Sol_SOL-CI-17-00102_Amd_0001.pdf

(x)

SOL-CI-17-00102

x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT

THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

Cincinnati OH 45268

CPOD

Mail Code: NWD 26 West Martin Luther King Drive US Environmental Protection Agency

CPOD

02/07/20180001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

02/07/2018

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this Amendment 1 is to provide answers to questions as presented via

FedConnect. As a result, provision FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications and provision EPA-L-36-101 Proposal Instructions have been revised.

The due date/time has been extended to March 14, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Noelle Mills

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

K-2 FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS. (NOV 2017)

(a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541620.

(2) The small business size standard is $15,000,000.00.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the offeror is currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and has completed the Representations and Certifications section of SAM electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

___ (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

___ (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless-

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that-

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations- Representation.

(vii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(viii) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(ix) 52.214-14, Place of Performance-Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(x) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(xii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(xiii) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xiv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xvi) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xvii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA-designated items.

(xviii) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals- Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204- 7.)

(xix) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xx) 52.225-4, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate.

(Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $77,533, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(D) If the acquisition value is $77,533 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxi) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan- Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiii) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

(Contracting Officer check as appropriate.)

[X] (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

[X] (ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

[X] (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

[ ] (iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Certification.

[ ] (v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Certification.

[ ] (vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

[ ] (vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

[ ] (A) Basic.

[ ] (B) Alternate I.

[X] (viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM Web site accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below (offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date). These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

FAR Clause No. Title Date Change

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of provision)

L-25 Local Clauses EPA-L-36-101 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

(a) Proposal Instructions

(1) The offeror's response is to be submitted in two volumes. The technical proposal is to be separate from the price proposal. Responses are subject to the following requirements and limitations:

I. Technical Proposal: Page limit of 100 double-sided pages.

II. Price Proposal: No page limit.

(2) Offerors shall include a cover letter with their proposal. The cover letter shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

(i) The solicitation number;

(ii) The name, address, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and electronic addresses of the offeror;

(iii) Names, titles, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and electronic addresses of persons authorized to negotiate with the Government on the offeror's behalf in connection with this Solicitation;

(iv) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority;

(v) Name, title, and signature of principals of the firm;

(vi) The name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and electronic address of the individual in the offeror's organization to be contacted, if necessary, during evaluation of the proposal;

(vii) The complete formal name and address of the offeror's organization and/or other participants to be used in any resulting contract. Provide Dun and Bradstreet LTD DUNS number for each organization and new entity if one is being created;

(viii) The name, address, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and electronic addresses of representatives of the Government agency having administrative cognizance over the offeror, offeror team arrangement (as defined at FAR 9.601), or parent company, as applicable (such as contract administration within the meaning of FAR 42.3, Contract Administration Office Functions); and

(ix) A statement that the offeror grants to the EPA or its authorized representatives, the right to examine, for purposes of verifying the information submitted, those books, records, documents, and other supporting data that will permit adequate evaluation; and this right may be exercised in connection with any such reviews deemed necessary by the Government.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision or clause in this solicitation to the contrary, proposals shall be submitted via the FedConnect® web portal (www.fedconnect.net). In order to submit proposals, offerors must register in FedConnect® at www.fedconnect.net, see main page of FedConnect® website for registration instructions. For assistance in registering or for other FedConnect® technical questions please call the FedConnect® Help Desk at

(800) 899-6665 or email at support@fedconnect.net

(i) For those mailed through the U. S. Postal Service - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Attn: Nicholas Bisher 26 West Martin Luther King Drive Mail Stop NWD-001 Cincinnati, OH 45268-0001

(ii) For those sent by Courier or Hand Carried - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cincinnati Procurement Operations Division Attn: Nicholas Bisher 4411 Montgomery Road, Suite 300 Cincinnati, OH 45212

(iii) NOTE: There must be an annotation on the face of the package which shows the RFP number and the closing date.

(b) Volume-Specific Instructions:

(1) Technical Proposal Instructions

Offerors shall submit one (1) printed technical proposal that will serve as the official copy, two (2) CD submissions of the Technical Proposal, and one (1) electronic submission at the FedConnect® website.

