START-R7-ATTACHMENTS3.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Region 7

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team

(START IV)

Contracts Formerly Referred to as:

Technical Assistance Team (TAT) (pre 1994)

Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team (START) (1994 - 2001) Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team (START) Team 2 (2001-2005) Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team (START) Team 3 (2005-2012)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND

B. PURPOSE

II. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

1. Emergency Response

2. Counter Terrorism Response

3. Oil Spill Response

4. Federal Disaster Response

5. Fund-Lead Removal

6. Potential Responsible Parties (PRP)

7. Minor Containment

B. PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

1. Contingency Planning

2. Counter Terrorism/Domestic Preparedness and Prevention

3. Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention

4. Risk Management Planning

5. Voluntary Chemical Safety Reviews

6. Chemical Safety Audits (CSA) - Accident Investigations

7. Oil Spill Prevention and Preparedness

8. Continuous Release

C. ASSESSMENT/INSPECTIONS ACTIVITIES

1. Pre-CERCLIS Screening

2. Removal Assessment (RA)

3. Preliminary Assessment (PA) at Non-Federal Facilities Sites

4. Federal Facilities Preliminary Assessment Reviews

5. Site Inspections (SI) at Non-Federal Facilities

6. Federal Facilities Site Inspection Reviews

7. Site Reassessment (SR)

8. Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) at Non-Federal Facilities

9. Federal Facilities Expanded Site Inspections Reviews

10. Expanded (SI/RI) at Non-Federal Facilities Sites

11. State Deferrals of Non-Federal Facilities Sites

12. Hazard Ranking System Packages (HRS)

13. Integrated Assessments (IA)

14. Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBA)

15. Other Cleanup Activities

16. Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS)

D. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

1. Multi-media Surveys and Inspections

2. Treatability Studies

3. Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (EE/CA)

4. Public Participation Support

5. Site Discovery Program

6. Human Health/Ecological Risk Assessment

7. Administrative Records Support

8. Equipment Maintenance

9. Regional Response Center (RRC) Support

10. Regional Response Team (RRT) Support

11. Enforcement Support

12. Cost Recovery

13. General Technical Support

E. DATA MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

F. TRAINING

III. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Exhibit A - Specific Tasks List

Exhibit B - Statutory and Regulatory Framework Exhibit C - Acronyms

Exhibit D - Levels of Personal Protective Equipment Exhibit E - EPA Regional Offices

Exhibit F - Background Check and Drug Screening

I. INTRODUCTION

A. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contract is to provide nationally consistent advisory and assistance services to the EPA On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) and other federal officials implementing Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) responsibilities under the National Response System. These responsibilities are described in the background below. The contractor shall fulfill these responsibilities within the region as well as outside the region on a backup regional response, cross regional response, national response, and international response. The contractor shall be prepared to provide scientific/technical support for EPA activities in furtherance of the Agency’s primary mission: the protection of human health and the environment. Additionally, the contractor shall provide advisory and assistance services to other programs, such as site assessment, Brownfields, and remedial support activities. For each assigned task, the contractor shall provide appropriately experienced, trained, and accredited personnel with current credentials/certifications as well as all supplies, materials, tools, and equipment necessary to complete the job.

B. BACKGROUND

Under the authority of legislation, Presidential Directives, and promulgated regulations, EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment. EPA is delegated authority to undertake removal and remedial response actions with respect to the release or threat of release of oil, hazardous substances, or pollutants and contaminants. The national response system is the principle federal mechanism for responding to releases of hazardous substances and oil, utilizing a multi-layered network of individuals and teams for federal, state and local agencies, and industry.

