movement, and impact, and use computer-assisted or

GIS site mapping and characterization techniques.

4. Provide data to the USEPA for use in modeling and engineering evaluations.

5. Provide technical review of documents associated with remediation, treatment technologies, and corrective action activities.

6. In selected technology categories, comprehensively identify vendors of new technology and summarize performance claims. Develop forecasts of public health and environmental outcomes of implementing new technologies based on performance claims as compared to existing technology and the use of market penetration scenarios.

II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall perform the following activities to support research work:

A. Experimental Design

The Contractor shall develop high quality, statistically-based experimental designs. The

Contractor shall also perform high quality, statistically-based data analysis. The Contractor may also be required to provide quality assurance and statistical support/assistance for research performed by USEPA employees. This may include assistance in writing a QAPP, developing an experimental design, or performing statistical data analysis.

B. Preparation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs)

QAPPs shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements specified in Attachment

1 to this PWS. Task order-specific work involving environmental data generation or use shall not commence until the EPA has approved this QAPP

C. Collection and/or Use of Environmental Data (e.g., Sampling, Measurements, Monitoring, Analyses, and Use of Existing Data).

The Contractor shall collect samples for any environmental medium (e.g., air, water, soil, or sediment) and for a variety of contaminants (physical, chemical, and biological). This effort will also include the need to design and monitor Green Infrastructure Technologies. The Contractor shall provide analyses of any of these samples. The Contractor shall conduct a variety of measurement techniques (e.g., pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pressure, ORP, conductivity, etc.). Finally, the Contractor may be tasked to review and use previously collected data for a specific purpose (e.g., make a decision, write a report, etc.). The Contractor shall also:

1. Provide all sampling equipment and appropriate analytical facilities.

2. Document, for projects involving environmental matrices, matrix characteristics, including physical states and properties, range of chemical or microbial composition or contamination, and restrictions on handling.

D. The Design, Fabrication, and Operation of Environmental Technologies

The Contractor shall design, fabricate, and operate environmental technologies in accordance with accepted engineering principles or, if applicable, manufacturer specifications.

E. Project Logistics

1. The Contractor shall provide personnel to travel to project locations to implement requirements identified in individual task orders.

2. The Contractor shall provide supplies and services (e.g., renting or leasing support facilities or equipment, installation, remote monitoring, grading, waste disposal, and regulatory compliance) to implement requirements identified in individual task orders.

3. The Contractor shall provide shipping support for items, such as field supplies, samples, and documentation, etc. DOT procedures shall be followed at all times.

4. The Contractor shall coordinate all required activities with the USEPA and other project personnel.

F. Waste Disposal from Field Evaluations.

The Contractor shall adhere to the following regulations that govern the transportation and disposal of wastes generated during field evaluations:

1. 40 CFR Part 264 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) contains standards that apply to landfilling of waste.

2. 40 CFR Part 761 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) contains standards that restrict the placement of PCBs in or on the ground.

3. 40 CFR Part 268 of RCRA contains standards that restrict the placement of certain wastes in or on the ground.

4. Section 121(d)(3) of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) contains requirements for the off-site disposal of wastes from a Superfund site.

5. 40 CFR Part 262 of RCRA contains manifest requirements and packaging and labeling requirements prior to transportation.

6. 40 CFR Part 263 of RCRA contains transportation standards for the off-site disposal of wastes. DOT regulations are cited as part of these requirements.

The Contractor shall adhere to all regulatory standards that apply to field evaluation activities.

These include: i) proper disposal of all wastes generated during the project, including residuals that must be containerized and disposed of offsite, and ii) proper treatment of generated air and water streams prior to discharge to the atmosphere and receiving waters/municipal sewers, respectively. To do this, the Contractor shall obtain all permits necessary for these activities.

G. Health and Safety

The Contractor shall adhere to all USEPA policies, as well as all USEPA and Occupational

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations regarding health and safety, while performing activities under this contract. The Contractor shall strictly adhere to USEPA-approved health and safety plans required under individual task orders. On occasion, the

Contractor may be required to prepare health and safety plans for individual task orders for review and approval by the USEPA Task Order Contractor Officer Representative (TOCOR) and

Health and Safety Office. For field evaluations, the Contractor shall provide support on operational safety aspects, including evaluation of engineered safeguards and the effects of process upsets, human error, and equipment malfunctions on health and safety.

H. Permits

The Contractor shall initiate and maintain all applicable hazardous waste permits to accomplish activities required under this contract.