CD-ROMs shall contain an electronic copy of the information submitted in the hard copy volume. The CD-ROMs are provided for evaluation convenience only. The hard copy volume constitutes the official Offer and proposal. In the event of a conflict, the hard copy material takes precedence over the CD-ROM text or the FedConnect version.

Technical evaluation of proposals will be based on the Technical Evaluation Criteria in provision M, Local Clauses

EPA-M-15-101 “EVALUATION FACTORS FOR CONTRACT AWARD”.

FAXED OR E-MAILED COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

1) In order that EPA may evaluate technical proposals in accordance with Technical Evaluation Criteria, offerors must address the following in their technical proposal.

http://www.fedconnect.net/ mailto:support@fedconnect.net

The technical proposal shall be limited to 100 double-sided typewritten pages on standard 8½ x 11-inch paper, using no less than 12-point character size and no less than one inch all around margins. 10-point font is acceptable for non-text items such as tables, graphics, and exhibits. A piece of paper that has printing on both sides (double-sided) counts as two pages. A foldout page counts as two pages. These instructions equate to 100 single-sided typewritten pages.

The offeror is strongly urged to be as succinct, clear, and concise as possible in writing the technical submission and adhering to the page limitation. Any proposal pages that are exceeding the page limitation will not be evaluated.

Exclusions: The following items are excluded from the page limitation:

i. Transmittal letters, cover pages, table of contents, and dividers.

ii. The offeror’s Quality Management Plan (QMP), Sample Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), letters of commitment, resumes of the key personnel, journal articles, Confidential Business Information Application Security Plan (CBI Plan) and presentations (as applicable) shall be submitted as separate, tabbed attachments to the technical proposal and shall not count toward the page limitation.

2) The term “offeror” as used in the technical proposal instructions and the technical evaluation criteria shall mean the prime contractor and any proposed subcontractors and consultants.

3) The offeror’s technical proposal must be prepared as a separate part of the total proposal package, and shall be specific and sufficiently detailed to allow a complete evaluation of the method of satisfying the requirements set forth in the RFP. All cost or pricing details shall be omitted from the technical proposal.

4) The technical proposal shall comprehensively address each of the criteria described in the Technical Evaluation Criteria in provision M, Local Clauses EPA-M-15-101 “EVALUATION FACTORS FOR CONTRACT AWARD,” and shall be prepared in exactly the same order using the same numbering system for all criteria and subcriteria, including all material that is to be evaluated under the appropriate criterion and subcriterion. Resumes and consultant letters of commitment, referenced in more than one criterion, need only be attached once as an appendix or attachment.

5) The technical proposal shall include page numbers on all pages, including attachments.

6) It is mandatory that the offeror include, in both its cost and technical proposals, a clear explanation of how the individuals or categories proposed correspond to the Labor Categories included in the price proposal instructions. If proposal costing is not done based on specific individuals that are clearly named in both the cost and technical proposals, it is the offeror’s responsibility to demonstrate clearly in the proposal that the method of pricing accurately reflects the costs of using the individuals cited technically to an extent consistent with the level of effort usage proposed for personnel being technically evaluated.

7) The following instructions apply to the Technical Evaluation Criteria as set forth in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Contract Award. For this solicitation, all evaluation factors other than cost or price when combined are significantly more important than cost or price.

(i) The technical proposal shall include the offeror’s responses to the criteria/factors listed as:

I. QUALIFICATIONS AND AVAILABILITY OF KEY PERSONNEL

This criterion is established to evaluate the technical qualifications (experience, expertise and education) and availability of the key personnel relative to the technical requirements of the performance work statement (PWS).

The resume and information should clearly establish the individual’s educational achievements and specific past experience in performing similar projects to those anticipated under the solicitation.

For each key personnel, at a minimum, provide the individual’s resume and present the following items in a simple, systematic table format or listing:

a. Name, Professional Level, and Job Title.

b. Degree(s) held and corresponding field of study (e.g., BS in Economics).

c. Number of years of experience relevant to his/her proposed role.

d. Description of work relevant to his/her proposed role.

e. Professional Certifications, licenses.

f. Availability expressed as a percentage of the individual’s time available to work on the resultant contract.

* It is not sufficient to merely state that an individual worked on a project. EXPLAIN WHAT HE/SHE DID.

Note that individuals proposed as Key Personnel will be listed as such in the contract section H clauses entitled “Key Personnel.”