EPA’s role under the National Response System is to respond to emergencies within its area of jurisdiction, with respect to the release/discharge or threat of release/discharge of oil, hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, or fire or explosion hazard. Under several federal and regional contingency plans, EPA has the responsibility for coordinating all federal, state, local, and private efforts associated with responding to environmental emergencies. EPA is required to respond to nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological (NBCR) events as part of a disaster or counter terrorism/weapons of mass destruction (CT/WMD) incident. EPA supports states and communities in their preparedness and response activities. EPA is responsible for conducting evaluations and cleanups of uncontrolled hazardous substance disposal sites and placing those that are considered to pose a significant threat to human health or the environment on the National Priorities List (NPL).

Site assessment is the first step in determining whether a site meets the criteria for placement on the NPL. Listing a site on the NPL is one tool among many that are available to EPA and state cleanup program managers to accomplish the cleanup of contaminated waste sites. For additional information, see EPA OSWER Directive 9203.1-06, “Guidance on Setting Priorities for NPL Candidates sites.”

Brownfields means real property, the expansion of, re-development or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The definition of a Brownfields site is found in Public Law 107-118 “Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act” of January 11, 2002.

II. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The technical requirements under this PWS include response, preparedness and prevention, assessment and inspection, technical support, data management, and training. Exhibit A, “Specific Tasks Lists,” identifies tasks, which may be performed to satisfy contract requirements.

A. RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

Response activities shall support EPA’s obligations for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Oil Pollution Act (OPA), Stafford Act, Homeland Security Act of 2002, as well as any future laws or regulations promulgated pertaining to EPA’s obligations.

The contractor shall maintain a 24 hour, seven day a week, year round response capability to respond to EPA’s needs pursuant to the terms of this contract on a regional, backup regional, cross regional, national, and international response (See Exhibit E); provide a list of approved personnel who will perform assigned tasks according to the approved tasking documents; provide appropriately qualified personnel with the appropriate levels of personal protection equipment (PPE) for each response situation (See Exhibit D); provide all necessary equipment in good working condition and trained staff to operate equipment; support the Regional Response Centers (RRC) and Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS) during spills/releases, and periods of multiple emergencies, disasters, and terrorist acts. This includes support for Regional Emergency Operation Centers (REOC) and Disaster Field Offices(DFO) under the National Contingency Plan

(NCP).

The contractor shall adhere to the requirements regarding EPA’s Background Check and Drug Screening Policy identified in Exhibit F.

Contractors, who respond to incidents in the field shall maintain ICS training in accordance with FEMA guidance on ICS levels of training for response personnel. At minimum, this includes training up to the ICS 400 level, including all the prerequisites (IS 100, 200, 300), as well as FEMA IS 700 NIMS, an Introduction; and FEMA IS 800 National Response Framework (NRF), an Introduction.

The contractor shall monitor and oversee response activities, workers, and public safety;

be knowledgeable about the Incident Command System (ICS) and assist Federal, state and local responding agencies with the implementation of ICS; and adhere to appropriate safety procedures and advise the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) on Health and Safety matters.

The contractor shall provide sampling, analytical, field detection/monitoring and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) support, in accordance with applicable methods, procedures and guidelines; document site conditions and compile information and data in a clear and concise manner; conduct data management activities to facilitate documents being readily available for distribution; provide technical advice, findings, facts, recommendations; suggest technical options and review technical submissions, including work plans for EPA and other federal, state and local officials as directed; assist with coordination and communication between Federal, state and local responding agencies, and the public; and be proficient in National Pollution Fund Center (NPFC) forms.

1. Emergency Response

The contractor shall assist EPA in helping state and local responders plan for emergencies; and maintain response capability to respond to discharges or threatened discharges as defined in Subparts D and E of the NCP.

2. Counter Terrorism Response

The contractor shall provide qualified response personnel proficient in the sampling and analysis of NRCB threats; provide personnel proficient in operating/monitoring NRCB equipment and technologies; provide NRCB monitoring and testing equipment and supplies; provide appropriate level of PPE and decontamination methods; provide EPA with expert guidance and recommendations on NRCB response equipment, technologies and protocols;

assist EPA in coordinating with key federal partners; and assist EPA in training first responders and providing resources in the event of terrorist incident(s).