I. Coordination of Multi-Disciplinary Teams/Stakeholders

The Contractor shall provide coordination of multidisciplinary teams/stakeholders. This may include identification of and invitations to appropriate stakeholders, meeting coordination

(logistics, facilitation, etc.), compilation of technical/scientific information from team/stakeholders, preparation of team/stakeholder products, information transfer, and community relations.

J. Products/Information Transfer/Community Relations/Research Outcomes

In supporting the USEPA’s information transfer efforts, the Contractor shall be involved in technology transfer activities associated with the services performed under specific task orders that are issued. These activities shall include preparation of reports, such as: i) project reports, ii) capsules and bulletins, iii) video tapes/scripts, iv) data summaries, v) economic analyses, vi)

Quality Assurance Project Reports, vii) special program reports, and viii) technology guidance documents and overviews. Other information transfer efforts may include: i) preparation and coordination of technology specific visitor days; ii) development, fabrication, and utilization of technology information/technology transfer booths and displays; and iii) development of CDs or other electronic media. When applicable, the Contractor shall:

1. Provide technical support for the ORD’s LCOs information technical transfer. Using technical papers, protocols development, reports, and bulletins, the Contractor shall transfer state-of-the-art research information/findings to the user community and/or project stakeholders.

2. Summarize the types and number of technical assistance/research support activities conducted by the LCOs and document the information.

3. Organize and conduct specialized information transfer activities, such as the transfer and set-up of displays, documents and materials preparation (e.g., photographic documentation, graphics, instructional material, posters) associated with workshops, training courses, technology demonstrations, conferences, etc.

4. Coordinate community relations activities with stakeholders (e.g., community and public interest groups, state and local governments, regional offices, public affairs officials, etc.). This may include providing literature and logistical support (e.g., scheduling, arranging meeting rooms, and transportation to sites/facilities) for public meetings, visitors’ days, etc.

5. Provide USEPA press releases, mailings, documents, and educational materials to the news media and interest group representatives.

6. Develop reports and information that document the short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of the research. Examples of outcomes are utilization of the research results by clients and customers that cause changes in their behavior that will likely improve the environment. These research clients and customers are in both the private and public sectors, including those who may further innovate based on EPA research, those who may purchase or use the new technologies and research products themselves, and those who may use the results of the research in developing environmental policy to improve public health and the environment.

When the Contractor interacts with the public, Contractor personnel shall:

1. Clearly identify themselves and their affiliation through the use of name badges.

2. Clearly identify themselves as contractors during any introductions and/or presentations.

3. Refer any questions relating to the interpretation of USEPA policy, guidance, and/or regulations to the USEPA Contracting Officer.

Information produced in any task orders shall be organized to conform to a format compatible with existing Agency policy, computerized databases/websites, and information/management systems. The desired format will be specified in the task orders. This applies to all types of work and activities that support work, such as: i) modeling; ii) report production; iii) non-paper products (e.g., CDs); iv) documentation; v) database information storage; vi) graphics; vii) statistical analysis; viii) data collection and analysis; ix) creation/modification of programs (and software); and x) information retrieval, manipulation, and presentation.

K. Synthetically Contaminated Matrices

The Contractor shall produce synthetically contaminated matrices (e.g., soil, water, and air) according to specifications identified in an individual task order.

L. Product Format

In each task order, the USEPA will specify the format for the Contractor-required deliverable.

The product format required may be a report/paper document, a computer product (e.g., data, model, database, a CD, a web-based tool, software, decision support tool, map, or spreadsheet), or other information transfer materials (e.g., training, presentation, and/or workshop materials).

The Contractor shall comply with all USEPA policy requirements regarding the requested format.

ALL APPLICABLE PRODUCTS SHALL BE 508 COMPLIANT. FOR SPECIFIC

REQUIREMENTS, SEE www.section508.gov.

III. CONTRACT-LEVEL QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Contractor shall develop and submit a Quality Management Plan (QMP) in accordance with the requirements in Attachment 1 to this PWS. The Contractor shall operate under a USEPA approved QMP describing the Contractor's quality system. Prior to commencing work, the QMP shall be reviewed and approved by the EPA QA Manager. The Contractor shall comply with all requirements, as delineated in each task order.

For this contract, the USEPA has defined the following additional specific QA-related requirements:

A. The Contractor shall describe in the QMP its use of both internal and external (i.e., independent) systems and performance audits.

