Draft_PWS_-_SOL-CI-16-00012.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR

THE OFFICE OF WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT (OWM)

SOL-CI-16-00012

1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide environment consulting support services to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water (OW), Office of Wastewater Management (OWM), Water Permits Division (WPD) in amending, developing, and implementing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations. Technical support is expected to include professional program managers, engineers, scientists, information specialists, statisticians, and administrative services with experience in NPDES permitting and CWA regulations as well as experience and best practices to help make municipal wastewater treatment facilities more efficient and sustainable.

The majority of the work emphasizes requirements related to work in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water; however this work may be available for use by other organizations within the EPA subject to capacity and permission. All work required under this contract shall be defined in written work assignments issued by the EPA Contracting Officer (CO). The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will review all of the contractor analyses.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Under the Clean Water Act, the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) works in partnership with EPA Regions, States and Tribes to regulate discharges, as defined under the Act, into applicable surface waters, such as wetlands, lakes, rivers, estuaries, bays and oceans. Typically OWM focuses on water that collects in discrete conveyances or point sources, to include water that collects in pipes, ditches, and sanitary or storm sewers. This methodology of analyzing identifiable point sources within a defined watershed is intended to maximize continuity in solution to address all pollution problems within a definitive geographic area. Again, targeting point sources of pollution, natural or otherwise, a Watershed-based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a basis to qualify and measure alternatives through the development of environmentally sound permits for multiple point sources located within a watershed so as to effectively meet water quality standards. In addition, OWM requires support in the direction and promotion of the programs conducted under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the largest single water quality-funding source, whose emphasis focuses on funding wastewater treatment systems, nonpoint source projects, and estuary protection. In meeting these mission requirements OWM requires vital technical and administrative support services to quantify and extend the base of knowledge and specialized expertise necessary for decision-makers to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) shall present the scope of those areas of support and technical experience that shall be required of the contractor. In accordance with the contract clause, Work Assignments (EPAAR 1552.211-74), the details and specifics of the Government's requirements shall be particularized to individual work assignments issued during the performance periods of this contract.

The Contractor's support services under this Performance Work Statement (PWS) will parallel OWM's program responsibilities under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), to include services in support for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), both municipal and industrial, concentrating on discharges from storm water, sewer system overflows, construction, commercial vessels, and animal feeding operations. In addition, the contractor shall provide support services for EPA actions pursuant the Clean Water Act, Section 316 [cooling water intake], the National Pretreatment Program, the Clean Water Act State Revolving Loan Fund, the Safe Drinking Water Act State Revolving Fund, and the National Biosolids Program.

The contractor shall provide professional services, to include all facilities and equipment required to perform and affect the purpose in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, federal, state, and local.

The contractor will be expected to provide technical support associated with amending, developing, and implementing NPDES permits and CWA regulations for the Office of Water.

The following provides background on some of the CWA requirements that must be considered in NPDES permitting.

The CWA prohibits the discharge of a pollutant by any person except in compliance with specified statutory sections, including section 402 and 404 of the Act. Section 402 authorizes the EPA to issue NPDES permits that restrict and condition pollutant discharges in conformance with specific CWA provisions. The NPDES permitting process is initiated with the submittal of a permit application and, in general, permits must be renewed every five years. Under the NPDES regulations, EPA has developed eight individual permit application forms (each permit also has a Notice of Intent to be covered under a general permit). Section 404 authorizes the EPA to develop guidelines governing conditions in Section 404 permits issued by the Corps of Engineers, and also to prohibit certain specifications as outlined in those permits.

Under the CWA, States and Tribes can obtain authorization to administer the NPDES permit program, provided the State program is at least as stringent as the federal program. To date 46 States and the Virgin Islands have obtained such authorization. Likewise, states can obtain authorization to administer parts of the Section 404 permit program; to date, two States have obtained such authorization. When the existing regulations are revised, the authorized States are responsible for amending their own regulations and legal authorities, where necessary, to ensure their programs continue to be at least as stringent as the federal program. These States are responsible for developing and administering their own NPDES and Section 404 permit application forms.

Effluent limitations serve as the primary mechanism in NPDES permits for controlling discharges of pollutants to receiving waters. When developing effluent limitations for an NPDES permit, a permit writer must consider limits based on both the technology available to control the pollutants (i.e., technology-based effluent limits) and limits that are protective of the water quality standards of the receiving water (i.e., water quality-based effluent limits).

