REPA 5 PWS Draft May 2011.pdf

Draft

Draft May 2011

REPA PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

REPA 5

RCRA ENFORCEMENT, PERMITTING, AND ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (REPA)

REPA ZONE II (EPA REGION(S) 4, 5, and 6)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PART I. BACKGROUND

Under the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and in cooperation with our state and tribal partners, EPA manages a hazardous waste program, an underground storage tank program, and a solid waste program including development of waste reduction strategies such as recycling. The goals of the RCRA program are: 1) Protect human health and the environment from the hazards posed by waste disposal; 2) Conserve energy and natural resources through waste recycling and recovery; 3) Reduce or eliminate the amount of waste generated, including hazardous waste; and, 4) Ensure that waste is managed in an environmentally safe manner.

RCRA is the result of several laws. Congress passed the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) in 1965. This statute provided the basis for regulating the proper management of solid waste. The SWDA went through several major amendments resulting in the RCRA of 1976. The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) in 1984 and the Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1992 have also amended RCRA.

To achieve RCRA program goals, four distinct yet interrelated programs exist under RCRA. Subtitle D of RCRA promotes and encourages the environmentally sound management of solid waste. It includes minimum Federal technical standards and guidelines for state solid waste plans. Subtitle C establishes a management system that regulates hazardous waste from the time it is generated until its ultimate disposal, in effect, from “cradle to grave”. Subtitle I regulates petroleum products and hazardous substances (as defined under Superfund) that are stored in underground tanks. It establishes performance standards for new tanks and requires leak detection, prevention and corrective action at underground tank sites. Subtitle J regulates medical waste generation, treatment, destruction, and disposal.

In conjunction with achieving the RCRA program goals, other programs or related Agency initiatives may be addressed within this performance work statement. This includes the following programs and initiatives: Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Toxic Substance and Control Act (TSCA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC), Pollution Prevention (P2), National Environmental Performance Track (NEPT), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), Border 2012, Environmental Justice (EJ), National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (NEJAC), Community Based Environmental Protection (CBEP), Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know (EPCRA), RCRA Brownfields, and other new initiatives and special programs.

PART II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical support services to the EPA Zone II, which is comprised of EPA Regions IV, V, and VI. The contract will support EPA activities, as well as EPA coordinated efforts with states, tribes and other Federal agencies, at private, state and federal facilities, Indian Country, U.S. Territories, along the United States international borders, and further abroad. The activities required under this contract will support the RCRA goals cited above and other programs or related Agency initiatives.

PART III. SCOPE

The Contracting Officer will issue task orders for all work required under this contract in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) contains general performance requirements and standards. The task orders will present specific performance requirements and standards based on the activities/support required.

The contractor shall submit all work products for review and approval to the appropriate Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in accordance with the contract and task order. The Government will make all final determinations and decisions after a critical and close review of the contractor’s work product. All work products resulting from the performance of this contract are the property of EPA. The contractor shall not publish or otherwise release, distribute or disclose any work product generated under this contract without obtaining EPA’s express written approval.

The contractor shall not provide legal services, make any decision for the Agency nor develop policy under this contract. In all contact with the public and government officials under this contract, contractor personnel shall identify themselves as contractor employees working under contract to EPA. Contractor identification badges/visitor badges shall be prominently displayed at all times and clearly visible in all public settings.

PART IV. PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES AND TOOLS

A. Complexity Levels

Task orders will identify the complexity level of the work assigned. There are three complexity levels: highly complex, moderately complex and less complex. Highly complex assignments are defined as those assignments where a substantial amount (80% or more of the task) requires qualifications of senior level or expert staff to complete. Moderately complex assignment can generally be accomplished by mid level staff, with support of junior level staff and minimal support for senior staff. Less complex work can be completed by entry or junior level staff with minimal support from mid level and/or senior staff. The tasks/subtasks presented in PART V below provide examples of the three complexity levels. These examples are for informational purposes only.