B. The Contractor shall participate in inter-laboratory comparison studies when requested by the USEPA.

C. The first time a subcontractor is used, the Contractor shall perform an audit of the subcontractor’s quality system, take appropriate corrective actions (when deficiencies are identified), and provide the USEPA TOCOR and USEPA Quality Assurance Manager

(QAM) with a written discussion of the effectiveness of any corrective actions. The

Contractor shall ensure that all subcontractors comply with all QA requirements levied on the Contractor.

D. The Contractor shall permit authorized representatives of the USEPA to conduct on-site quality system or technical system audits (laboratory and/or field) of all contract or project-specific activities.

E. As requested in individual task orders, the Contactor shall conduct project-specific technical systems audits.

F. The Contractor’s QA program shall include the preparation and use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that appropriate methods for sampling, analysis, data handling, and quality control (QC) are employed and properly documented. As appropriate, SOPs used by the Contractor shall be compliant with the EPA’s “Guidance for Preparing Standard Operating Procedures (QA/G6)”. Resources for preparing SOPs may be found at http://www.epa.gov/quality/qs-docs/g6-final.pdf

G. The Contractor shall use standard methods and procedures (e.g., Standard Methods, SW-846, ASTM) when they exist and are applicable. If procedures/methods do not exist or are not applicable for the intended use, the Contractor shall provide documentation of a non-standard method/procedure and its performance that demonstrates that the method/procedure is appropriate for its intended use. The Contractor shall maintain current information on the status of standard methods/procedures and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures published/accepted by the USEPA.

H. The contractor shall comply with the EPA policy titled Policy to Assure Competency of Laboratories, Field Sampling, and Other Organizations Generating Environmental

Measurement Data under Agency-Funded Acquisitions. This policy requires that all organizations performing environmental analysis for the Agency shall demonstrate their qualifications in the field(s) of analyses to be conducted, prior to performing such analyses. More information on this policy can be found here:

http://www.epa.gov/fem/lab_comp.htm

I. The Contractor shall comply with the EPA policy entitled “EPA QA Field Activities

Procedure”. See PWS Attachment D for a copy of the procedure.

J. The Contractor shall implement an internal document review procedure for all documents prepared for the USEPA (e.g., QAPPs, products). This review shall include review by the QAM. Results of QAM reviews shall be provided to the EPA upon request.

Attachment A to the PWS

QA Requirements for QMPs and QAPPs

TO BE SUBMITTED PRE-AWARD

Quality Management Plan: Prepare in accordance with R-2 - EPA Requirements for Quality

Management Plans (EPA/240/B-01/002) March, 2001, http://www.epa.gov/QUALITY/qs-docs/r2-final.pdf

Tools for preparing QMPs can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/quality/qmps.html

TO BE SUBMITTED POST-AWARD WITH INDIVIDUAL TASK ORDERS

The Agency’s graded approach will be used by the EPA to identify the extent of QA documentation that will need to be prepared for individual task orders.

ORD Task Orders

For task orders issued by the ORD, a QA category will be assigned. For QA Category A projects, QAPPs will be prepared in accordance with R-5 - EPA Requirements for QA Project

Plans (EPA/240/B-01/003) March, 2001 http://www.epa.gov/quality/qs-docs/r5-final.pdf

Any project not considered a QA Category A, ORD will consider to be QA Category B and

QAPPs will be prepared in accordance with applicable requirements of the ORD organization (or other Agency organization) responsible for the individual task order.

Attachment B to the PWS

Homeland Security Program National Homeland Security Research Center Background

In September 2002, the USEPA announced the creation of a program for a National Homeland

Security Research Center (NHSRC) within the USEPA's Office of Research and Development

(ORD). The research is headquartered at the USEPA's Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental

Research Center (AWBERC) in Cincinnati, OH. The choice of location was prompted by the

ORD's ability to expand upon the existing research capabilities of the Cincinnati laboratory, which specializes in the prevention and reduction of risks to human health and the environment from a broad array of pollutants. In addition to its Cincinnati location, NHSRC maintains offices in the USEPA Headquarters in Washington, DC, and in the USEPA's Research Triangle Park, NC facility. Scientists from these facilities have been joined by specialists from other USEPA centers and laboratories, along with representatives from other federal agencies, the academic community, and the private sector.

The creation of the NHSRC ensures effective design and oversight of the Program’s research efforts and provides clear lines of communication with its partners inside and outside the

USEPA.