The CWA directs the EPA to develop national technology based regulations limiting the release of contaminants from industrial processes to the nation’s waterways. These national technology based regulations, called effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs), pretreatment standards, and new source performance standards, apply to existing and new industrial processes that release water directly to surface waters (direct dischargers) as well as to facilities that release water to municipal waste water treatment plants (indirect dischargers). Effluent limitations guidelines, pretreatment standards, and new source performance standards are implemented and are enforceable through NPDES permits issued to industrial facilities.

See http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/index.cfm for additional information on ELGs.

As required by the CWA, Section 304 and 307, EPA periodically reviews existing regulations and identifies new industrial processes that are not covered by national regulations. EPA publishes the results of the reviews in a biennial National Strategy Plan (“the Effluent Guidelines Plan”) where the public has the opportunity to comment. Based on public comment, EPA then conducts studies and develops effluent limitations guidelines, pretreatment standards, and new source performance standards for selected industries or revises existing regulations. These technology based regulations are then used when establishing limits in NPDES permits.

See http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/304m/ for more information on these activities.

In addition, as required by the CWA, permit writers must also consider the potential impact of every proposed surface water discharge on the quality of the receiving water. A permit writer may find that technology-based effluent limits are not sufficient to ensure that water quality standards. In such cases, the CWA (section 303(b)(1)(c)) and NPDES regulations (40 CFR 122.44(d)) require that the permit writer develop more stringent, water quality-based effluent limits designed to ensure that water quality standards are attained. See Chapter 6 of the U.S. EPA NPDES Permit Writer's Manual for more information on Water Quality-based permit limits http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/writermanual.cfm?program_id=45.

In addition, activities that take place at industrial facilities, such as material handling and storage, are often exposed to the weather. As runoff from rain or snowmelt comes into contact with these activities, it can pick up pollutants and transport them to a nearby storm sewer system or directly to a river, lake, or coastal water. To minimize the impact of stormwater discharges from http://water.epa.gov/scitech/wastetech/guide/index.cfm http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/304m/ http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/writermanual.cfm?program_id=45.

industrial facilities, the NPDES program includes an industrial stormwater permitting component that covers 10 categories of industrial activity that require authorization under an NPDES industrial stormwater permit for stormwater discharges. All but five states are authorized to implement the Stormwater NPDES permitting program. Therefore, the vast majority of industrial facilities will need to obtain NPDES permit coverage through their state. For industrial facilities located in areas where EPA is the permitting authority, coverage is available under the Multi- Sector General Permit (MSGP).

Finally, in order to develop and implement NPDES permits and CWA regulations, EPA fosters the use of innovative technology to enhance clean water.

3.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The majority of the technical support and services that the contractor will be tasked include:

3.1 NATIONAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT

3.1.1 Program Development

The Clean Water Act provides EPA as the authority to develop and administer the NPDES program. The CWA also provides for EPA to authorize States and Tribes to administer their own indigenous programs. The contractor shall support EPA in rendering assistance to States, Tribes and local authorities in the development and implementation of individual water quality programs. Support shall primarily consist of collecting, compiling and analyzing data and information from the files, records and databases of EPA, States, Tribes, local authorities, and treatment facilities. The contractor may be required to provide recommendations, options, or analyses in reports and presentations;

however, all decisions and policy direction shall be the sole responsibility of EPA. In all instances, the contractor shall ensure that all employees appropriately identify themselves as contractor personnel so as to preclude any misidentification or appearance of those personnel as being EPA or Government personnel.

Program development services shall require the contractor to perform include the following tasks:

3.1.2 Collect, compile, analyze, and present data and information that will be used by EPA in developing, implementing and monitoring NPDES program activities. Support to EPA shall include: developing draft model permit language, conducting research for guidance and resource model development, assessing management plans, reviewing state and tribal program documentation. The contractor shall also interview state and tribal authorities to organize and address technical issues from public comments and objections. The contractor shall draft memoranda of understanding (MOU); and assess Agency enforcement procedures.

3.1.3 Collect, compile, analyze and summarize data and information that will be used in EPA's review of State, Tribal and local program proposals including program submittals, program reviews, program modifications and program withdrawals. Support to EPA shall include reviewing proposals for completeness; reviewing State authorities; assessing State issued guidance; organizing and addressing technical issues from public comments and objections; drafting memoranda of understanding (MOU); and assessing State enforcement procedures.

