Attachment_1_-_ESO_Performance_Work_Statement.pdf

SOL-R1-14-00003 – ATTACHMENT 1

ATTACHMENT 1

ESO PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Environmental Services and Operations (ESO) Performance Work Statement

Subject to Task Order Specific Requirements

The contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel with appropriate knowledge and expertise, materials, equipment, and services needed for, or incidental to, performing and completing work in accordance with the requirements of this performance work statement. Services under the ESO contracts may be ordered by any EPA Region or Headquarters Office.

The work areas under this ESO contract are separated into seven functional areas (tasks):

1. General Requirements

2. Field Work and Analytical Support

3. EPA-lead Remedy Operations including Long Term Response Action (LTRA)

4. Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection

5. Oversight or Oversight Support

6. EPA-lead Remedial Action or EPA-lead Removal Action Implementation Support

7. Other Technical Assistance

Activities under each functional area will be identified in a task order performance work statement/statement of work for the specific project. Region-specific or new EPA policy or guidance not specifically outlined in the contract performance work statement will be identified in the task order. The contractor shall provide a cost/price proposal for all activities identified in the task order in accordance with the pricing structure identified as well as a milestone schedule for completion of all activities that meets the EPA specified schedule for the project.

This ESO PWS includes general tasks that will be accomplished under this contract. The types of sites where these requirements will be executed vary by contract line item number (CLIN). In general, the types of sites where ESO-type activities may be conducted, include but are not limited to:

CLIN 0001: landfills, manufacturing facilities, groundwater sites with challenging geology, and sediment sites.

CLIN 0002: groundwater sites with challenging geology, manufactured gas plant sites, residential/high access sites, large geographic sites contaminated with mining chat, and large watershed surface water and sediment sites.

CLIN 003: large, diffuse groundwater sites, vapor intrusion sites, hardrock mine sites, and sediment sites.

Task 1: General Requirements

The general requirements section outlines activities that will be completed by the contractor for a majority of the task orders issued under this contract. The activities in this section include:

1.1 Site-Specific Plan(s) Development;

1.2 Project Management, Monitoring and Reporting;

1.3 Permitting;

1.4 Green Remediation and Climate Change Considerations;

1.5 Clean Diesel Requirements;

1.6 Renewable Energy Considerations;

1.7 Optimization Considerations;

1.8 Community Involvement; and

1.9 Task Order Close Out.

The need for these requirements and the amount of information/level or effort required will be outlined in the task order performance work statement/statement of work.

1.1 Site-Specific Plan(s) Development

Prepare, update, and/or maintain required site-specific plans. The types of site-specific plans necessary for the project will be outlined in the task order document. Site work shall not commence on a project until EPA (the remedial project manager (RPM), contracting officer’s representative (COR) or other management personnel) have approved all the site-specific submittals required in the task order document. Some site-specific plans that may be requested include, but are not limited to, the following:

Technical Management Plan. This plan outlines technical approach, project organization

(including personnel), Communication and Reporting, Schedule, Subcontractor

Management and any public involvement.

Site Management Plan (SMP). The SMP outlines the processes, procedures, and safeguards that will be used to ensure contaminants or pollutants are not released off-site during the implementation of the task order and how wastes that are encountered during task order activities will be managed and disposed, as appropriate.

Uniform Federal Policy Quality Assurance Project Plan (UFP-QAPP)1. A UFP-QAPP is a formal document describing in comprehensive detail the necessary quality assurance (QA), quality control (QC), and other technical activities that must be implemented to ensure that the results of the work performed will satisfy the stated performance criteria. A UFP-QAPP integrates technical and quality control aspects of a project throughout its life cycle, including planning, implementation, assessment, and corrective actions. The UFP-QAPP will provide:

o Data quality objectives2 (DQO) that specify the data needed to support decisions regarding remedial response activities.

o Field sampling plan (FSP) that describes the number, type, and locations of samples and types of analyses.

Data Management Plan (DMP). The DMP will detail the standard processes, procedures and

1 Refer to EPA-505-B-04-900A, Uniform Federal Policy for Quality Assurance Project Plans, Version 1, March

2005.

2 Refer to OSWER Directive 9355.0-7B Data Quality Objectives for Remedial Response Activities, March 1987 and

EPA/240/B-06/001, EPA QA/G4: Guidance on Systematic Planning Using the Data Quality Objectives Process, February 2006.

tools that the contractor will use to support response activities and include requirements for

EPA deliverable. The DMP will be developed in accordance with EPA national and region-specific data management plans or guidance. The relevant plans or guidance will be identified in the task order specific document.

Health and Safety Plan (HASP)3. The HASP specifies employee training, protective equipment, medical surveillance requirements, standard operating procedures, and a contingency plan.