With a substantial background in environmental protection and risk management, the USEPA's

ORD is well-positioned to develop the tools and technologies needed by a society under existing or potential terrorist threats. The NHSRC, as the focus of these efforts, is providing advice, guidance, and scientific expertise on homeland security issues to emergency response personnel, decision-makers, and government officials that will result in improved protection for all citizens.

Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs)

The government uses HSPDs to disseminate Presidential and NHSRC decisions on national security matters, several of which specifically denote the responsibilities of the USEPA in:

1. Assessing vulnerabilities of water utilities and buildings;

2. Developing strategies for responding to and preparing for emergencies and incidents;

3. Promoting information exchanges among industry stakeholders;

4. Developing and using technological advances in water security, building safety, and risk assessment. HSPDs 7, 8, 9, and 10 are of particular relevance to the mission of the

Center:

a. HSPD 7: Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization, and Protection -

Specifically designates the USEPA as the agency responsible for infrastructure protection activities for the Nation's drinking water and wastewater systems. As such, the USEPA is responsible for:

i. Identifying, prioritizing, and coordinating infrastructure protection activities for the Nation's drinking water and water treatment systems.

ii. Working with federal departments and agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector to facilitate vulnerability assessments.

iii. Encouraging the development of risk management strategies to protect against and mitigate the effects of potential attacks on critical resources.

iv. Developing mechanisms for information sharing and analysis.

b. HSPD 8: National Preparedness - Establishes policies to strengthen the preparedness to prevent and respond to threatened or actual domestic terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies by establishing mechanisms for improved delivery of federal preparedness assistance to state and local governments.

c. HSPD 9: Defense of United States Agriculture and Food – The USEPA is to develop a robust, comprehensive surveillance and monitoring program to provide early warning in the event of a terrorist attack using biological, chemical, or radiological contaminants. HSPD 9 also directs the USEPA to develop a nationwide laboratory network to support the routine monitoring and response requirements of the surveillance program. HSPD 10, which is currently a classified document, basically reaffirms the USEPA's responsibilities under

HSPD 9 while adding a clear directive on the Agency's responsibilities in decontamination efforts.

d. HSPD 10: Biodefense for the 21st Century – Provides directives to further strengthen the Biodefense Program through threat awareness, prevention and protection, surveillance and detection, and response and recovery.

Research and Development Activities

The goal of the USEPA's NHSRC is to provide appropriate, effective, and rapid risk assessment guidelines and technologies to help decision-makers prepare for, detect, contain, and decontaminate chemical and biological attacks directed against buildings and water treatment systems. Research and development efforts will focus on coordination of three major divisions:

1. The Decontamination and Consequence Management Division (protection of building occupants and cleanup of contaminated buildings);

2. The Water Infrastructure Protection Division (protection of U.S. drinking and wastewater systems);

3. The Threat and Consequence Assessment Division (improvement of risk assessment techniques).

Attachment C to the PWS

Examples of Research Areas

Examples of research areas managed by the ORD are described below. The Contractor may be tasked to provide scientific, technical, research, engineering, and modeling support for research areas such as:

1. Contaminated Sediments and Soils

This research area includes elements such as: i) contaminant mobility, diffusion, bioturbation, and biotransformation; ii) desorption, dissolution, and partitioning of contaminants from/to sediment matrices; iii) sediment and soil chemical equilibria and kinetics; iv) size and media fractionation; v) biogeochemical cycling and volatilization; vi) bio-indicator organisms (e.g., fathead and sheepshead minnows, worms, and plants) and alternative endpoint testing; vii) sediment monitored natural recovery (MNR), sand/silt/clay caps, reactive caps, and reactive barriers; viii) soil natural attenuation; and ix) in-situ sediment and soil treatment, ex-situ soil treatment, soil processing bioreactors, dredge spoils treatment, gaseous and nutrient delivery systems, bionets, and clean dredging techniques. Support shall be required for managing and/or remediating contaminated sediments and soils and for evaluating the impact these contaminated matrices have on ground water, surface water, and the atmosphere.

2. Waste Management

This research area includes elements such as: i) waste to energy, ii) waste containment, iii) landfill liners, iv) municipal bioreactor landfills, v) innovative caps and liners, vi) construction atop closed landfills, vii) construction using waste-derived products, viii) chemical remediation and/or bioremediation of soil and sediments contaminated with (among other things) metals, ix) waste leaching chemistry; x) landfill gas emissions, xi) in-situ treatment techniques, and xii) disposal of debris and animal carcasses that may result from acts of terror. Support shall be required for managing and/or remediating wastes such as the RCRA categories of hazardous and non-hazardous (municipal) waste, waste-derived products and materials, biosolids, diseased animal carcasses, and building materials contaminated by acts of terror.