3.1.4 Program Oversight - Permitting for Environmental Results

The contractor shall provide implementation and support for the NPDES program to improve State/Tribal participation and responsiveness, address permit issuance backlogs, reduce petitions and lawsuits seeking program withdrawal, and provide recommendations to improve water quality despite declining State resources for program administration. At the same time, implementation of the NPDES program is becoming more complex with the addition of new program elements (e.g., TMDLs, storm water Phase II, AFOs, and new effluent guidelines). The contractor shall support EPA's assessment of the health, effectiveness, and compliance of Regional and authorized State programs and shall support development of a system to monitor and correct identified deficiencies in participant programs. In addition, the contractor shall:

3.1.5 Collect, compile, analyze, and summarize data and information that will be used by EPA to evaluate the effectiveness and compliance of State and Tribal programs with federal requirements. Support services shall include: conducting program audits and reviews, reviewing State permits and permit issuance authority, reviewing performance data, conducting field sampling and laboratory analyses, chemical and biological monitoring, monitoring and assessing permittees' use and application of Best Available Technology (BAT), Best Conventional Technology (BCT), Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP), and Water Quality Standards (WQS), Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation and other effluent limitation standards.

3.1.6 Collect and analyze federal, State and local public records for performance data in support of EPA audits and inspections of State and Tribal NPDES programs. In support of EPA efforts to improve the performance of State and local programs, the Contractor shall review federal, State and local public records and shall highlight differences between them and EPA's model NPDES programs.

3.1.7 Collect, compile, review and analyze information needed to assess the quality of EPA and State/Tribal issued permits. Such reviews will include the permit document and related fact sheet, response to comments and administrative record.

3.1.8 Assist EPA and States or Tribes to assess program efficiencies and develop program enhancement tools. Activities shall include assessments of program options, review of program procedures, workload models for program analysis, or any other information gathering or analysis needed to assist in outlining or implementing options for EPA or State program capacity building, including but not limited to compiling and disseminating program ideas or information.

3.2 SUPPORT TO EXPANDED PROGRAM AUTHORITY UNDER THE CLEAN

WATER AND SAFE DRINKING WATER ACTS

3.2.1 Statutory Requirements, Regulatory Authority and New Program Initiatives

The Contractor shall perform technical and administrative tasks in support of OWM's assessment and implementation of expanded program authority that result from legislative mandates, and new program initiatives. The Contractor's support shall include conducting analyses, developing strategies and options, drafting guidance and procedural documents; conducting pilot-studies statistical computation; economic and financial analyses; resource assessments; and management models.

3.2.2 Legislative Analysis

The Contractor shall analyze newly proposed and expanded programmatic authority and initiatives to assess environmental benefits and potential impacts on Agency resources.

Support shall include: collecting information and conducting cost/benefit analyses;

conducting Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIAs) and regulatory flexibility assessments;

developing Information Collection Request (ICR) documents; assessing environmental equity issues on small business impacts, evaluating "green" practices and responding to technical comments on proposed new regulations.

3.2.3 Strategic Development

The Contractor shall develop recommendation and options for EPA decision-making, on efficient and effective methods for implementing program expansion and new initiatives.

This will include developing programmatic resource models; developing options for reducing procedural and paperwork burdens; assessing the effects of new and/or expanded regulations on program requirements, and surveying customers and stakeholders.

3.1.4 Implementation

The Contractor shall provide technical and administrative support, to include options, analysis, recommendations, and materials necessary to effectively implement and manage expended program options or responsibilities. This will include developing guidance and technical assistance promoting stakeholders’ capacity building, including but not limited to, the compilation of reports, brochures, electronic media, or other communication most appropriate to compile, assess, and disseminate program ideas or information.

3.3 WATER PROGRAM RULEMAKING

3.3.1 Regulatory, Policy, Strategy and Guidance Development

During the period of performance of this contract, the Office of Wastewater Management anticipates the development of several new rules. Currently, new rule-makings include stormwater, animal feeding operations, water transfers, and mountain top mining. In addition, the contractor shall support rulemaking activities targeting improvement of Chesapeake Bay water quality. The Contractor shall provide multi-disciplinary expertise for technical and administrative support for these activities by collecting, compiling, analyzing, and presenting data and information for EPA’s consideration in its regulatory decision-making. Typical outputs that the contractor shall produce include analyses, technical reports, papers and studies. Accordingly, the contractor shall perform the following tasks:

3.3.2 Collect, compile, analyze, and present data and information in support of EPA's development and assessment of regulation, policy, strategy and guidance.

3.3.3 Evaluate and provide recommendations and options on regulatory alternatives for EPA consideration. Alternatives to regulations may include pollutant trading, best pest management practices, pollutant management plans, voluntary compliance activities, and pollution prevention.

3.3.4 Assess and report impacts of congressionally mandated legislation and other changes to relevant environmental policies on EPA and State programs.

3.3.5 Conduct cost/benefit and analyses on the effects of proposed and final rule making on the private sector and the public. This includes supporting analyses such as those required for Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Small Business, Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA), the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act (UMRA), and others required by Presidential order.