A. Demonstrated Qualifications* and Availability of the Proposed PL-4 Program Manager.

B. Demonstrated Qualifications* and Availability of the Proposed Key Personnel other than the Program Manager.

1) P4 – Senior Financial Economist (1 or 2 individuals)

2) P4 – Senior Benefits Economist (1 or 2 individuals)

3) P4 – Senior Environmental Assessor (1 or 2 individuals)

4) P4 – Senior Quality Assurance Manager (1 exclusive individual)

*Qualifications includes education, expertise, and experience.

II. DEMONSTRATED TECHNICAL APPROACH

This criterion is established to evaluate the offeror’s technical approach. The offeror shall provide a strategic overview that describes its understanding of the work required by EPA. Based on the information provided in the PWS, the offeror shall describe what it understands to be its overall responsibilities and objectives in a way that shows the offeror understands the area of work required, the purpose of the tasks, and how the tasks interconnect with each other, where applicable. In addition to providing a strategic overview, the offeror shall describe its technical approach which demonstrates an understanding and knowledge of EPA’s requirement, as well as its capability and ability to complete the tasks on time. Offerors shall provide a clear, concise, and complete explanation of how they propose to accomplish the required services and functions specified in the PWS located under Attachment 1 of this solicitation. The contractor shall demonstrate its approach to performing the major work areas of the PWS including: conducting economic, environmental and human health risk assessments; and providing regulatory, analytical, technical, and evaluation support needs to meet the requirements of the CWA and SWDA, other programmatic requirements, and Executive Orders and statutes. The offeror shall demonstrate an understanding of the typical problems encountered in performing services of the kind being solicited, and the ability to present practical, efficient solutions to those problems. The technical approach shall express how the offeror proposes to comply with the PWS by providing a full explanation of the techniques and procedures the offeror proposes to follow. The offeror is not required to provide a technical approach in their technical proposal for PWS Section E “Contract Activity Information and Technology Requirements” or PWS Section F “Deliverables.”

III. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT PLAN

This factor is established to evaluate the quality of the proposed program management plan to manage the contract effectively. This factor will evaluate the appropriateness of the overall organizational structure which delineates the responsibilities and lines of authority of proposed staff, including subcontractors and consultants, in fulfilling the requirements of the PWS, including the placement of the proposed Program Manager and Senior Quality Assurance Manager within the management structure. The information should describe the proposed communication plan for this contract. This factor will also evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the system proposed to track and monitor individual task orders and overall contract costs. The information should clearly document the system’s method for tracking costs and performance within established budgetary constraints and scheduled deadlines, including quick response deadlines. The information should also demonstrate the offeror’s understanding of the problems associated with performance under a contract of this type (task order, Time and Materials, Firm Fixed Price, having multiple projects with changing priorities) and explain the offeror’s proposed plan to recruit, hire, train, and retain qualified personnel for performance under any resulting contract to fulfill the requirements of the PWS, and the offeror’s ability to assure availability of proposed staff for the duration of the performance period of the contract.

The offeror shall describe its process to identify distinct work scope that can be performance-based and performed by competitively selected small business subcontractors to meet the small business goals established in the RFP.

The subcontracting approach should identify timely, discrete, and meaningful scopes of work that can be competed amongst small business concerns after contract award when requirements are further defined. Meaningful work is defined as discrete and distinct technical or programmatic scopes of work within the PWS that directly contribute to the accomplishment of the mission.

IV. PAST PERFORMANCE

This criterion is established to evaluate the offeror’s past performance. For the offeror and each subcontractor proposed for a subcontract in excess of $5,000,000 demonstrated performance on up to five (5) contracts and/or subcontracts completed in the last three years, and all contracts and subcontracts currently in process that are similar in nature (size, type, technical scope, and complexity) to this requirement. Areas of demonstrated performance may include: quality of product or service, schedule, cost control, management, and regulatory compliance.

The Government will consider the information provided by the references, and may also consider information obtained from other sources, when evaluating an offeror’s past performance. Attempts to obtain responses from references will generally not go beyond two telephone messages and/or written requests. Not all references identified by the offeror may be contacted.

V. QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

This RFP requires submission of a customized QMP; two sample QAPPs, one for economics work and one for environmental assessment work; and a demonstration of the offeror’s qualifications relevant to implementing the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) strategies needed to support the activities described in the PWS.

This information may be submitted as an attachment to the offeror’s proposal, and will not be included in the page count. Other instructions regarding the evaluation of the offeror under this criterion are as follow.

A. Quality Management Plan (QMP)

This subcriterion evaluates the adequacy of the offeror’s Quality Management Plan (QMP) to effectively manage the Quality Assurance (QA) activities of the contract, including the completeness and relevance of the offer’s QMP for meeting the QA requirements under the contract. See the provision in Section L of the RFP entitled “Instructions for the Preparation of Quality Management Plan (QMP) (EPA-L-46-101)” and the Section E clause entitled “Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement (Government Specification)” (FAR 52.246-12)”. Additional information on EPA requirements for the QMP can be accessed at the following:

https://www.epa.gov/quality. It is the intent of the Government to incorporate the awardee’s QMP in its entirety into any resultant contract.

Offerors shall prepare a customized QMP that is tailored to the requirements in the proposed contract PWS and explains how the organization’s Quality System, including quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) strategies, will support those specific activities. The offeror shall complete and submit the crosswalk provided as Table 2 of these Technical Proposal Instructions, using the crosswalk to identify where each requirement specified in Table 1 is addressed in the offeror’s customized QMP.

B. Sample Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) https://www.epa.gov/quality

This subcriterion is established to evaluate sample QAPPs submitted by the offeror, which have been developed to support an effort involving the collection, generation, analysis and/or use of primary or secondary (existing) data for a project that involves activities similar to those specified in the proposed contract PWS. The sample QAPPs may be for any project in the contract, tasks, task orders, etc. that will demonstrate the offeror:

1) Understands EPA’s requirements for QAPPs; and

2) Is capable of preparing a QAPP that includes all required QAPP elements and that addresses these elements with specific details concerning how the offeror controls, defines, documents, and measures quality for technical activities similar to those that will be performed under the PWS for the proposed contract.

The sample QAPPs do not need to be prepared specifically for this RFP PWS, but they must address activities that are similar to those that would be performed under the proposed contract. Accordingly, the economics-related sample QAPP must reflect a project that involves a similar effort in use of economic analysis methodologies used, for example, for costing, financial or regulatory impact analyses; economic modeling for estimating benefits, and data collection and review. The environmental assessment-related sample QAPP must reflect a project that involves a similar effort in use of environmental assessment analysis methodologies used, for example, for surface and ground water-related human health impact analyses; aquatic ecosystem impact analyses; environmental modeling of fate and effects of pollutants discharged to surface and ground water; and data collection and review. The sample QAPPs should describe specific procedures for all environmental information and data operations relevant to the sample project, including the use of primary and existing data, software and model development, and validation of the model for its intended use. The QAPPs should consist of the elements as specified in EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans. Additional information on this document can be accessed at https://www.epa.gov/quality/epa-qar-5-epa-requirements-quality-assurance-project-plans.

VI. ADEQUACY OF GENERAL SECURITY PLAN FOR CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION

(ACCEPTABLE/UNACCEPTABLE)

This criterion is established for the offeror to demonstrate the appropriateness of security procedures for handling confidential business information as proposed in a General Security Plan for Confidential Business Information. As part of the initial offer, offerors shall submit a General Security Plan for Confidential Business Information (CBI) which outlines the procedures for storage, control, and monitoring of confidential business materials. The elements of the Plan must comply with all statutes, rules, regulations, and policies applicable to CBI. The offeror’s security plan must be compatible with the EPA’s Office of Science and Technology Confidential Business Information Application Security Plan (See Attachment 5). The CBI Plan shall be incorporated into any resulting contract.

The CBI Plan shall be evaluated in accordance with the Technical Evaluation Criteria (See Section M, Local Clause EPA-M-15-101 “Evaluation Factors for Contract Award”).

TABLE 1

EPA OST QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFERORS

This is a list of requirements for offeror Quality Management Plans (QMPs) that are submitted to the OST Quality Assurance Officer/Coordinators for review under RFP SOL-CI-17-00102.

Required elements in this list are discussed in detail in EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (QA/R-2), as customized below to meet EPA needs under the RFP. Consult this resource for more information on the items below.