Waste Management Plan (WMP). For projects where waste will be generated, whether it is hazardous or non-hazardous waste, a WMP shall be prepared by the Contractor. This plan consists of procedures outlining the safe handling of contaminated material, drummed material, and contaminated liquids in addition to procedures for off-site transportation and disposal of materials. Manifesting, Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping papers, and chain-of-custody procedures should also be included.

These plans may be modified if project conditions change, as requested by EPA. If a change in the site plans results in a modification to the task order, the change will be negotiated, as appropriate, and the task order will be modified.

1.2 Project Management, Monitoring and Reporting

Activities mandated under the contract may include, but are not limited to: preparing monthly progress reports in accordance with the requirements under the contract; preparing and submitting invoices in accordance with the requirements under the contract; updating project schedules as specified in the task order document; attending project meetings as specified in the task order document; and submitting ad-hoc reports during the projects as requested by the project manager. During the project, the contractor shall assist EPA with external audits or review mechanisms.

Throughout the project, the contractor shall avoid duplication of prior efforts in gathering and assimilating project or site information. The contractor shall continually look for and implement ways to streamline activities and minimize costs without compromising quality. The contactor shall assign work to personnel at the appropriate technical levels and with the appropriate skill to most efficiently perform the task(s).

1.3 Permitting and/or Notifications

The Contractor shall obtain permits and licenses necessary to conduct the work required by this contract including, but not necessarily limited to, any necessary utility locations and access, environmental permits, building permits, discharge permits, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

(NRC) or state license for radiation activities, and Department of Transportation (DOT) permits for transport of hazardous, toxic or radiological wastes on public highways. As requested, the contractor shall obtain all necessary access agreements with private landowners necessary to complete the work. The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, when transporting waste material.

3 Refer to 29 CFR 1910.120(l)(1) and (l)(2).

1.4 Green Remediation4 and Climate Change5 Considerations

The contractor shall consider the environmental footprint of all activities. In particular, to the extent practicable and/or feasible, the contractor shall explore and implement green remediation strategies to reduce energy and water usage, promote carbon neutrality, promote industrial materials reuse and recycling, protect and preserve land resources. The contractors shall also integrate climate change vulnerability analyses and adaptation, as needed, to ensure the resiliency of remedies to climate change impacts.

Upon request, the contractor may be requested to present green remediation options and approaches to mitigate impacts of climate change on remedies during systematic project planning meetings, provide a cost analysis for these options in any work plan budgets, maintain records of green related activities, and report this information to EPA as needed or requested.

1.5 Clean Diesel Requirements

The contractor shall use diesel nonroad construction equipment and generators that meet the

United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Tier 2 clean diesel standards. The contractor shall outline diesel emission control technologies, ensure proper maintenance of and minimize idling for all such nonroad equipment and generators powered by diesel engines in the task order UFP-QAPP.

EPA reserves the right to exempt these requirements for certain equipment powered by diesel engines at the project level based on project-specific circumstances. Any exemptions will be communicated to the contractors in the request for proposals at the task order level.

Diesel Emission Control Technology

Contractors shall apply diesel emission control technology requirements listed below to all nonroad equipment and generators onsite powered by diesel engines, whether owned, leased or rented by the contractor.

All diesel nonroad construction equipment and generators on site for more than 10 total days must have either (1) engines meeting USEPA Tier 2 or higher nonroad emission standards6 or (2)

4 Refer to ASTM International’s Standard Guide for Greener Cleanups (E2893-13), November 2013, EPA’s

Principles for Greener Cleanups ( http://www.epa.gov/oswer/greenercleanups/principles.html), and Superfund’s

Green Remediation Strategy (http://www.epa.gov/oswer/greenercleanups/strategy.html.

5 For more information on EPA and Superfund’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, refer to http://www.epa.gov/superfund/climatechange/ 6 For more information on EPA nonroad diesel vehicle requirements, refer to http://www.epa.gov/otaq/nonroad-diesel.htm http://www.epa.gov/oswer/greenercleanups/principles.html http://www.epa.gov/superfund/climatechange/ http://www.epa.gov/otaq/nonroad-diesel.htm http://www.epa.gov/otaq/nonroad-diesel.htm emission control technology verified by USEPA or CARB for use with nonroad engines to reduce Particulate Matter emissions by a minimum of 85%7.

Proper Maintenance

Contractors shall ensure all diesel nonroad equipment and generators are properly maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendations8.

Idle Reduction

During periods of inactivity, contractors shall meet minimum idle reduction requirements at the state or local level. In the absence of state or local idling regulations, contractors shall ensure idling is kept to a minimum9.