3.3.6 Compile and organize public comments and other input on newly proposed, draft and final regulations, policy, guidance, strategy and technical documents, and develop responses to technical issues identified by EPA.

3.3.7 Collect, compile, analyze, and present data and information for use in endangered species reviews, environmental assessments and environmental impact statements developed by permittees. These reviews, assessments and implementation statements will be in response to requirements under various environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

3.3.8 Research, analyze and report findings on technical issues identified by EPA in support of task forces, work groups, panels and advisory committees involved in regulatory, policy, strategy and guidance development.

3.3.9 Collect, compile, analyze, and provide data and information in support of EPA's preparation of reports to Congress.

3.3.10 Compare State and Tribal strategies, regulations, policies and guidance with those of EPA and other federal agencies and report on the similarities and differences.

3.3.11 Collect, compile and analyze information in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Paperwork Reduction Act, Information Collection Request (ICR) requirements and develop burden estimates and draft ICR documents.

3.3.12 Collect, compile, analyze, and present data and information that can be used to measure programmatic performance in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and other Congressional and Agency mandated performance initiatives.

3.3.13 Conduct program assessments, technology assessments, and special studies and report on the effectiveness of EPA's regulatory and management efforts on water quality, improvements, prevention of water quality degradation, and pollutant load reductions.

3.3.14 Collect and compile information in support of EPA's development of guidance for implementation of water quality standards (including use attainability analyses), water quality-based permitting, technology-based permitting, and water program integration.

3.3.15 Wet Weather Integration

The contractor shall assess and report the impact of "wet weather" discharges, being, overflows from sewer systems, peak flows from wastewater treatment plants, and runoff from pavement, construction sites, and agricultural operations that commonly occur due to heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Integration of the impact and appropriate consideration of the systemic basis contributing to a wet weather discharge is important to ensure effective watershed management. The contractor shall assess, analyze, and recommend innovative and efficient solutions for permitting wet weather point sources, to control or minimize identified factors that will result in improved water quality. Wet weather discharges may be physically or hydraulically interconnected so that controlling one source may adversely impact or create another discharge elsewhere in the water system. The contractor shall provide assessments of ‘wet weather” point discharges to determine the effectiveness of point source control and how commonalities between discharge sites may be identified and incorporated into a more efficient, comprehensive management plan sufficient to improve water quality while minimizing redundancy and cost.

3.3.16 Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

The contractor shall assess, identify, and report the impact of Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) where animals are kept and raised in confined spaces, generally, entailing the congregation of animals, feed, manure, dead animals, and production operations on a small land area. Under such circumstances concentrations of animal waste and wastewater can contaminate source waters from spills or breaks of waste storage structures (due to accidents or excessive rain), and non-agricultural application of manure to crop land. The contractor shall analyze and prepare reports concerning AFOs that meet the regulatory definition of a “concentrated animal feeding operation” (CAFO) and their potential for regulation under the NPDES permitting program.

3.3.17 Watershed Permitting

Watershed-based NPDES permitting is aimed at achieving new efficiencies and environmental results through support of a holistic watershed approach to water quality management. The contactor shall assess, study, and identify efficiencies and opportunities where watershed-based NPDES permitting would consider the conditions of the entire watershed and address diverse sources (such as storm water, CAFOs, etc.)

within the watershed, to effect a multi-point solution, as opposed to a single point source solution, resulting in watershed-wide improvement in water quality.

3.3.18 Water Quality Trading

Within the watershed framework, water quality trading is a market-based approach to improve and preserve water quality. Trading can achieve water quality goals with greater efficiency by allowing one source to meet its regulatory obligations by using pollutant reductions created by another source that has lower pollution control costs. The contractor shall assess, evaluate, and report opportunities for water quality trading which positively impacts regulatory compliance.

3.3.19 Pesticides

The contractor shall provide reports, studies, and analysis as to the practicality and development of a NPDES General Permit for the Application of Pesticides to Waters of the U.S.

3.3.20 Vessel Discharge

The contractor shall assess, analyze, and report significant environmental impacts to coastal, ocean ecosystems and the Great Lakes resulting from the discharge of multiple types of pollution from commercial vessels. Ballast water, in particular, is a major contributor for the introduction of non-indigenous aquatic species. Pollution from commercial vessels may include gray water, bilgewater, blackwater (sewage), ballast water, anti-fouling paints (and their leachate), hazardous materials, garbage, and other wastes.