Note that all items below must be included in a QMP. If an item is not relevant, an explanation must be provided. Also note that the process may either be described or referenced in the QMP; however, all references should be readily accessible within the organization.

https://www.epa.gov/quality/epa-qar-5-epa-requirements-quality-assurance-project-plans

These RFP Technical Proposal Instructions include a separate Table 2 that provides a crosswalk between the OST QMP requirements and the offeror’s QMP. The offeror must: 1) complete the Table 2 crosswalk by identifying the specific location in which its QMP addresses each OST QMP requirement, and 2) submit the crosswalk as part of its technical proposal. Failure to comply with the requirements identified below will result in rejection of the submitted

QMP.

Note also that per QA/R-2 section 2.6, Quality Management Plan Submission and Approval, “EPA approval of a Quality Management Plan will be valid for no more than … the length of the extramural agreement….”

Elements in EPA QA/R-2 (section number) Customized OST Requirements for this RFP

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION (3.2)

1. Approval page signed and dated by the proposed Program Manager, and the organization’s management that supervises the Program Manager as a minimum

QMPs that are not signed by the organization’s management when submitted with offer automatically will be deemed unacceptable.

2. Approval page signed and dated by organization’s QA manager

Offerors may use a term equivalent to “QA manager.”

QMPs that are not signed by the organization’s QA manager (or equivalent) when submitted with the offer automatically will be deemed unacceptable.

3. Includes a section for the signature of the EPA official

The QMP must include a signature line for acceptance by OST QA Officer/Coordinator.

Note: Review during the proposal evaluation process does not constitute acceptance by EPA. Formal acceptance must occur before the QMP is included in the contract award.

4. Includes statement of the organization’s QA policy, which includes:

a. The importance of QA and QC activities to the organization and why

b. General objectives/goals of the quality system

c. Policy for resource allocation for the quality system T5. Includes organizational chart

a. Organizational chart identifies all components of organization

The QMP’s organizational chart must reflect the technical PWS activities and must be applicable to the proposed contract structure, e.g., it must reflect the technical organization described in the offeror’s staffing plan (including subcontractors), technical approach, and management plan.

Failure to provide an organizational chart that applies QA/QC responsibilities to the technical support activities required by the RFP will be viewed as unacceptable.

b. Organizational Chart identifies position of QA manager

Offerors may use a term equivalent to “QA manager”

Elements in EPA QA/R-2 (section number) Customized OST Requirements for this RFP

c. Organizational Chart identifies lines of reporting of the QA manager The organizational chart must depict the organizational independence of the QA manager (Key Personnel) or equivalent from groups generating, compiling, and evaluating environmental data. (Environmental data is defined as “Any measurements or information that describe: environmental processes, location, or conditions; ecological or health effects and consequences; or the performance of environmental technology. For EPA, environmental data includes information collected directly from measurements, produced from models, and compiled from other sources such as databases or the literature.”) The organizational chart must show communication/ coordination lines between the offeror’s QA manager or equivalent for this program and the offeror’s program/project management team. If the QA manager is supported by an independent team of QA/QC staff, the organizational chart also must present the lines of communication among these staff, the QA manager, and the technical staff and managers.

d. Organizational Chart identifies any other QA staff

6. Includes discussion of authorities of the QA manager and QA staff

The discussion also should address these staff roles and responsibilities.

7. Documents the independence of QA manager The QMP narrative should also demonstrate the organizational independence of the QA manager or equivalent from groups generating, compiling, and evaluating environmental data. The QA Manager must be responsible for overseeing that the QA plans are followed or updated to reflect current directions.

8. Describes procedures to ensure QA staff members have access to appropriate levels of management

9. Discusses technical activities or programs that require quality management controls

The discussion should include all activities/programs identified in the SOW/PWS that involve work performed to obtain, use, or report environmental data/information. See definition of “environmental data in Item 5c of the Management and Organization section of this table.)

10. Discusses where oversight of delegated or extramural programs is needed

QMPs must require flow-down of RFP-specified quality system requirements to subcontractors involved in environmental data operations. Note: A single consultant cannot provide QA for his/her own work. If such consultants are used, the QMP must explain how quality will be ensured.