1.6 Renewable Energy Considerations

The contractor shall evaluate all reasonably feasible renewable energy sources when conducting work under this contract. Sources of renewable energy include solar, wind, and biomass and biogas. Examples of renewable energy technologies include photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, digesters, gasifiers, and micro turbines. Part of evaluating renewable energy sources and technologies will involve a cost analysis, comparing the energy costs from renewable sources versus traditional electricity sources provided by local utilities, over the expected life of the cleanup remedy. Similarly, an evaluation of the avoided emissions as a result of using renewable energy sources versus traditional energy sources provided by local utilities shall be performed.

The contractor shall also evaluate the cost of purchasing green power from organizations that offer green power within the appropriate state.

1.7 Optimization Considerations

The contractor shall consider and apply optimization activities for all contract activities.

Optimization is defined as efforts at any phase of the removal or remedial response to identify and implement specific actions that improve the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of that phase of the cleanup10. Optimization activities may be conducted by a team of independent technical experts, application of optimization techniques or principles, such as Triad, or apply other approaches to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness. The contractor shall present optimization options or recommendations for independent review during systematic

7 In all instances “verified” means verified for use with the specific nonroad, or generator engine. For USEPA’s list of verified technology: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retroverifiedlist.htm. For CARB’s list of verified technology: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/verifiedtechnologies/vt.htm.

8 For recommendations regarding maintenance practices, please refer to http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/documents/100r07002.pdf.

9For recommendations and example criteria to minimize nonroad vehicle idling, please refer to http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/documents/100r07002.pdf.

10 For more information on EPA’s optimization initiative, refer to 9200.3-75, National Strategy to Expand

Superfund Optimization Practices from Site Assessment to Site Completion, September 2012. For additional information on optimization, refer to http://www.epa.gov/superfund/cleanup/postconstruction/optimize.htm.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retroverifiedlist.htm http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/verifiedtechnologies/vt.htm project planning meetings, provide a cost analysis or cost estimate for these activities, maintain records of optimization related activities, and participate in any third party optimization activities on projects they are executing, as requested by EPA.

1.8 Community Involvement

The contractor shall provide technical assistance in overseeing and/or conducting community involvement and outreach activities for environmental projects11. The scope of community involvement activities needed will be detailed in the specific task order document.

1.9 Task Order Close Out

The contractor shall close out task orders. Activities include but are not limited to, completing all deliverables, submitting final invoice, and returning documents to EPA or other document repositories.

Task 2: Field Work and Analytical Support

The field work section outlines those activities that require the contractor to send personnel on the site to gather site information or environmental samples. This section also outlines expectations for the contractor to manage, analyze evaluate and report data and information from field activities. The activities described in this section may be included as subtasks in other tasks in this contract. All analytic work shall be done in compliance with the EPA Forum on

Environmental Measurement Competency Policy (Policy to Assure Competency of Laboratories, Field Sampling, and Other Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data under

Agency funded Acquisitions (Agency Policy Directive Number FEM 2011-01)).

The activities in this section include:

2.1 Field Investigation;

2.2 Analytical Support and Data Validation;

2.3 Data Compilation and Evaluation; and

2.4 Develop of Update the Site Conceptual Site Model

The scope of field work activities needed will be outlined in the task order document.

2.1 Field Investigation12

To conduct field investigation activities, the contractor shall perform all or a specified subset of the activities listed below. Where appropriate, activities should be performed in accordance with the EPA-approved UFP-QAPP:

11 The contractor shall provide community involvement support to EPA in accordance with the NCP (40 CFR Part

300) and Community Relations in Superfund - A Handbook (U.S. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial

Response, OSWER Directive No. 9230.0-3C, January 1992). For more information on Superfund community involvement, refer to the Community Involvement toolkit: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/community/toolkit.htm/ 12 All field operations should be conducted using Field Activities Procedure CIO 2105-P-02.0.

Mobilization and demobilization activities.

Site Reconnaissance. Conduct site surveys including property, boundary, well inventory, utility rights-of-way, historic resources review, and topographic information.

Environmental Investigations. These investigations may include but are not limited to:

geological (soils and sediments); air; hydrogeological (groundwater, surface water, seeps, pore water); geophysical; and ecological.

Source Investigation. Locate and characterize the waste(s) present in the source.

Characterization of the nature and extent of contamination involves using the information on source location, physical and environmental site data.

Contaminated Building Samples. Collect samples of contaminated building materials.

Investigation-Derived Waste Disposal. Characterize and dispose of investigation-derived wastes13 in accordance with local, State, and Federal regulations as specified in the EPA-approved FSP.

Conduct a Reuse assessment.

2.2 Analytical Support and Data Validation

The contractor may be required to perform analytical support and data validation activities.