3. Oil Spill Response

The contractor shall provide technical advice, findings, facts, recommendations, and options to the EPA’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR); provide technical support to EPA to achieve the cleanup or removal of released hazardous substances from the environment; support EPA in responding to the release or threat of release of oil or petroleum products; be familiar with oil containment and recovery techniques for inland and coastal waterways; be familiar with Area Plans/Subarea Plans, including sensitive areas; and oversee proper placement and deployment of containment boom, skimming and recovery operations.

4. Federal Disaster Response

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA in conjunction with other federal, state or local agencies in the planning and preparedness for natural and man-made disaster response under the FRP or other federally adopted national response plans; provide technical support to EPA in performing Federal Disaster Assistance surveys of damage caused by disasters or assessment of damages to public water or sewage treatment facilities or related environmental problems;

and have response personnel trained in EPA CERCLA assessment procedures which support Federal Emergency Management Agency mission assignments for EPA disaster response actions.

5. Fund-Lead Removal

The contractor shall provide appropriate technical information that details strategies to mitigate the threat to human health and the environment from hazardous substances; provide EPA with technical support in monitoring on-site activities by federal, state, local agencies, and contractor(s) (i.e. ERRS contractor(s); and provide cost oversight during fund lead removal actions, including EPA, OPA, and USCG NPFC funded responses.

6. Potential Responsible Parties (PRP)

The contractor shall be knowledgeable of CERCLA§107, Potentially Responsible Parties (PRP) and Clean Water Act (CWA) (See Exhibit B); provide technical and administrative support to EPA for identification and notification of PRP related to a release on a site or facility (See Exhibit A); assist in preparing PRP objectives for site cleanup and work requirements (See Exhibit A); and review PRP work plans, monitor work to ensure that the assessment or cleanup activities are performed correctly and in accordance with applicable statute(s), the NCP, agency goals, and any other relevant law or regulations (See Exhibit B).

7. Minor Containment

Minor containment responses require all necessary response actions completed at the site or provide temporary stabilization prior to the mobilization of other responders. A minor containment response usually does not exceed 40 hours per assignment. The minor containment is a result of CERCLA 104(b) activities (pre-removal and investigatory activities) or NCP 300.305 (Phase II activities) for oil spill responses.

The contractor shall contain and stabilize minor releases of oil or hazardous substances, such as leaking containers (55 gallon drums, barrels, and smaller containers), oil discharged to waterways, or spills to soil; be capable of deploying sorbent booms in water bodies, building small dams to interrupt the flow of contaminants; be capable of emergency pumping over packing, hand bailing, or hand excavation; identify and advise EPA that a minor containment will either entirely address/complete the response or will provide necessary short-term stabilization until other responders arrive; and have EPA preapproval for initial minor containment activities and containment activities which exceed 40 hours.

B. PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

Preparedness and planning activities involve contingency planning, counter terrorism/domestic preparedness and prevention, chemical emergency preparedness and prevention, risk management planning, voluntary chemical safety review, chemical safety audits, oil spill preparedness and prevention, and continuous release. Generally, the requirements under this section involve non-transportation related facilities that produce, store, process, refine, handle, transfer, distribute, or consume oil or hazardous substances. The contractor shall provide support with audits or inspections to identify and document violations of environmental laws or non-compliance with regulations; and assess physical security conditions for all field activities.

Inspectors must meet the appropriate requirements of EPA order 3500.1 and 3510 where applicable.

1. Contingency Planning

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA by reviewing and analyzing Federal, state, local and regional response contingency plans regarding applicable laws and regulations. EPA shall approve all final contingency plans developed and/or revised. Contingency plan activities shall meet contingency plan requirements for both government and industry outlined in federal and state statutes. This includes, OPA, NCP, Regional Contingency Plans (RCPs), Area Contingency Plans (ACPs), and Sub-Area Contingency Plans, and any other contingency plans created by statute, i.e. FRP, Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plans (FREPs), as well as any other region-specific plans.