Specific guidance as to the complexity of an assignment will be discussed in each task order and will be clarified prior to start of the assignment, if necessary.

B. Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs)

85% of draft deliverables and 100% of final deliverables adheres to the format and content standards defined in the task order and EPA approved contractor work plan.

When utilized, customer satisfaction and learning survey tools indicate a satisfactory or above score 90% of the time.

Work is completed in accordance with the task order and within the defined schedules and the cost estimate in the EPA approved work plan.

C. Monitoring Method

EPA will evaluate and monitor the contractor performance in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). EPA retains the right to change the monitoring or surveillance methods consistent with the “Inspection of Services” clause in Section E of the contract.

The designated EPA Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will review and approve all contractor deliverables. The EPA COR may also observe contractor personnel while performing activities under the contract. When appropriate, EPA may utilize feedback, learning and customer satisfaction survey tools and tests to monitor success.

D. Incentives/Disincentives

Where the contractor’s work fails to meet one or more of the performance standards identified under each task or subtask, the government will require the contractor to correct the deficiency at no additional cost to the government, and the contractor shall be subject to a reduction of up to 20% of the costs incurred for that task. When the defect(s) cannot be corrected by re-performance, the government may reduce the costs payable for that task by up to 50%, to reflect the reduced value of the services performed. Performance issues will be noted within the contractor’s performance rating.

PART V. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC TASKS AND REQUIREMENTS

The following tasks and subtasks identify general performance requirements and standards that describe the type of activities that will be assigned by each task order.

Any or all of the below tasks/subtasks may be requested in support of EPA activities.

Task 1 TECHNICAL REVIEWS AND ANALYSIS/ASSESSMENT SUPPORT

The contractor shall provide technical reviews and analysis/assessment services to support various environmental activities primarily under RCRA and related programs.

These services may also be used in support of CERCLA, SDWA, CWA, CAA and other environmental laws and initiatives.

Subtask 1.1 - Technical Reviews

Performance Requirement

The contractor shall conduct technical review of documents or other materials (e.g.

videos, databases, etc.) prepared by facilities, states, tribes or other Federal agencies as set forth in the individual task orders. Types of RCRA documents that may require technical review include but are not limited to: waste determination, waste delisting, land revitalization, Part B permit applications, corrective action documents, Regional Facility Assessments (RFAs), Regional Facility Investigations (RFIs), Corrective Measure Studies (CMS), Corrective Measure Design and Implementation Reports, financial assurance documents, risk assessment documents, Site Evaluation Reports, Closure Plans, Statements of Basis, Environmental Indicator documents, Field Sampling Plans (FSPs), and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs). CERCLA documents may include but are not limited to: Record of Decisions (ROD), Hazard Ranking Score (HRS), treatability studies, Remedial Design Documents, Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Related documents, Site Characterization Information.

The contractor shall provide technical support at internal and external meetings to address/discuss technical review of documents. The contractor may be required to defend, clarify, or explain any comments or reports they generated based on the technical review. Meeting support may include technical facilitation and/or formal presentation using visual aids such as maps or computer programs. Meeting attendees may include representatives from facilities, states, tribes, other Federal agencies, and the public.

Complexity Examples:

_ Highly Complex – Review of human health or ecological risk assessments and review of design documents. Technical support at a meeting concerning a complex corrective action at a large Federal Facility.

_ Moderately Complex – Review of permit documents.

_ Less Complex – Review of basic field sampling plans, RFI work plans and CMS documents.

Performance Standard

The contractor shall provide technical review support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders.