3. Endocrine Disrupting Compounds

This research area includes elements such as: i) the detection and persistence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) during wastewater treatment operations, drinking water treatment operations, confined animal feedlot operations (CAFOs), and pollution prevention activities; ii) cost-effective management of EDCs in cases where they appear to be affecting the environment;

and iii) the development of new tools to manage likely and unacceptable risks associated with

EDCs.

4. Confined Animal Feedlot Operations

This research area includes elements, such as: i) evaluating the environmental and ecological effects of confined animal feedlot operation (CAFO)-generated and associated wastes on critical receptors (e.g., surface water, ground water, soil, air, forage, and harvested crops); ii) determining the presence, persistence, and concentration of contaminants of concern, such as pathogenic microorganisms, indicator microorganisms, nutrients, antibiotics, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and odors in CAFO wastes; and

iii) devising techniques for managing, reusing, and/or remediating CAFO-generated manure and wastes.

5. Biosolids and Wastewater Treatment

This research area includes elements, such as: i) evaluating the environmental and ecological effects of the land application of biosolids (i.e., treated sludge from publically owned treatment works [POTWs]) on critical receptors (e.g., surface water, ground water, soil, air, forage, and harvested crops); ii) determining the presence, persistence, and concentration of contaminants of concern, such as pathogenic microorganisms, indicator microorganisms, particulates, VOCs, SVOCs, metals, nutrients, and odors; iii) tracking the fate and transport of biosolids contaminants through sludge treatment processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, lime stabilization, and dewatering) of POTWs; iv) quantifying organic and inorganic contaminant, pathogen, and indicator microorganism removals through the POTW’s wastewater treatment train; v) defining, if possible, the relationship of wastewater treatment efficiency and process parameters to sludge treatment train volatile solids, pathogen, and indicator microorganism reductions; and vi) evaluating wastewater infrastructure.

6. Ecosystem Restoration

This research area includes elements, such as: i) evaluating ecosystem health via measurement of water quality parameters (e.g., water retention, sediment retention, nutrient sequestration, and maintenance of species diversity); ii) determining ecosystem resilience to perturbations; iii) establishing targets for restoration activities; and iv ) developing measures of restoration progress or success. This particular research area often involves cooperation and coordination of efforts with other ORD divisions and external agencies.

7. Watershed Management

This research area includes elements, such as: i) using fish and invertebrate-based biotic indices, stream metabolism, geomorphology, and other ecosystem indicators for measuring watershed response to risk management initiatives, ii) evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of structural and non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) (e.g., constructed and restored wetlands) in managing pollutant risks to watersheds, and iii) wet weather flows problems.

Sediments and nutrients are the non-point source contaminants most commonly cited as causing degraded water quality and resulting in the nonattainment of water quality standards.

8. Sustainable Brownfields Revitalization

This research area includes elements, such as: i) identifying barriers to sustainable revitalization of potentially contaminated sites/areas; ii) developing tools and techniques for removing barriers and facilitating sustainable revitalization; iii) identifying and evaluating measures of success; and

iv) integrating strategic, environmental/ecological, social, and economic issues.

9. Sustainable Technologies

While sustainability has many definitions, some basic principles and concepts remain constant, such as balancing economic growth, protecting the environment, and fostering social responsibility that lead to an improved quality of life for ourselves and future generations.

This research area includes elements, such as: i) integrating social, economic, and environmental policies; ii) evaluating environmental futures; and iii) measuring progress. Systems such as water, air, energy, food/agriculture, and the built environment are included in this research area.

Examples include: a technology’s ability to reduce fuel consumption, prevent waste of fossil fuels, convert waste to energy and/or replace the use of fossil fuels with renewable fuels or energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal resources. In addition to deriving energy from renewable resources, development of additional energy sources may include other innovative techniques, such as energy from methane generated by biomass, landfills, animal wastes, and wastewater treatment systems; energy from hydrogen generation; energy from alternative and distributed electrical generation systems, such as microturbines and fuel cells operated alone and in the combined heat and power mode.

Sustainable Watersheds

Urban Watershed research focuses on reducing water pollution caused by stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows, and it has been initiated in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio. The research focuses on determining the cost effectiveness, hydrologic effectiveness, and ecological effectiveness of using green infrastructure as an alternative for controlling stormwater runoff.