These activities may include:

Environmental sample collection;

Analytical Services and Support; and

Data validation

Throughout the analytical support and data validation process, the contractor shall coordinate with the Regional Sample Control Coordinator (RSCC), Regional Labs and/or the Environmental

Services Division (ESD), the EPA Sample Management Office (SMO), or equivalent, regarding any analytical support, data validation, and quality assurance issues. The scope of analytical support and data validation activities will generally be outlined in the task order document and more specifically in the UFP-QAPP.

2.2.1 Environmental sample collection

The contractor shall provide personnel and equipment to collect environmental samples. The contractor shall use Scribe to capture sampling, observational, and monitoring field data.

Samples collected may include, but are not limited to, sample matrices such as solids, dust, particulates, ash, gases, wipes, water, waste water, liquids, soil, tissue, vegetation, sediments, air, wastes, Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPL), Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (NAPL), leachates, and biota. The contractor shall collect, handle and transport samples in accordance with the project-specific UFP-QAPP.

2.2.2 Analytical Services and Support

13 Refer to OSWER 9345.3-03FS Guide to Management of Investigation-Derived Wastes, January 1992.

Throughout the project planning and implementation, the contractor shall work with the RPM or

COR on selection of analytical services. The contractor shall request and perform analytical services in compliance with EPA requirements. In general, the contractor shall follow the

FASTAC-tiered hierarchy for obtaining analytical services.

Tier 1 – EPA Regional Laboratory and ESAT Contract

Tier 2 – National Analytical Services Contracts (i.e., CLP)

Tier 3 – Region Specific Analytical Services Contract

Tier 4 - Analytical Services IAGs and Field Contracts/Subcontracts

For Analytical Services that are not under direct oversight by EPA (Tier 4), the contractor shall provide evidence that the laboratory has experience with and is fully capable of performing the required analytical method14.

All electronic data deliverables are to be received from the contractor laboratory or sub-contracted laboratory in the Staged Electronic Data Deliverable (SEDD) 2a, 2b or SEDD 3 format15. The contractor is responsible for ensuring the laboratory can generate a compliant

SEDD file.

2.2.3 Data Validation

Data Validation activities include evaluating and qualifying laboratory analytical data against predefined requirements outlined in the UFP-QAPP. The contractor shall perform data validation activities on data from the following sources: CLP, Regional laboratory contracts, EPA Regional

Laboratories, potentially responsible parties (PRPs), EPA field contractors, and other sources. In general, the contractor shall not conduct data validation of its own data generated under this contract. Options for subcontractor data validation will be evaluated on a task order specific basis.

The contractor shall provide a data validation of data packages and electronic deliverables using the following documents and requirements listed below:

EPA’s Guidance on Environmental Data Verification and Data Validation, EPA QA/G-8

CLP, Regional data review SOPs, and National and Regional Data Validation Functional

Guidelines/Guidance16 (e.g. may include dioxins and explosives) and directives;

CLP Routine Analytical Services (RAS) and Modified Analyses contract protocols and performance requirements;

EPA’s Guidance for Labeling Externally Validated Laboratory Analytical Data for

Superfund Use, EPA-540-R-08-005, January 2009 (OSWER Directive 9200.1-85);

14 This may include state or other Federal certifications for the specific analytical method requested. Certifications or experience with similar methods may not be considered sufficient evidence of capability. The laboratory’s capability to perform the requested method shall be documented in the UFP-QAPP.

15 For more information on Staged Electronic Data Deliverables, refer to http://www.epa.gov/fem/sedd.htm.

16 The contractor shall incorporate EPA electronic assessment tools (EXES) whenever possible. For more information on EXES, refer to http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/clp/data_assessment.htm.

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

Individual Regional laboratory contracts protocols and performance requirements;

Regional sampling/project plans;

Regional Performance Evaluation (PE) program guidance; and

Task Order requirements.

Upon completion of the data validation, the contractor shall submit the required data validation report to the project manager within the time frames specified in the task order.

2.3 Data Management and Evaluation

The contractor shall provide data management support services that address the collection, processing, management, distribution, analysis and archival of data and information. The contractor shall use Scribe17. EPA expects that the tools, processes and technology that will be used to provide these support services will evolve over the duration of the contract. Thus, EPA shall assess these improvements and continually adapt to provide more efficient and effective data management services. The contractor should not use proprietary software that must be abandoned or paid for by EPA at the end of the contract. The contractor should use tools that allow analytical data to be associated with the field data.

The contractor shall:

Deploy all data management support services in close coordination with EPA experts such as Remedial Project Managers (RPMs), On Scene Coordinators (OSCs), the Environmental

Response Team (ERT) and the National Data Acquisition and Technical Assistance Team

(DATA Team).