3.3.21 Climate Change

The contractor shall research, assess, and analyze methodologies and technologies that have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas intensity. EPA has many current initiatives that encourage voluntary reductions from a variety of stakeholders. Initiatives, such as ENERGY STAR, Climate Leaders, and our Methane Voluntary Programs, encourage voluntary emission reductions from large corporations, consumers, industrial and commercial buildings, and throughout the industrial sector. The contractor shall provide analysis and documentary support promoting voluntary action by participant groups to achieve recommended reductions.

3.4 TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM SUPPORT

3.4.1 Technical Support

The Contractor shall provide technical expertise and administrative support to a broad cross section of Office of Wastewater Management programs. The contractor shall provide personnel that can draw from an equally broad range of science and engineering disciplines. The Contractor shall use sound science and engineering practices to produce studies, reports, analyses, technical papers, recommendations, and option papers that are clear, concise, and factual. The Contractor shall describe and document its data and information gathering activities, clearly analyzing and accurately interpreting the data and information collected. The contractor shall clearly explain any assumptions made, indicating sources used and not used, clearly explaining any methodological choices made, both, conceptually and in data selection. Accordingly, the contractor shall:

3.4.2 Collect, organize, analyze, and present technical information, cost data and other information from literature, trade and professional organizations, universities, and reputable sources, with regard the effects of nutrients, pathogens, chemicals, heavy metals, antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, biocides, and other micro-pollutants and contaminants and their impact on wastewater treatment processes, biosolids processes (and their disposal), and on surface waters, to include analysis of any resultant impact on aquatic life, habitat, or human health.

3.4.3 Collect, organize, analyze, and present design, operations, maintenance, cost data, and pertinent information from literature, trade and professional organizations, universities, and other authoritative sources regarding the potential for utilization of renewable energy technologies, such as, enhanced digestion, bio-fuel, wind power, or solar power for the treatment and disposal of wastewater and biosolids.

3.4.4 Provide technical support for the development or evaluation of technical assessments, technical guidance, management practices, case studies, fact sheets, technical reports, and other technical documents relevant to the design, operation, maintenance, cost of collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater and biosolids.

3.4.5 Collect, analyze, and present data and other information on costs, cost benefits, and/or cost effectiveness for the collection and treatment of wastewater, management and disposal of biosolids, water conservation, reutilization, energy conservation, and energy management.

3.4.6 Collect, organize, analyze, and present design, operations, maintenance, and cost data and other information from literature, trade and professional organizations, universities, and other credible sources regarding water conservation and best management practices.

3.4.7 Collect and analyze ambient water and effluent samples for information and data regarding the effect of chemicals and whole effluent toxicity on point source discharges on surface water quality.

3.4.8 Coordinate, conduct and present the results from "peer review" of technical documents in accordance with established Agency guidance and procedures. See:

http: www.epa.gov/PeerReview/pdfs/prhandbk.pdf

3.4.9 Coordinate, conduct and document quality management of technical documents and information collection procedures in accordance with established Agency Quality Management (QM) and Information Quality Guidelines (IQG) Procedures.

http://www.epa.gov/PeerReview/pdfs/prhandbk.pdf

3.4.10 Collect, compile, and present data and information on research efforts case studies, technology evaluations, industry trends and innovative technologies related to wastewater discharges and cooling water intakes.

3.4.11 Collect and compile data and information that will be used by EPA to evaluate the environmental impacts of wastewater discharges and septage on groundwater and watershed water quality.

3.4.12 Develop, exhibit, and utilize water quality models that to demonstrate the potential impacts of wastewater discharges and septic waters on surface waters and ground water quality.

3.4.13 Develop, exhibit, document, and utilize biological monitoring models that demonstrate the potential impacts of cooling water intake structures.

3.4.14 Collect, compile, analyze, and present data and information on the potential impacts of other identified contaminants on Office of Wastewater Management programs covered under this Performance Work Statement. This will also include analyses, assessments and documentation of the effects of proposed and/or existing environmental statutes and regulations, e.g., the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and others, on Office of Wastewater Management program areas.

3.4.15 Collect, compile, analyze and present data and information to support EPA's development of model permit language, including support for personal computer (PC) based automation of the permit writing process.

3.4.16 Conduct studies and economic assessments of "green" infrastructure benefits and impacts on energy saving, job creation, and climate change.

3.4.17 Collect, compile, analyze and present data and information to support EPA's development of "mining source books" which will serve as guidance to the mining industry on the informational needs and processes involved in permitting mining activities.

3.4.18 Assess the efficiency of EPA's programmatic administrative processes for activities such as notices of intent, municipal applications, reporting and required certifications.

3.4.19 Provide technical support for the development or evaluation of design, operation, and maintenance criteria, guidance, and management practices for both point and nonpoint controls for centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment and collection systems, watershed management, septage management, and biosolids treatment.