11. Identifies where internal coordination of QA and QC activities among organizational units is needed

12. Discusses how management assures quality system understanding and implementation in all programs

QUALITY SYSTEM COMPONENTS (3.3)

13. Includes description of quality system

14. Describes principal quality system components

(e.g., quality system documentation, annual reviews and planning, training, systematic project planning, project-specific quality documentation, project and data assessments)

15. Description of each component includes responsibilities of management and staff

16. Lists tools for implementing each component

(e.g., QMPs, Quality Systems Audits, Training Plans, QA Project Plans)

Include standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines or other tools that are relevant to the work anticipated in the RFP

PWS.

Offerors must identify and describe all proprietary tools (e.g., models, data, software) that will be used to generate work products that will be submitted to EPA under this contract, and describe any limitations on EPA’s ability to share these tools with stakeholders that wish to reproduce information disseminated by EPA that is based on those work products.

17. Identifies internal organizations that develop QMPs

Internal organizations here refer to this program/contract, under this SOW/PWS (e.g., subcontractors), if applicable.

18. Identifies review and approval procedures for these internal QMPs (if applicable)

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING (3.4)

19. States policy regarding QA training for management and staff

20. Describes process for identifying, ensuring, and documenting that personnel have necessary quality-related qualifications

This discussion should document the organization’s procedures for ensuring that all personnel performing technical or QA/QC-related work have the necessary skills to effectively accomplish their work (e.g., list the training courses for QA that the offeror requires and any certifications from ASQ or ANSI or other quality organizations).

21. Describes process for ensuring personnel maintain quality-related qualifications

22. Describes process for identifying the need for quality-related retraining based on changing requirements

23. Includes roles, responsibilities, and authorities in description of each of the above processes

PROCUREMENT OF ITEMS AND SERVICES (3.5)

24. Describes/references process for reviewing and approving all procurement documents

a. Review process ensures documents are complete and accurate

b. Review process ensures agreement clearly describes the item or service needed

c. Review process ensures agreement describes the associated technical and quality requirements

d. Review process ensures agreement describes the quality system elements for which the EPA is responsible

e. Review process ensures that the offeror’s conformance to the EPA’s requirements will be verified

25. Describes/references process for reviewing and approving applicable responses to solicitations to ensure that they satisfy all technical and quality requirements

26. Describes/references process of ensuring procured items and services are acceptable, including the review of objective evidence of quality for applicable items and services

27. Includes roles, responsibilities, and authorities in description of each of the above processes

DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS (3.6)

28. Describes/references process for identifying quality-related documents and records (including electronic) requiring control

29. Describes/references process for preparing, reviewing, approving, issuing, using, authenticating, and revising documents and records

30. Describes/references process for ensuring that records and documents accurately reflect completed work

31. Describes/references process for maintaining documents and records including transmittal, distribution, retention, access, preservation, traceability, retrieval, removal of obsolete documentation, and disposition

32. Describes/references the process for ensuring compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory, and EPA requirements

If the RFP includes handling of confidential business information (CBI), the QMP must describe the offeror’s procedures for handling and managing this type of information.

If the offeror is submitting a CBI plan as part of the RFP, the offeror may reference and briefly describe that plan in the QMP.

33. Describes/references process for establishing and implementing appropriate chain of custody and confidentiality procedures for evidentiary records

34. Includes roles, responsibilities, and authorities in description of each of the above processes

COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE (3.7)

35. Describes/references process for developing, installing, testing, using, maintaining, controlling, and documenting computer hardware and software used in environmental programs to ensure it meets technical and quality requirements and directives from management

36. Describes/references process for assessing and documenting the impact of changes to user requirements and/or the hardware and software on performance

37. Describes/references process for evaluating purchased hardware and software to ensure it meets user requirements and complies with applicable contractual requirements and standards

38. Describes/references process for ensuring that data and information produced from or collected by computers meet applicable requirements and standards

39. Includes roles, responsibilities, and authorities in description of each of the above processes

PLANNING (3.8)

40. Describes/references the systematic planning process for environmental data operations Environmental data operations are defined as any “work performed to obtain, use, or report information pertaining to environmental processes and conditions.” Environmental processes are defined as “manufactured or natural processes that produce discharges to or that impact the ambient environment.”