Where appropriate, coordinate closely with EPA regional GIS or Records Management leads for specific portions of integrated projects.

Manage and archive data consistent with the EPA approved Data Management Plan (DMP).

Contractor shall provide EPA with a comprehensive electronic final archival of sampling and monitoring data and data deliverables that are consistent with EPA national and regional-specific requirements.

All spatially referenced data must be delivered in a standard ESRI spatial file format18, with the file geodatabase currently preferred. All GIS files19 submitted must have spatial reference information that describes the projection, datum, and where applicable, the collection methods.

Conduct data trend evaluation and/or modeling, as requested in the task order document, and submit information in a technical memorandum with supporting data, as required.

17 For more information on Scribe, please refer to https://www.epaosc.net/scribe 18 All geospatial data must be submitted as unprojected geographic coordinates in decimal degree format using

North American Datum 1983 (NAD83) or World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84) as the datum. These coordinate requirements are specified in the EPA National Geospatial Data Policy, 2008.

19 All GIS files must have associated Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata. The

Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata can be found at http://www.fgdc.gov. An add-on editor for ESRI software, EPA Metadata Editor (EME), complies with the FGDC metadata requirement and is available at https://edg.epa.gov/EME/.

https://www.epaosc.net/scribe

2.4 Develop an Updated Conceptual Site Model20

Based on information collected under this task, develop or update the conceptual site model

(CSM). The CSM is intended to be an iterative, “living representation” of a site that summarizes and helps project teams visualize and understand available information.

Task 3: EPA-lead Remedy Operation including Long Term Response Action (LTRA)

The contractor shall operate and monitor remedies. The main activities under this task may include, but are not limited to: operation of long-term treatment systems for groundwater and surface water restoration measures (e.g. pump and treat); groundwater monitoring to evaluate monitored natural attenuation performance; delivery of chemical or biological compounds into subsurface to remediate groundwater or source material; operation of soil vapor extraction systems; deployment and operation of targeted in situ remediation technologies; and conducting groundwater monitoring to evaluate remedy performance.

With the implementation of the activities referenced above, the contractor may also be requested to provide engineering services or construction services to facilitate the remedy operation activities. The scope of EPA-lead remedy operation including LTRA activities needed will be detailed in the task order.

3.1 Remedy Operation and Monitoring

Activities conducted under this subtask may include, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Provide staff to operate treatment systems in accordance with the remedy-specific operation and maintenance plan and the operation and maintenance manual(s);

Provide incidental repairs to components of the remedy, as needed;

Procure treatment amendments needed for system operations;

Procure and deliver chemical or biological amendments into the subsurface;

Construct and operate infrastructure associated with in situ remediation technologies;

Dispose of waste in accordance with the waste management plan;

Provide site security;

Implement short and long-term monitoring program;

Preparation of all applicable operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and associated training of facility personnel for equipment installed;

Generate operation, maintenance and sampling reports on a schedule specified in the task order document; and

20 For more information on Conceptual Site Models and their role throughout the remediation process, please refer to EPA 542-F-11-011, Environmental Cleanup Best Management Practices: Effective Use of the Project Life Cycle

Conceptual Site Model, July 2011.

Evaluate/optimize treatment facilities to minimize project costs and/or to improve effectiveness of the remediation.

3.2: Engineering Support

The contractor may be required to provide a wide variety of engineering services to support remedy operation activities. These activities may include structural, mechanical, electrical, architectural, geotechnical, geological, civil, chemical, environmental, cost engineering, constructability reviews, and other engineering support. In addition, the contractor may be required to provide data evaluation and /or services to support engineering activities including development and updates to the conceptual site model (Task 2). The extent of the engineering services will be described in the task order document.

Engineering support may include:

Performing project systematic planning and associated project objectives documentation;

Design analysis reports including the criteria, design assumptions calculations and other pertinent data;

Performance specifications or completely edited Government furnished guide specifications;

Computer Aided Design (CAD) generated drawings21;

Contractor schedules compatible with Primavera or with Microsoft Project Manager;

Cost estimating software utilizing an industry approved software package capable of providing sufficient information to adequately and accurately capture the projected project costs22;

Record drawings, modifications or as-built drawings; and

Constructability reviews

3.3: Construction Support Services

The contractor may be required to provide minimal construction support services necessary to implement remedy operation activities. The contractor shall implement the activities through construction services, technical and field engineering services, and, if necessary, procurement and management of subcontracted services. The scope of construction support service activities needed will be outlined in the task order document.