2. Counter Terrorism/Domestic Preparedness and Prevention

The contractor shall provide technical support in EPA’s counter terrorism planning and response efforts; perform tasks to increase awareness and preparedness among federal, state and local responders of the potential threat posed by nuclear, biological, incendiary, chemical, and explosive terrorism;

participate in regional, cross regional, national, and international drills, exercises, and training; assist EPA in the Crisis Management and Consequence Management phases of a terrorist incident response; and develop programs and procedures to prevent and prepare for deliberate releases resulting from terrorist incidents in accordance with the following guidance documents:

• Presidential Decision Directives #39, #62, #63, and #67;

• U.S. Policy on Counter-terrorism, dated June 21, 1999

(www.cia.gov/resources.html);

• Title XIV of Public Law 104-201, The Defense Against Weapons of Mass

Destruction Act, also known as Nunn-Lugar-Domenici;

• Other programs, such as the NCP and the FRP; and

• EPA 550-F-98-014, “EPA’s Role in Counter-Terrorism Activities”, dated

February 1998, (www.epa.gov/swercepp/factsheet/ct-fctsh.pdf)

3. Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention

The contractor shall review Federal, state and local contingency and response plans prepared under the CAA, EPCRA, CERCLA, OPA, FRP, and NCP to ensure compliance with the requirements described in “National Response Team Criteria For Review of Hazardous Material Emergency Plan,” dated May 1988, (NRT-1A) (www.nrt.org ) and integrated contingency plan guidelines available from the regional office.

4. Risk Management Planning/General Duty Inspections

The contractor shall perform activities in accordance with the guidelines for the http://www.cia.gov/resources.html);

http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/factsheet/ct-fctsh.pdf) http://www.nrt.org/

Risk Management Program/General Duty Inspection activities required under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments of 1990 and 40 CFR Part 68. General information related to Section 112(r) can be found at www.epa.gov/swercepp/pubs/caafaqs.html.

5. Voluntary Chemical Safety Reviews

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA in the performance of voluntary chemical safety reviews. CERCLA section 104(b) and 104(e) is the primary authority for EPA and its designated representatives to enter a facility and audit its records and operations. The audits are intended to be non-confrontational and positive so that information on safety practices, techniques, and technologies can be identified and shared between EPA and the facility. EPA can also enter a facility and conduct an audit at the invitation or voluntary consent of the facility’s management. Chemical Safety Audit (CSA) program information is available in EPA publication 55-F-93-005, March 1993, at www.epa.gov/swercepp/factsheets/csa/txt.

6. Chemical Safety Audits - Accident Investigations

The contractor shall provide technical support with respect to EPA’s authority to investigate chemical accidents pursuant to CERCLA section 104 and CAA Sections 103, 112, 114, and 307; have the capability to arrive on-site within 24 hours of notification by EPA; provide EPA with a summary report describing the accident, root cause determination, and recommendation for prevention; and review safety and accident prevention systems and records of equipment involved in accident(s).

7. Oil Spill Prevention and Preparedness

EPA’s Oil Pollution Prevention (OPP) Regulation, 40 CFR §112, requires facilities that are subject to the regulation to prepare and implement a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan. In addition, a facility with the potential to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging of oil, must prepare a facility response plan. For more information on EPA’s Oil Spill Prevention Program, see EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/oilspill.

a. Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Inspections

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA for SPCC inspections. The SPCC program applies to non-transportation-related facilities that have a large oil storage capacity and could be reasonably expected to discharge oil into navigable waters of the United States.