This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards. Technical support shall focus on the technical adequacy of the reviewed items and any deficiencies of critical importance.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use quality assurance monitoring tools to ensure services and deliverables meet contract/task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

Deliverables shall demonstrate that the reviewed items are consistent with: 1) recent agreements or orders (e.g. Orders, Permits, ROD); 2) professional industry standards;

and 3) current laws and EPA and/or State/Tribal rules, regulations, ordinances, and guidance. Deliverables or technical support shall demonstrate that appropriate relevant documentation was considered when developing comments, conclusions or recommendations (e.g. state documents, past EPA comments or other documentation affecting the technical review). Deliverables shall include the rational behind any conclusions or recommendations. If appropriate, recommendations for a facility to perform additional work shall be included in the deliverables.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor support at meetings/conference calls shall meet the requirements of the individual task orders. Contractor support shall also demonstrate a high level of technical subject knowledge, thorough knowledge of the reviewed documents/materials and consistency with review comments and/or recommendations. Technical facilitation support shall demonstrate a high level of technical subject knowledge and facilitation skills.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or expert staff must meet the minimum requirements as identified in the individual task orders. Contractor staff shall demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

Subtask 1.2 - Technical Analysis/Assessment Support and Document Preparation

Performance Requirement

The contractor shall provide technical analysis and assessment services in support of various EPA activities at private, state, tribal and Federal facilities or sites as set forth in the individual task orders. Types of analysis and assessment support the contractor shall provide may include but are not limited to: RCRA waste determination, RCRA waste delisting, land revitalization, corrective action analysis, Facility Assessments (RFAs), Facility Investigations (RFI), Corrective Measure Studies (CMS), Corrective Measure Design and Implementation Reports, financial assurance analysis, risk assessments, Site Evaluation Reports, Environmental Indicator analysis, Field Sampling Plans, and Quality Assurance Project Plans. The contractor shall generate written reports, summaries, or analyses in support of activities as required in individual task orders.

The contractor shall provide technical support at internal and external meetings to address/discuss technical analyses and/or assessments. The contractor may be required to defend, clarify, or explain any comments or reports they generated based on the analysis/assessment. Meeting support may include technical facilitation and/or formal presentation using visual aids such as maps or computer programs. Meeting attendees may include representatives from facilities, states, tribes, other Federal agencies, and the public.

_ Highly Complex – combustion risk assessment, human health risk assessment and ecological risk assessment.

_ Moderately Complex – Environmental Indicator Risk evaluation.

_ Less Complex –RFA file review.

Performance Standard

The contractor shall provide technical analysis and assessment support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards. Technical support shall demonstrate thorough technical analysis or assessment.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g., problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use QA monitoring tools to ensure technical support and deliverables meet contract and task order requirements.

Deliverables shall be consistent with recent agreements or orders (e.g. Orders, Permits, ROD), applicable laws and EPA and/or State/Tribal rules, regulations, ordinances, and guidance. Deliverables or technical support shall demonstrate that appropriate relevant documentation was considered when conducting analyses and assessments (e.g. state documents, past EPA comments or other documentation affecting the technical review).

Deliverables shall include the rational behind any conclusions or recommendations. If appropriate, recommendations for additional work shall be included in the deliverables.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor support at meetings/conference calls shall meet the requirements of the individual task orders. Contractor support shall also demonstrate a high level of technical subject knowledge, thorough knowledge of the contractor’s analysis/assessment and deliverables and consistency with the conclusions and/or recommendations of the analysis/assessment.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or

Task 2 FIELD OVERSIGHT, INSPECTION, SAMPLING AND DATA REVIEW

The contractor shall provide field activities and data review services to support various environmental activities primarily under RCRA and related programs. These services may also be used in support of CERCLA, SDWA, CWA, CAA and other environmental laws and initiatives. Field activities may be required at private, state or federal facilities, Indian Country, U.S. Territories, and along the United States international borders. For purposes of this contract, field activities shall include field audits, oversight, inspections, and sampling and sample analysis.

Subtask 2.1 – Field Audit/Oversight and Inspections

The contractor shall provide field audits/oversights and inspections support to evaluate facility or site compliance with RCRA, CERCLA, CWA, and CAA, as well as other environmental laws and regulations as set forth in the individual task orders. Field audits/oversight and inspections may include but are not limited to: RCRA program compliance (inspecting generators, transporters, and treatment, storage or disposal facilities); oversight inspections for adherence with corrective action requirements set forth in orders, decrees, voluntary agreements and permits; and, Underground Storage Tank (UST) inspections.