Environmental justice through equitable provision of ecosystem services is an additional aim of the work. The projects follow a OneEPA approach, including close collaboration with EPA

Regions and Offices, as well as local governments partners. Research impact includes assisting governments and organizations in including green infrastructure in their consent decrees at the implementation and the development stages.

Life Cycle Assessment

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), is a foundational contributor to lifecycle-based research within the ORD. Life Cycle Assessment involves the following: the identification and quantification of natural resource usage and releases to the environment across all stages of the life cycle; the assessment of the potential environmental impacts of these material uses and releases; the identification of opportunities to reduce environmental burdens and achieve system-wide improvements. ORD performs research and development in the application of LCA practices in areas, such as: Sustainable Supply Chain Design, integration of LCA practices with Human

Exposure models, Sustainable Materials Management, and Sustainable Chemistry.

Model Development and Support

The ORD has developed methodologies to rank the potential environmental impact of chemical processes, and to determine more environmentally friendly replacement chemicals. These methodologies use toxicological endpoints and physical properties in their ranking and prioritizing schemes. There are significant gaps in experimental data for these toxicity values and physical properties. Thus additional values need to be obtained from the literature or estimated accurately and quickly. The Contractor needs to be able to conduct literature searches to obtain quality controlled toxicity and physical property data. In addition the Contractor needs to be able to write computer code (preferably in Java) to develop state of the art Quantitative

Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models to estimate these values. Examples of state of the QSAR methodologies include random forest and support vector machines.

10. Ground Water

This research area includes elements such as: i) contaminant mobility; ii) desorption, dissolution, and partitioning of contaminants from/to solid phases; iii) chemical equilibria and kinetics; iv) biodegradation/bioremediation of ground water contaminants; and v) biogeochemical cycling and volatilization. Support shall be required for managing and/or remediating vadose zone and aquifer solids, ground water, and non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs).

11. Drinking Water

This research area includes elements such as: i) removal of contaminants from drinking water; ii) source water protection; and iii) drinking water infrastructure. Support shall be required for managing and/or remediating the contaminant categories of organics, inorganics, radionuclides, and microbiological agents.

12. Emerging Contaminants

This research area includes elements such as: i) characterizing, treating, and managing diseased animal carcasses (i.e. transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)); ii) determining the fate and transport of prions in the environment, and in treatment/disposal systems (e.g., wastewater treatment operations and landfills); iii) evaluating innovative prion treatment and disposal options, such as alkaline hydrolysis and thermal techniques; iv) determining fate and transport of nanomaterials; and v) and determining the leaching potential of waste constituents used in the manufacture of waste-derived products.

13. Mine remediation

This research area, an offshoot of the Engineering Technical Support Center, includes i) reviewing treatment designs, and running bench-, laboratory-, field- and full-scale pilots to determine if a technology is viable at a site or sites in a region of the country; ii) studying technologies (active, semi-passive, and passive) for the treatment of mining influenced water

(MIW), capping of waste rock and tailings pile, and other needs for remediation of contaminated mine sites; and iii) developing MINES-mining issue papers on relevant topics to transfer research results to on-scene coordinators ( OSCs), remedial project managers (RPMs), and other regional staff involved with mine remediation.

Attachment 4 to the PWS

EPA QA Field Activities Procedure

EPA Classification No.: CIO 2105-P-02.0 CIO Approval Date: 09/23/2014

CIO Transmittal No.: 14-004 Review Date: 09/23/2017

Issued by the EPA Chief Information Officer, Pursuant to Delegation 1-19, dated 07/07/2005

1. PURPOSE

To describe how the Agency quality management system shall be applied to sampling and nonsampling field activities. The procedure provides a comprehensive, coordinated approach for consistent implementation of the EPA Field Operations Group Operational

Guidelines for Field Activities (hereafter FOG Guidelines).

2. SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

The Procedure applies to all EPA organizations including Headquarters Offices, Program

Offices, Regions, National Research Laboratories and Centers, and their sub‐organizations whose EPA employees conduct field activities. The management system shall incorporate all 10 elements of these FOG Guidelines unless there is a compelling reason not to do so and sufficient justification is provided and documented (See Section 9, Waivers).

Field activities are defined as activities requiring the collection of observations, samples, or data in support of EPA programs, Executive Orders, regulations, or environmental laws, at a site or location (facility, water body, wetland, etc.). Field activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Planning and conducting…