3.4.20 Evaluate new, as well as existing, design, operation, and maintenance performance data for both point and nonpoint controls for centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment systems, septic material disposal, and biosolids treatment systems, including actual utilization and disposal technologies.

3.4.21 Evaluate, identify, and report improved procedures for reducing vector attraction reduction.

3.4.22 Evaluate, identify, and report problems regarding design and construction, operation and maintenance practices, corrosion protection methods, and rehabilitation techniques for separate sanitary sewers, combined sewers, service laterals, exfiltration, infiltration and inflow (I/I) analysis, monitoring and modeling methodologies.

3.4.23 Study and evaluate the design, operation, and performance of constructed and natural wetlands for water quality improvement.

3.4.24 Evaluate procedures for detecting chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) agents in collection systems or in wastewater treatment plants.

3.4.25 Evaluate, identify, and report the impacts of chemical, biological, and radiological agents on wastewater treatment processes, identification of more effective processes for removing CBR agents from wastewater for disposal.

3.4.26 Develop cost effective protocols for treating chemical, biological and radiological contaminated wastewater.

3.4.27 The contractor shall determine and report the Assess cost, cost-to-cost test, or cost-to-benefits test as it applies to the 316(b) Rule.

3.4.28 The contractor shall conduct on-site inspections and evaluations of State and Tribal assistance grantees for compliance with their grants.

3.4.29 Provide technical support through the use of spatial data and spatial analysis technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce maps and models for analysis and study.

3.5 NPDES PERMIT SUPPORT

The Contractor shall provide support and technical assistance in the research and development of new, innovative permitting tools and approaches, sufficient to address complex or emerging water quality permitting issues, such as, CWA Section 316 (a) and

(b) permits with complex effluent guidelines, watershed permits with water quality trading and agricultural nutrients, and general permits that incorporate TMDLs and alternative technologies for CAFOs and mining. The contractor shall provide data support and analysis through the permitting process, to include analysis and the preparation of position papers and options in support of enforcement actions and for consideration in implementing a Water Use Efficiency Strategy.

3.5.1 Provide recommendations to develop information technology solutions designed to efficiently and systematically manage data and provide reports required to support the work covered by this PWS.

3.5.2 Develop and update user guidance and other instructional materials for EPA software applications, i.e., word, excel, Microsoft access.

3.5.3 Recommend electronic forms and applications for transmission of data required by programs covered by the PWS.

3.5.4 Compile and organize (electronic and/or paper) files for use as program/administrative records and design methods for maintaining up-to-date information.

3.5.5 Develop and maintain (electronic and/or paper) mailing lists of program stakeholders.

3.5.6 Distribute materials and program information to Regions, States, publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), private businesses, industries, and the public using mass mailing and/or electronic transmission.

3.5.7 Recommend statistical analysis systems and/or software applications to analyze data required by programs covered by the PWS.

3.5.8 Transcribe verbal comments, catalog, index, and summarize public comments in support of implementing a Water Use Efficiency Strategy.

3.6 POLLUTION PREVENTION

3.6.1 The contractor shall develop and analyze options to integrate pollution prevention (P2) methodologies and other sustainable practices into wastewater treatment facility operations. To perform this task the contractor shall collect and compile information on EPA P2 pollution prevention technologies, EPA and industry supported wastewater utility management practices, and other pertinent information to include energy and water efficiency practices, and “other media” impacts on energy and water use efficiencies.

3.6.2 The Contractor shall collect, compile, analyze, and present data in written technical reports and summaries pertaining to pollution prevention activities and their relationship to the environmental effectiveness of OWM programs.

3.7 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

To effectively perform the work outlined in this PWS, the Contractor shall recommend tools and applications sufficient to manage the large volume of data and information that shall be collected under this PWS. This task is common to all program areas covered by this PWS. The Contractor will not be required to develop information management systems, but will be tasked to recommend designed, developed, and maintained accessible software applications that operate in accordance with EPA’s requirements for information technology. See Clause: “Compliance with EPA Policies for Information Resources Management” (OCT 2000).”

OUTREACH

Outreach is the methodology by which EPA informs and educates its program partners, stakeholders and the public. Effective outreach is persuasive and emphasizes the benefits of compliance within the regulated community. The Contractor shall support EPA's efforts to develop and implement outreach strategies, by developing outreach materials in various media and formats. To ensure all outputs developed by the Contractor are appropriate in scope and content to accurately reflect EPA policy, EPA will review all materials in daft format prior to use. In the performance of outreach activities that contractor shall perform the following tasks:

3.7.1 General Outreach

The contractor shall develop outreach and education materials for multimedia distribution to stakeholders, newspapers, professional journals, and technical publications. See Clause: “Compliance with EPA Policies for Information Resources Management” (OCT 2000).” (Electronic Information Technology)

3.7.2 The contractor shall develop program specific outreach and materials to inform and educate the general public, State, local and tribal officials; foreign governments, international organizations; and educational institutions. Such materials may include fact sheets, brochures, pamphlets, posters, calendars, course curriculums, case studies, presentations, speeches, journal articles, or similar communication materials.