SPCC regulations require each owner or operator of a regulated facility to prepare an SPCC plan. The plan must address the facility’s design, operation, and maintenance procedures established to prevent spills from occurring, as well as countermeasures to control, contain, clean up, and mitigate the effects of an oil spill that could affect navigable waters. EPA regional personnel periodically go on-site to inspect facilities subject to the OPP regulation. The inspections help to ensure oil storage facilities comply with the regulations. On-site inspections also give EPA personnel the opportunity to educate owners and operators about the regulations and methods for ensuring compliance.

http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/pubs/caa-faqs.html.

http://www.epa.gov/swercepp/factsheets/csa/txt.

http://www.epa.gov/oilspill.

b. Facility Response Plans and Inspections

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA for substantial harm facility inspections and review of Facility Response Plans. In accordance with the CWA, as amended by OPA certain facilities that store and use oil are required to prepare and submit plans to respond to a worse case discharge of oil and to a substantial threat of such discharge. EPA has established regulations that define who must prepare and submit Facility Response Plans and what must be included in the plan. EPA also conducts inspections of facilities that are identified as substantial harm facilities.

c. Outreach and Technical Assistance

The contractor shall assist EPA with informing regulated facilities, tribal, state, local agencies and the public about the requirements of OPP regulations at 40 CFR§112; provide assistance to support regional initiatives when required; and provide outreach support.

8. Continuous Release

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA for activities involving continuous release. CERCLA section 103(a) requires facilities to immediately notify the federal government whenever a Reportable Quantity (RQ) or more of a CERCLA hazardous substance is released unless the release is permitted.

Likewise, Section 304 of EPCRA requires that facilities immediately notify state and local officials whenever a RQ or more of a CERCLA hazardous substance is released. The purpose of this requirement is to notify officials of potentially dangerous releases so that they can evaluate the need for a response action. See EPA’s website for general information at www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfund/web/resources/release/faciliti.html.

C. ASSESSMENT/INSPECTION ACTIVITIES

The primary objective of the site assessment phase is to obtain the data necessary to identify the priority sites posing threats to human health or the environment. The site assessment phase begins with site discovery or notification to EPA of possible release of hazardous substances.

1. Pre-CERCLIS Screening

The contractor shall perform pre-CERCLIS screening activities in accordance with EPA OSWER Directive 9200.4-05, “Pre-CERCLIS Screening Guidance,” dated September 30, 1996. Pre-CERCLIS screening is the process of reviewing data on a potential site to determine whether the site should be entered into CERCLIS for further evaluation.

2. Removal Assessment

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA on removal assessment activities; and perform removal assessment activities in accordance with EPA OSWER Directive 9360.3-08, “Superfund Removal Procedures/The Removal Response Decision: Site Discovery to Response Decision” dated September http://www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfund/web/resources/release/faciliti.html.

1994, and the NCP.

A removal assessment focuses on determining the potential immediate threat a site may pose on human health and the environment. The results of this assessment are used by EPA to determine whether a removal action or some other response is warranted.

3. Preliminary Assessment (PA) at Non-Federal Facilities Sites

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA on PA activities; review past and present facility waste handling practices and permit history; document the presence, quantity, type, or absence of uncontrolled or un-contained hazardous substance(s) on-site; document releases to the environment; identify pollution disposal pathways; determine pathway specific receptors and surrounding population density; locate other environmentally sensitive receptors (e.g., wetlands and endangered species); and perform PA activities in accordance with EPA OSWER Directive 9345.0-01A, “Guidance for Performing Preliminary Assessment Under CERCLA,” dated September 1991;

EPA OSWER Directive 9375.2-09FS, “Improving Sites Assessment:

Abbreviated Preliminary Assessments,” and the NCP. Draft reports and estimated HRS scores using Quickscore prepared by the contractor are subject to review and approval by EPA.

A PA is the first step in determining whether a site warrants a Superfund response after the site has been entered into CERCLIS. A PA focuses on determining/verifying whether a site is eligible for a response action under CERCLA and the need for immediate and/or long-term response actions.