Task 4: Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI)

Preliminary Assessments (PA) and Site Inspections (SI) are used by EPA to evaluate the potential for a release of hazardous substances from a site and determine whether a site has the potential to be included on the National Priorities List (NPL). The EPA shall determine site

21 The National CAD Standards can be found at the National Institute of Building Sciences website:

http://www.buildingsmartalliance.org/index.php/ncs.

22 It is recommended that estimated costs be submitted by using the software, "Microcomputer-Aided Cost

Estimating System (MCACES), Second Generation (MII), latest version", by Building Systems Design, or a similar cost estimating system.

priorities for placing sites on the National Priority List (NPL). This section sets forth the basic framework and requirements for this effort. The activities in this section include:

4.1 Preliminary Assessment;

4.2 Site Assessment; and

4.3 Hazard Ranking System (HRS) Package Preparation

This approach should be viewed as a dynamic and flexible process that will be tailored to specific project circumstances outlined in the specific task order document.

4.1 Preliminary Assessment (PA)23

The contractor shall provide preliminary assessment activities for site assessments. Preliminary assessments (PA) are intended to provide a preliminary screening of sites to facilitate the assignment of site priorities. The preliminary assessment activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Background research. Collect and review readily available information concerning the site and its surroundings including location, ownership history, type of site operations, whether it is active or inactive, size of the site, setting, and predominant land uses in the vicinity.

Site reconnaissance. Conduct site reconnaissance activities including an onsite visit, an offsite perimeter survey, a site environs survey, and collecting additional information from local authorities.

Site Evaluation and Scoring. Evaluate the data collected to develop a site score using PA scoresheets.24

Prepare the PA report.25

4.2 Site Inspection (SI)26

The contractor shall perform site inspection activities for site assessments. Site inspections (SI) are the second phase of an ongoing screening process used to determine whether a site has the potential to be included on the National Priorities List (NPL). Site inspection activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Review available information, including analytical data; and

Prepare the SI report27.

23 For more information on preliminary assessments, refer to EPA/540/G-91/0713 Guide for Preliminary Assessment

Under CERCLA, September, 1991.

24 For PA scoresheets, see Appendix A of EPA/540/G-91/0713 Guide for Preliminary Assessment Under CERCLA, September, 1991.

25 For contents of the PA report, refer to Section 4 of EPA/540/G-91/0713 Guide for Preliminary Assessment Under

CERCLA, September, 1991.

26 For more information on site inspection, refer to OSWER Directive 9345.1-05 Guidance for Performing Site

Inspections Under CERCLA, September 1992.

27 For contents of the SI report, refer to Chapter 6 of OSWER Directive 9345.1-05 Guidance for Performing Site

Inspections Under CERCLA, September 1992.

4.3 Hazard Ranking System (HRS) Package Preparation

The contractor shall prepare Hazard Ranking System (HRS) packages for site assessments. The

HRS is a scoring system that evaluates the relative threat to public health and the environment posed by releases and potential releases of hazardous substances. The HRS score and the supporting documentation are compiled into an HRS package. The EPA uses the information in this package to determine HRS scores, to determine priorities of sites for placement on the NPL, and to place sites on the NPL. HRS package preparation activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assemble and review all available site information;

Generation of an estimated HRS score28;

Preparation of a summary report or data gap memo if necessary; and

Generation of an HRS documentation record.

Task 5: Oversight or Oversight Support

Under this task, the contractor shall provide technical support to EPA in fulfillment of its responsibilities for oversight and enforcement of environmental remediation work being financed and performed by State, Tribe, potentially responsible parties (PRPs), and to a lesser extent, work performed by other Federal Agencies. The oversight activities will be specified in the specific task order document.

Oversight activities specified, may include, but are not limited to:

5.1 Field Oversight;

5.2 Site Assessment Support

5.3 Treatability Study Support;

5.4 RI/FS or Site Investigation Support;

5.5 Removal Support;

5.6 RD Support; and

5.7 Remedial Action and Operation and Maintenance Support

5.1 Field Oversight

Field work includes field audit and inspections and the field work activities outlined in Task 2 including split sampling.

5.1.1 Field Audits and Inspections

The contractor shall conduct field audits and inspections to evaluate responsible parties’ implementation of Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS), treatability study, Remedial

28 For information on the hazardous ranking system scoring process, refer to Chapter 3 of OSWER Directive 9345.1-

07, Hazard Ranking System Guidance Manual, November 1992.

Design (RD), Remedial Action (RA), removals and operation and maintenance (O&M) activities. This activity may include, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Review implementation of work plans, sampling and analytical plans (SAP), and quality assurance project plans (QAPPs) in the field;

Observe sampling activities for compliance with the settlement documents, approved sampling and analysis plan, and quality assurance program plan (QAPP);

Maintain a log of detailed observations at the site, including interactions with all parties, results of field tests, observations about conformance with the project-specific plans and deviations from the approved plans. Field notebooks/journals and logs may be supplemented by photographs and/or videotaping; and

Prepare technical field oversight reports, which may include period reports and a final summary reports.