Contractor support may include the implementation and/or oversight of work plans, sampling and analytical plans, and QAPPs in the field. It may also include: preparing a Field Audit Plan/Split Sample Plan which explicitly describes field audit activities the contractor will undertake, including a checklist of such activities; observing sampling activities for compliance with the orders, decrees or permit conditions, or other settlement documents, approved sampling and analysis plans, and QAPP; and, maintaining a diary or log of detailed observations at the site, including interactions with all parties, results of field tests, observations about conformance with the approved plans, orders, decrees and permit conditions, case development, and other settlement documents. Diaries and logs may be supplemented by photographs and/or videotaping.

If necessary, the contractor may conduct a site visit to become familiar with site conditions.

_ Highly Complex – Inspections of incinerators, boilers and industrial furnaces (BIFs), and facilities with complex industrial processes, or those that have complex geology.

_ Moderately Complex – Routine Transportation, Storage and Disposal (TSD) facility inspections and corrective action oversight inspections at routine facilities.

_ Less Complex – Generator inspections and inspections a non-technical nature (such as manifest reviews).

The contractor shall provide field audit/oversight and inspection support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall be adequately prepared before going into the field including but are not limited to: appropriate field staff with required training and knowledge, appropriate field equipment (personal protective gear, surveillance equipment, etc.) and be familiar with site conditions and requirements of applicable plans and settlement documents.

The contractor shall use detailed logbooks and photographs to support observations and activities in the field.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g., problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use QA monitoring tools to ensure technical support and deliverables meet contract and task order requirements.

Deliverables should be of sufficient quality to document any violations or deviations in the field. Deliverables or technical support shall demonstrate that relevant information and documentation was considered when developing field audit, oversight or inspection reports. Deliverables shall include the rational behind any findings, conclusions or recommendations.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of

Subtask 2.2 - Field Sampling

The contractor shall provide field sampling services as set forth in the individual task orders. Field sampling may include but are not limited to: soil, debris, waste, groundwater, surface water, and sediments. The contractor shall take all actions required to achieve successful sampling events including but are not limited to:

developing and submitting to EPA sampling and analysis plans; preparing QAPPs and site Health and Safety Plan (HSP); providing coordination support to EPA through the EPA Contract Laboratory Program, Regional EPA laboratories, and/or private laboratories; procuring private analytical support, if necessary; conducting sampling activities in accordance with the QAPP; providing sample management (e.g., FORMS II Lite, SCRIBE, Chain-of Custody sample tracking, sample retention, and maintenance of sample integrity); and managing investigative derived waste (IDW).

The generator of the wastes is responsible for making a hazardous waste determination, and ultimate disposal of the waste. If the generator is a contractor, the contractor shall makes a hazardous waste determination and disposes of IDW. The contractor shall use the assigned RCRA facility ID number on the IDW disposal manifests.

In any case where EPA is the shipper (generator) of wastes, such as when IDW is generated from an EPA sampling event, the EPA site manager/representative will sign the hazardous waste manifest. However, the EPA contractor conducting the sampling shall prepare the appropriate paperwork (e.g. EPA form 8700-12, EPA Form 8700-22 or State Hazardous Waste Manifests IAW 40 CFR 262.21) for review and signature by the EPA site manager/representative.

_ Highly Complex – Sampling drums where the contents are unknown, where high levels of protection are necessary, or any event requiring non-routine sampling techniques or equipment to accomplish the assignment.

_ Moderately Complex – Routine sampling.

_ Less Complex – Split sampling at a corrective action site where the facility is collecting the samples and placing them in EPA sample containers.

Examples of “Routine Sampling” are scheduled sampling from established sampling wells, air stations, at previously established sampling sites. Some examples of actual sampling time includes well evacuations/purging, well-casings, timed sampling and decontamination, field analysis (on the back of the truck) and chain-of custody and other paperwork.