3.7.3 The contractor shall develop course materials, training tools, and conduct training for activities and projects within the scope of this PWS.

3.7.4 The contractor shall develop and support for the design, methodology, and technology to be employed to efficiently collect and disseminate information to stakeholders, regional activities, and participating activities.

3.7.5 The contractor shall distribute materials and program information to Regions, States, industries, program stakeholders and the public through mass mailings.

3.7.6 The contractor shall collect and summarize information from news reports, technical and trade journals, and announcements about innovative case studies, pollution prevention programs, and other initiatives relevant to Water programs.

3.7.7 The contractor shall collect, analyze and distribute information and materials relevant to the Office of Water's environmental justice program.

3.7.8 The contractor shall collect, compile, and analyze information in support of EPA sponsored public and industry peer group networks.

3.7.9 The contractor shall provide outreach support in coordinating logistics, site selection, and site reservation for EPA sponsored award programs, public hearings, workshops, conferences, and meetings related to regulatory and program development.

3.7.10 The contractor shall assess the practicality of award programs and provide recommendations for cost effective improvements that will stimulate interest and increase participation.

3.7.11 The contractor shall develop materials and workshops promoting green infrastructure practices.

3.8 TECHNICAL WRITING AND EDITING

The contractor shall support Wastewater Management programs by providing the capability to produce, assess, edit, and rewrite scientific reports and technical materials in terminology and formats appropriate for use before either a technical or a non-technical audience.

3.8.1 The contractor shall provide document processing services, i.e., scanning, formatting, or the preparation of documents for multimedia usage.

3.8.2 The contractor shall edit and enhance the quality of technical documents, to improve their readability and use of clear, concise language, and that the tenor of the document is appropriate to the audience.

3.8.3 The contractor shall collect and edit articles, materials, newsletters and bulletins about Office of Wastewater Programs.

3.8.4 The contractor shall convert non-conforming documents and non-conforming electronic information technology to comply with Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act.

See Clause: “Compliance with EPA Policies for Information Resources Management” (OCT 2000).” (Electronic Information Technology)

3.9 SUPPORT FOR MEETINGS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND

WEBCASTS

The contractor shall provide planning and conferencing services necessary for the conduct of workshops, conferences, meetings, symposia, training, web-casts, webinars, hearings, and seminars. Contractor support shall include pre-event planning, establishment of the agenda, note-taking, and participating in the evaluation, recommendation, and selection of the location. The contractor shall secure the location, reserve accommodations (as applicable), provide, prepare, and present audio-visual materials, speaker notes, materials, handouts, and provide copying services. The contractor shall identify and secure the services of technical speakers and experts.

The contractor shall also provide on-site logistical coordination, such as registration and attendance services, note-taking, survey support, data collection, and miscellaneous support, such as necessary to facilitate meetings, workshops, and conferences, to include, setting up displays, audio-visual equipment operation, and participating as moderator, panelist, or speaker in furtherance of the presentation or purpose of the activity. The contractor shall also collect, compile, and report participant evaluations, feedback, maintain contact lists, and provide general post-activity support in furtherance of meeting objectives

The contractor will be expected to perform specific tasks designated in multiple work assignments that will include environmental engineering and other technical support in developing, reviewing, and revising permits and CWA regulations. Specific tasks may include compliance audits, inspections, outreach and stakeholder engagement, logistical support, investigations, preparing training material and conducting training sessions, data collection, site visits and field sampling, survey administration, preparation of technical documents, preparation of the regulatory record, and implementation and litigation support.

The contractor shall provide all services including: level of effort, materials, equipment, and facilities, necessary to provide technical support.

All products and materials prepared by the contractor will be delivered to, reviewed and approved by EPA. The contractor will not engage in activities of an inherently governmental nature, such as the development of Agency policy and the selection of Agency priorities.

The contractor may be required to contact industry, EPA Regions, states, local entities, vendors, or the public directly for information or for follow up on EPA identified issues. In such cases, contractor personnel will clearly identify themselves as a contractor employee working under an EPA contract.