5.2 Site Assessment Support

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in overseeing CERCLA site assessment activities conducted by another party. Site assessment activities can include: Preliminary Assessment/Site

Inspection, Expanded Site Inspection (ESI), pre-Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) screening, and Hazard Ranking

System (HRS) scoring.

5.3 Treatability Study Support

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in the oversight of the treatability study activities conducted by another party. These activities may include, but are not limited to, reviewing the treatability study work plan, overseeing treatability study activities, and review the draft and final treatability study report.

5.4 RI/FS or Site Investigation Support

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in the oversight of RI/FS activities conducted by another party. RI/FS activities support activities may include, but are not limited to: reviewing an RI or FS report, investigating remedial alternatives, providing risk assessment support, and providing support required for preparation of a ROD.

5.5 Removal Support

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in the oversight of the removal activities. Removal support activities may include: engineering evaluation/cost analysis draft and final document review and removal action oversight.

5.6 RD Support

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in the oversight or preparation of RD activities conducted by another party. RD activities can include: reviewing technical requirements in the preparation of the preliminary, intermediate, and pre-final/final design packages; review of contractor bid packages for remediation contracts, describing variances with the ROD, identifying land acquisition and easement requirements, applying value engineering (VE) screening, VE study, and documenting VE modifications.

5.7 Remedial Action and Operation and Maintenance Support

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in the oversight of the effectiveness of the implemented remedy. The contractor may also be requested to provide technical support at these sites. Remedial action and operation and maintenance activities can include: RA construction oversight, post-construction RA evaluations, O&M oversight, monitoring report and data review, performing or overseeing Five-Year Reviews, and completing site closeout documentation.

Task 6: EPA-lead Remedial Action (RA) or EPA-lead Removal Action (RV) Support

Under this task, the contactor will supply EPA with technical support in monitoring on-site remedial action or removal action being conducted by EPA contractors (e.g. RES contractor(s)).

During an EPA-lead remedial or removal action, the contractor shall provide technical support for EPA efforts; however, EPA will review contract documents and make the final decisions, determinations, and judgments. The amount of technical support will be dependent upon the type and complexity of the RA or RV and the RA or RV contract vehicle. The support activities will be specified in the task order document. These activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assist EPA in quality assurance/quality control review;

Assist EPA in monitoring health and safety requirements;

Observe contractor’s implementation of remedial action activities;

Maintain a log of detailed observations at the site, including interactions with all parties, results of field tests, and observations about conformance with the project-specific plans.

Deviations from the approved plans shall be noted as well. Field notebooks/journals and logs may be supplemented by photographs and/or videotaping;

Conducting technical reviews of site related files; and

Provide administrative and technical support to EPA in the preparation of any site reports and other technical documents.

The contractor shall prepare technical field oversight reports. The frequency and scope of the reports will be outlined in the task order document.

Task 7: Other Technical Assistance

The contractor may be requested to provide the following support under this task:

7.1 Technical Report Development

Based on field work or other technical assistance performed at a site, the contractor may be requested to provide draft and/or final reports (or part of reports) to support the Superfund program. These reports may include, but are not limited to, Remedial Investigation (RI) report29, Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) Report30, Targeted Brownfields Assessment

(TBA)31 reports, and remedial design supporting documentation.

7.2 Five-Year Review32

The contractor shall provide technical support to conduct and draft Superfund five-year reviews.

Support may include conducting site inspections and evaluations of response actions (e.g., review of site documents and records related to the operation and maintenance of the facility).

Most deliverables will be in the form of draft five-year reviews or alternatively summary documents if an EPA Regional office requests specific analyses to support their five-year review.

7.3 Technical Assistance Meeting and Support

The contractor shall provide support related to attendance at and documentation of meetings with

EPA, potentially responsible parties (PRPs), the PRP contractor, and other stakeholders. The contractor shall attend various meetings throughout the performance of the task order document.

These meetings are in addition to the meetings specifically included within other tasks in this

SOW. The contractor may be required to prepare meeting minutes or comments. Also, provide technical assistance in the development and/or review of technical information/documentation relating to the site (e.g., application of a specific technology on a specific site).