Examples of “Non-Routine Sampling” would be collection of specific rare bird eggs, rare plant sampling, collection of specific live wildlife, and collection of insect species associated with ecological risk assessments. The complexity level for sampling will be indicated in the task order by EPA.

Performance Standard

The contractor shall provide field sampling support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall be adequately prepared before going into the field including but are not limited to: appropriate field staff with required training and knowledge, appropriate field equipment (personal protective gear, surveillance equipment, etc.) and be familiar with site conditions and requirements of applicable plans and settlement documents.

The contractor shall use detailed logbooks and photographs to support observations and activities in the field.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g., problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use QA monitoring tools to ensure technical support and deliverables meet contract and task order requirements.

Deliverables should be of sufficient quality to document the type and location of all samples taken in the field. Deliverables or technical support shall demonstrate that relevant information and documentation was considered when developing field sampling reports. Deliverables shall include the rational behind any findings, conclusions or recommendations.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of

Subtask 2.3 - Data Review (Validation, Evaluation, and Reporting)

The contractor shall provide data review support as set forth in the individual task orders. Typical data review activities may include but are not limited to data validation, evaluation, compilation, tabulation and reduction. The contractor shall focus on quality, intended use and usefulness when evaluating and/or validating data. If required, the contractor shall format the data for input into a Regional or other database. The contractor shall verify and report whether adequate sample management was performed and, if applicable, the appropriate EPA tracking software was used.

_ Highly Complex – Review data packages of PCB data or evaluation of tentatively identified compounds.

_ Moderately Complex –. Validate organic data packages _ Less Complex – Validate inorganic data packages or wet chemistry evaluations.

The contractor shall provide data review support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall have thorough knowledge of data quality objectives prior to conducting any data review.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g., problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use QA monitoring tools to ensure technical support and deliverables meet contract and task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

Deliverables should document whether data is of sufficient quality for its intended use.

Any data qualifiers or restrictions in use should be clearly noted. Data review reports shall be accurate and complete and defensible in court.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or expert staff must meet the minimum requirements as identified in the individual task orders. Contractor staff shall demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

Task 3 ENFORCEMENT NEGOTIATION AND LITIGATION SUPPORT

The contractor shall provide negotiation and litigation services to support various environmental enforcement activities primarily under RCRA and related programs.

These services may also be used in support of CERCLA, SDWA, CWA, CAA and other environmental laws and initiatives.

The contractor shall provide negotiation and litigation support in three general areas:

case development, general negotiation support, and expert witness and litigation support.

Subtask 3.1 - Case Development

The contractor shall provide case development support as set forth in the individual task orders. Case development activities may include but are not limited to: technical and administrative assistance in developing defensible information to support specific enforcement or legal actions, developing draft information request letters, general/special notice letters; developing and maintaining administrative records;

conduct PRP or title searches; and, prepare trial exhibits.

Complexity Examples:

_ Highly Complex – Investigation related to process-based review, exclusions exemptions, multi-media impacts (or potential impacts), multi-sight investigations, complex corporate structure or ownerships situations.

_ Moderately Complex – Interpretation of results with regard to compliance status _ Less Complex - Gathering/compiling records already available, routine ownership, financial assurance issues

Performance Standard

The contractor shall provide case development support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders.

This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards. The contractor support shall demonstrate thorough knowledge of applicable Federal and State rules of evidence and relevant interpretive case law concerning collection, chain of custody, credibility, and admissibility.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use quality assurance monitoring tools to ensure services and deliverables meet contract/task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

If required, interviews shall be fully documented, including a summary of information and documents acquired, in the format identified in the individual task orders. Records collected shall be organized in accordance with the appropriate EPA filing system.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or

Subtask 3.2 – General Enforcement Negotiation Support

The contractor shall provide negotiation support as set forth in the individual task orders. General enforcement negotiation activities may include but are not limited to:

technical assistance in negotiating interim corrective action, removal actions, remedial design/remedial action, and consent orders; liability and viability analysis and cost documentation support; technical assistance during EPA/Department of Justice (DOJ) negotiations and negotiations with Potential Responsible Parties (PRPs); and, assess PRP financial capabilities, assess economic benefit, review settlements, and verify compliance of a PRPs work plans with the requirements and schedules in pertinent legal documents. Negotiation support may involving the collection and/or development of information to be used during discussions between EPA and site/facility owners and operators to settle or conclude outstanding issues.