The contractor may have access to confidential business information (CBI). For information claimed as CBI under the Clean Water Act, the contractor shall handle CBI under procedures specified in the approved contract CBI security plan and 40 CFR Part 2 Subpart B, and in accordance with contract requirements and limitations (see Section H of the contract). The contractor shall identify the Document Control Officer in its CBI plan, and replacements will require EPA consent. The contractor shall analyze CBI in accordance with contract requirements and limitations. Handling of CBI will be in accordance with the contract requirements in section H and the “Office of Science & Technology Confidential Business Information (OST-CBI) Application Security Plan” dated December 2007 (or as revised) located at http://www.r5intra.epa.gov/oldIntra/off/ORC/CBI/manuals/2008%20Final%20OST- CBI%20Plan.pdf#_ga=1.112476039.2035185476.1438696172

4.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL

Data Quality Act/Information Quality Guidelines Requirements

The Data Quality Act (also known as the Information Quality Act) requires EPA to ensure that influential information disseminated by the Agency is sufficiently transparent in terms of data and methods of analysis that the information is capable of being substantially reproduced. To support compliance with these data transparency/ data reproducibility requirements, EPA may include Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and deliverables prepared by the Contractor as part of any rulemaking record documentation to be made available to the public. The Contractor may claim information in QAPPs as confidential; if the Contractor chooses to do so, the Contractor shall submit a sanitized (i.e., public) version and an unsanitized (i.e., confidential) version at the time the QAPP is submitted for approval by EPA. The sanitized version shall be included in the public docket for the applicable rulemaking (or other docket record), and the unsanitized version shall be included in a non-public (i.e., confidential) portion of the docket (or record).

http://www.r5intra.epa.gov/oldIntra/off/ORC/CBI/manuals/2008%20Final%20OST-CBI%20Plan.pdf#_ga=1.112476039.2035185476.1438696172 http://www.r5intra.epa.gov/oldIntra/off/ORC/CBI/manuals/2008%20Final%20OST-CBI%20Plan.pdf#_ga=1.112476039.2035185476.1438696172

Information contained in the approved QAPP and other documents prepared by the Contractor for dissemination by EPA shall be transparent and reproducible and meet the requirements of the Data Quality Act for influential information. EPA’s Guidelines for Ensuring and Maximizing the Quality, Objectivity, Utility, and Integrity, of Information Disseminated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA/260R-02-008, October 2002), referred to as “EPA’s Information Quality Guidelines,” describe EPA procedures for meeting Data Quality Act requirements.

Section 6.3 of EPA’s Information Quality Guidelines indicate that “especially rigorous robustness checks” should be applied in circumstances where quality-related information cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality issues. Where applicable, the Contractors should indicate which results were obtained using the tools (SOPs, checklists, and guidelines) that the Contractor designates as confidential so that the EPA WAM can easily identify the areas that shall require rigorous robustness checks and document that those checks have been performed. At the discretion of the EPA Work Assignment Manager (WAM) the Contractors may be requested to prepare pre-dissemination review checklist as described in Section 5.5 of the Office of Water Quality Management Plan, February 2009 (or as updated). If this is required, the EPA WAM shall notify the Contractor through written technical direction.

4.1 QUALITY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

EPA policy requires all organizations conducting EPA-funded environmental programs to establish and implement a quality system. This is accomplished through a Quality Management Plan (QMP) that documents how the organization structures its quality system and describes its quality policies and procedures, criteria for and areas of application, and roles, responsibilities, and authorities. It also describes an organization’s policies and procedures for implementing and assessing the effectiveness of the quality system.1

All technical activities performed under this contract must be supported by the Contractor’s quality system and documented by the Contractor in a customized Quality Management Plan that documents how the contractor will integrate quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures and plans into the wide variety of technical activities contemplated in the PWS.

In addition, all individual projects under the contract that involve environmental data operations must be supported by a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) that describes the quality assurance procedures, quality control specifications, and other technical activities that must be implemented to ensure that the results of the project to be performed will meet project specifications.

1 See EPA Order CIO 2106.0 - EPA Quality Program Policy; EPA Order CIO 2105.0 (formerly 5360.1 A2) - Policy and Program Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-wide Quality System, May 2000;

and EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (QA/R-2), March 2001 (Reissued May 2006), EPA/240/B-01/002.

Requirements governing the customized QMP and QAPPs prepared in support of this contract are described below.

4.2 CUSTOMIZED QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

A Quality Management Plan (QMP) documents how an organization will plan, implement, and assess the effectiveness of its quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) operations.

Specifically, it:

• Describes how an organization structures its quality system, the quality policies and procedures, areas of application, and roles, responsibilities, lines of communication and authorities.

• Documents the elements of the organization or…