7.4 Optimization Reviews33

The contractor shall provide optimization support for site activities. Support will involve the evaluation of treatment systems, cleanup approaches, characterization and monitoring strategies and data for the purpose of optimizing site cleanup. This support area involves expert review

(optimization) of hazardous waste site cleanup projects by multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists that are independent and conflict of interest free of project activities. Optimization reviews are intended to provide comprehensive evaluations of site cleanup activities to identify opportunities for improvement in five primary areas: remedy effectiveness, cost effectiveness, technical improvement, site closeout, and green remediation. Optimization activities may

29 For information on the contents of the Remedial Investigation report, refer to Table 3-13 of OSWER Directive

9355.3-01 Guidance for Conducting Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA, October

1988.

30 For information on the contents of the EE/CA report, refer to Exhibit 5 of EPA540-R-93-057 Guidance on

Conducting Non-Time-Critical Removal Actions Under CERCLA, August 1993.

31 For more information on Targeted Brownfield Assessment Programs in each Region, refer to http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/grant_info/tba.htm.

32 For more information and guidance related to Superfund five-year reviews, please refer to http://www.epa.gov/superfund/fiveyearreview/.

33 For more information on EPA’s optimization initiative, refer to 9200.3-75, National Strategy to Expand

Superfund Optimization Practices from Site Assessment to Site Completion, September 2012.

include: document and data review and analysis, developing recommendations, drafting an optimization report, and following up on implementation of recommendations.

7.5 Radiation Support34

The contractor shall provide support to EPA in overseeing or conducting radiation activities.

Radiation support can include: field surveys, sampling and analytical procedures; safety escorts for site characterizations, radiation site characterization support; evaluation of remediation options and volume reduction methods; independent QA; archival search report review and summarization; analysis of the potential for environmental release of radionuclides; radionuclide fate and transport groundwater modeling; design and evaluation of radiation survey/sampling strategies; and maintenance and calibration of specialized equipment.

7.6 Negotiation, Litigation, and Expert Witness Support (EPA Enforcement Support)

The contractor shall provide services to assist with negotiation and litigation, including negotiation support for Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs) and Interagency Agreements (IAs), consent decrees, administrative order. This includes but is not limited to producing site documents to support discovery activities; preparing for the provision of expert testimony during litigation; attending and assisting in negotiation sessions and meetings. The contractor shall not prepare testimony for expert witnesses.

7.7 Records Management and Administrative Support

The contractor shall provide services to support site records management and development of

Administrative Records. This task includes, but is not limited to, compiling the site file and the

Administrative Record with expected outcomes and deliverables defined in the task order. The site file shall contained all site-related documents including memoranda, correspondence, reports, photographs, lab data and other material produced or received by EPA. The

Administrative Record is a subset of the site file containing documents that related to public involvement and the selection of the remedy.

The Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) has developed the

Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS)35 to be the official recordkeeping system to manage and store all program records. SEMS is a DoD5015.2 certified records management system and shall be used to submit records to the National Archives and Records Administration when the records schedules indicate. The contractor shall submit all Superfund program records to the SEMS through the Regional or Headquarters records programs.

7.8 Data Management and Evaluation

34 Radiation support should conform to proper radiation investigation protocols outlined in the EPA402-R-97-

016/NUREG-1575, Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM).

35 SEMS was designed and implemented in compliance with Presidential Memorandum M-12-18: Managing

Government Records (11-28-2011), and subsequent Directive (08-24-2012). These directives commit all Federal

Agencies to transition to a digital government.

The contractor shall provide data management support services that address the collection, processing, management, distribution, analysis and archival of data and information. The contractor shall use and/or adapt existing tools, software, information standards and conventions adopted by EPA but EPA expects that the tools, processes and technology that will be used to provide these support services will evolve over the duration of the contract. Thus, the contractor shall assess these improvements and continually adapt to provide more efficient and effective data management services. The contractor should not use proprietary software that must be abandoned or paid for by EPA at the end of the contract. Each task order shall specify data management requirements with respect to field analytical data and associated locational data.

Final archival of data and data deliverables provided to EPA shall meet EPA national and regional-specific requirements outlined in the task order document.

7.9 Equipment/Services/Utilities, Site Maintenance and Site Security/Guard Services

The contractor shall provide assistance to EPA in keeping the site functional and safe. This includes but is not limited to: acquiring long-lead equipment, services, and/or utilities as necessary; safeguarding material and personnel working at the site; security services as necessary during field activities; maintaining a daily log of all personnel entering and exiting the site;

complying with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency

Response.

7.10 EPA Initiatives

The contractor shall provide support of EPA Program initiatives and project-specific activities

(including Region-specific projects) not mentioned elsewhere in the SOW. Activities may include: information gathering and summation of various topics directly or indirectly associates with other activities in the SOW; preparing “stand alone” deliverables; indexing references;

providing specialized expertise; participating in workgroups and partnership sessions;

researching the latest remedial technologies and software; and utilization of state-of-the-art project management tools.