Complexity Examples:

_ Highly Complex – Negotiations based on process investigation, exclusions, exemptions, multi-media implications, multi-site matters _ Moderately Complex – Interpretation of violations and desired injunctive relief _ Less Complex - Administrative support regarding sampling results, field observations, administrative record

Performance Standard

The contractor shall provide general enforcement negotiation support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use quality assurance monitoring tools to ensure services and deliverables meet contract/task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

The contractor shall identify and pursue investigative leads, including locating individuals who may be knowledgeable about site operations and waste handling practices, as well as PRPs and their assets.

PRP Financial assessments shall be based upon standard accounting and finance measures of income, solvency, and asset valuation. Financial assessment reports shall cite all sources of financial information used in the assessments.

The contractor shall review all relevant documents and adhere to applicable Agency guidance in the drafting of documents and publication requirements; evaluation and preparation of non-binding preliminary allocation of responsibility; and, evaluation of PRPs proposals, work plans, and cost recovery work.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or expert staff must meet the minimum requirements as identified in the individual task orders. The contractor shall locate and secure experts within the time frame specified in the individual task orders. Contractor staff shall demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

Subtask 3.3 - Expert Witness/Litigation Support

The contractor shall provide expert witness and litigation support as set forth in the individual task orders. The contractor may be required to obtain expert witnesses and consultants to assist EPA in the support of civil and criminal actions, administrative orders and hearings, negotiations and settlement meetings, and other settlement-related proceedings. The contractor may be required to perform a search for potential experts in specific fields having certain knowledge and experience as identified by EPA.

_ Highly Complex – Matters related to exemptions and exclusions, process-based investigations _ Moderately Complex – Interpretation of observations or sampling results and how this related to compliance status. Explanation of sampling plans and their representativeness

_ Less Complex - Matters related to observations during site visits, matters related to analytical results

The contractor shall provide expert witness and litigation support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use quality assurance monitoring tools to ensure services and deliverables meet contract/task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

Deliverables should document whether data is of sufficient quality for its intended use.

Any data qualifiers or restrictions in use should be clearly noted. Data review reports shall be accurate and complete and defensible in court.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or expert staff must meet the minimum requirements as identified in the individual task orders. The contractor shall locate and secure experts within the time frame specified in the individual task orders. Contractor staff shall demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

Task 4 RECORDS AND DATA MANAGEMENT

The contractor shall provide records and data management services to support various environmental activities primarily under RCRA, related programs and special projects.

These services may also be used in support of CERCLA, SDWA, CWA, CAA and other environmental laws and initiatives.

Subtask 4.1 - Records Management

The contractor shall provide records management services as set forth in the individual task orders. These services may include but are not limited to: records center and/or records management database operation and maintenance; document control and maintenance; Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity (EPA Form 8700-12) processing and associated support; program, site or facility specific records compilation and maintenance; document list development and maintenance; and Freedom Of Information Act management.

Complexity Examples:

_ High Complex - Establish Records Management System

_ Moderately Complex – Records Center Management.

_ Less Complex - Document list development and maintenance

Performance Standards

The contractor shall provide records management support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use quality assurance monitoring tools to ensure services and deliverables meet contract/task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of

Subtask 4.2 - Data Management

The contractor shall provide data management services set forth in the individual task orders. These services may include but are not limited to: application/system development, maintenance and upgrade or enhancement; data screening, validation, entry and formatting; and, system interface and conversion development. Activities required may include but are not limited to: develop automated or written management information systems; develop automated record management systems; develop, maintain and upgrade automated regional tracking systems, databases, spreadsheets, and reporting systems; develop and modify draft geographical information systems (GIS) or geospatial reports; biennial report (BR) data screening/validation, entry and follow up; and, create unique reports by manipulating information from various sources which may include “secondary data”.