See definition of “environmental data in Item 5c of the Management and Organization section of this table.)

Environmental data operations include statistical and economic analysis of or associated with environmental information/data for both primary and existing information.

a. Does process include identification and involvement of the program manager, sponsoring organization and responsible official, project personnel, stakeholders, scientific experts, etc. (e.g., the EPA and offeror)

b. Does process include description of the project goal, objectives, and questions and issues to be addressed

c. Does process include identification of project schedule, resources, milestones, and any applicable requirements

d. Does process include identification of the type and quantity of data needed and how the data will be used to support the project’s objectives

For the purpose of this proposed contract, the term “data” includes both primary data and existing data. The term existing data is defined as “data that were not directly generated by or for your organization to support the decision at hand.” Other terms such as acquired data, data from other sources, and secondary use of data have been used to express the same concept. If the proposed RFP involves the use of both primary and existing data, the offeror’s customized QMP must acknowledge that both types of data are to be considered in the systematic planning process

e. Does process include specification of performance criteria for measuring quality

The systematic planning process described in the offeror’s customized QMP must indicate that performance criteria are necessary for both primary and existing data if the RFP PWS requires the generation or use of both types of data.

f. Does process include specification of needed QA and QC activities to assess the quality performance criteria

g. Does process include description of how, when, and where the data will be obtained (including existing data) and identification of any constraints on data collection

h. Does process include description of how the acquired data will be analyzed, evaluated, and assessed against its intended use and the quality performance criteria

Environmental data analysis includes statistical and economic analysis.

41. Describes/references process for developing, reviewing, approving, implementing, and revising QA Project Plans or equivalent planning documents

42. Describes/references process for evaluating and qualifying data collected for other purposes or from other sources, including the application of any statistical methods, for a new use

Offeror must have a documented process to evaluate existing data. The process should include documenting the specific approach in QAPPs that describe the process and rationale for selecting and listing sources, data evaluation, data acceptance criteria, and data qualification.

43. Includes roles, responsibilities, and authorities in description of each of the above processes.

IMPLEMENTATION OF WORK PROCESSES (3.9)

Note: For the purposes of this contract, the term “procedures” used throughout this section refers to standard operating procedures (SOPs)

44. Describes/references process for ensuring that work is performed according to planning and technical documents

45. Describes/references process for identifying operations needing procedures

46. Describes/references process for preparation, review, approval, revision, and withdrawal of these procedures

47. Describes policy for use of these procedures

48. Describes/references process for controlling and documenting the release, change, and use of planned procedures

a. Process includes description of necessary approvals

b. Process includes planned timing or points for implementing documentation changes Offeror’s QMP must describe the effective period for and review frequency of procedures.

c. Process includes removal of obsolete documentation from work areas

d. Process includes verification that the changes are made as prescribed

49. Includes roles, responsibilities, and authorities in description of each of the above processes

ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE (3.10)

50. Describes/references the process for assessing the adequacy of the quality system at least annually

The QMP must include a description of the annual Quality System review that includes a submission of an annual QA report to EPA within 60 calendar days of the contract anniversary date. The report needs to contain the following:

1. Documented assessment of the QMP, determining whether it accurately reflects the current organization and the Quality System, including identification of past and planned changes and revisions to the QMP.

2. Documentation showing that the Quality System has been effectively implemented during the past year. This documentation needs to include a summary of the contractor’s (post award) assessments of its Quality System, including assessments conducted by the offeror of its organization and subs, and by external organizations. The summary needs to include the following information for each assessment: (a) type of assessment performed, (b) organization and project which were the subject of the assessment, (c) who performed the assessment, (d) when the assessment was performed, and (e) general statement of the assessment results and any corrective actions.

51. Describes/references the process for planning, implementing and documenting assessments and reporting results to management

a. Process includes selecting an assessment tool, the expected frequency, and the roles and responsibilities of assessors

b. Process includes determining the level of competence, experience and training needed for assessment personnel

c. Process includes ensuring that personnel have no real or perceived conflict of interest, and have no direct involvement or responsibility for the work being assessed

d. Process includes ensuring that personnel conducting assessments have sufficient authority, access to programs and managers, access to documents and records, and organizational freedom to identify both quality problems and noteworthy practices, propose recommendations for resolving quality problems, and independently confirm…