The contractor shall demonstrate the operational capability of written or automated applications or systems developed, upgraded or enhanced. The contractor shall maintain compatibility among system components in an operational environment when developing system interfaces and conversions. Developed applications shall conform to the operational environment and specified user requirements. Developed applications shall NOT adversely affect system performance. For conversion projects, the contractor may be required to provide an inventory of programs and description of the complexity of the existing systems and programs for transfer to another processing system or hardware and software platform operational environment.

The contractor shall provide application operation and maintenance manual or training manual. The contractor may also be required to provide training on use of the database or automated system. Training may vary based on user levels/needs (e.g. end users, administrators, analysts, management, etc.)

Any database or system developed under this contract shall be the property of the EPA.

_ Highly Complex – Develop an integrated Unified Hazardous Materials Information Delivery System application in coordination with states to collect, verify and compile local (city/county) government data and transfer to RCRAInfo.

_ Moderately Complex – Local (regional) RCRA database system updates and maintenance.

_ Less Complex – Data screening and entry.

The contractor shall provide data management support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in an individual task order.

This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. The support provided and applications developed shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and effective manner. The contractor shall use quality assurance monitoring tools to ensure services and deliverables meet contract/task order requirements. The contractor shall also use QA monitoring tools to validate data and ensure adequate quality for its intended purpose.

Deliverables shall meet the schedule and cost presented in the task order. Written deliverables shall reflect a good command of the English language, be well organized, and free of grammatical errors, misspellings and incomplete sentences. As required, written deliverables shall also have high quality professional graphics. Any application developed shall meet the standards set in the individual task order and be functional, user-friendly, with edit-capability and compatible with software used by EPA.

Preparation and printing of materials shall be in accordance with the Government Printing Office (GPO) guidelines.

Contractor personnel shall meet the standards of the position as described in the contract schedule. The contractor shall utilize staff with the appropriate level of education and work experience to meet the task order requirements. Specialized and/or expert staff must meet the minimum requirements as identified in the individual task orders. Contractor staff shall demonstrate a high level of professionalism.

Task 5 TRAINING, CONFERENCES AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The contractor shall provide training, conference and public involvement services to support various environmental activities primarily under RCRA, related programs and special projects. These services may also be used in support of CERCLA, SDWA, CWA, CAA and other environmental laws and initiatives.

Subtask 5.1 - Training and Conference Support

The contractor shall provide assistance in conducting training and conference/meeting support as set forth in the individual task orders. These services may require contractor support involving the communication of EPA policy and regulations and providing guidance to other Federal, State and local agencies on EPA’s behalf. Training and conference/meeting support may include, but are not limited to: logistical activities such as facility arrangements, publicizing the course or conference/meeting, registration, and attendee tracking; material development and distribution such as training manuals, handbooks, pamphlets, slide shows, and Power Point presentations; and, specialized and/or expert technical or instructor support for various environmental areas such as risk assessment, inspector and site inspection training, corrective action, waste minimization, pollution prevention, landfill regulation, Environmental Indicator (EI) scoring, and closure/post-closure.

Complexity Examples:

_ Highly Complex – Develop and provide Risk Assessment Training _ Moderately Complex – Financial Assurance Training _ Less Complex – Training registration and attendee tracking

The contractor shall provide training, meeting and conference support in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and direction provided in the individual task orders. This support shall be tailored to the needs of and consistent with the policies and guidance of the specific office being supported. This support shall also meet or exceed professional industry standards.

The contractor shall coordinate and integrate all activity needed to execute the support required (e.g. problem identification/resolution strategy; responses to inquiries, and/or technical, service, administrative issues, etc.) in a timely, complete and…