4. Federal Facility Preliminary Assessment (PA) review

Federal Facility Preliminary Assessment (PA) Review is a quality assurance review of a PA or PA-equivalent report submitted by another federal agency. EPA's role at Federal Facilities is to review PA reports developed and submitted by the federal agencies responsible for a given Federal Facility. EPA may also approve the review done by a state in lieu of its review. Upon reviewing the PA or PA-equivalent report for accuracy, completeness, and working with the other federal agency to address any deficiencies, EPA then determines what next steps are appropriate with respect to additional response action. Guidance can be found on the Federal Facilities website (http://www.epa.gov/fedfac/) entitled "Federal Facilities Remedial Preliminary Assessment Summary Guide (July 21, 2005)."

5. Site Inspections (SI) at Non-Federal Facilities

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA on SI activities; and perform SI activities in accordance with EPA/540-R-92-021, “Guidance for Performing Site Inspections Under CERCLA,” dated September 1992. SI incorporates and builds upon the objectives of the PA and may require the collection of samples or the evaluation of existing analytical data to evaluate site conditions. Draft reports and preliminary estimated HRS scores using Quickscore prepared by the contractor are subject to detailed review and approval by EPA.

6. Federal Facilities Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) Review

Federal Facility Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) Review is a quality assurance review of an ESI or ESI-equivalent report submitted by another federal agency. EPA’s role at Federal Facilities is to review ESI reports developed and submitted by the federal agencies responsible for a given Federal Facility. Upon reviewing the ESI or ESI equivalent report for completeness, and working with the other federal agency to address any deficiencies, EPA then determines what next steps are appropriate with respect to NPL listing.

7. Site Reassessment (SR)

The contractor shall perform site assessment activities as described in sections 4.2(c) and 4.3. of this PWS. A SR represents the gathering and evaluation of new information on a site previously assessed under the Superfund program to determine whether further Superfund attention is needed. A SR serves as a supplement to previous assessment work and not a replacement for traditional assessment activities. The scope of work for SR activity is flexible but will usually represent a component of a traditional site assessment action, PA, and SI. The purpose of this action is to document the expenditure of Superfund resources on older sites where EPA has received new information or learned that the site conditions have changed.

8. Expanded Site Inspections (ESI) at Non-Federal Facilities Sites

The contractor shall perform ESI activities, in accordance with EPA 540-R-92- 021, “Guidance for Performing Site Inspections Under CERCLA,” dated September 1992. The ESI has a two fold purpose to provide additional information required to support preparation of an HRS package for NPL listing which requires scoring of the site; and to further characterize and define a site for a potential response action, i.e. to begin a Remedial Investigation (RI).

9. Federal Facilities Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) Reviews

Federal Facility Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) Review is a quality assurance review on an ESI or ESI-equivalent report submitted by another federal agency. EPA’s role at Federal Facilities is to review ESI reports developed and submitted by the federal agencies responsible for a given Federal Facility. Upon reviewing the ESI or ESI equivalent report for completeness, and working with the other federal agency to address any deficiencies, EPA then determines what next steps are appropriate with respect to NPL listing.

10. Expanded SI/RI Investigations at Non-Federal Facilities Sites

The contractor shall perform ESI/RI activities. The ESI/RI is an assessment consisting of an ESI and an RI. The ESI/RI is used to expedite remedial response by gathering site characterization data common to both ESI and RI activities in one step, thereby expediting the later collection of data when comprehensive RI activities are performed.

11. State Deferral on Non-Federal Facility Sites

State Deferral (Action Name = State Deferral) is an administrative mechanism enabling states and tribes, under their own laws, to respond at sites in the CERCLIS inventory that EPA would otherwise not soon address. Under the State Deferral program, EPA anticipates that responses may be quick and efficient, yet still be protective of the environment and of communities' rights to participate in the decision-making process.

Refer to the guidance on Deferral of NPL Listing Determinations While States Oversee Response Actions (OSWER Directive 9375.6-11, May 1995) for additional information on this program.

12. Hazard Ranking System Packages (HRS)

The HRS Package documents a numeric score of the relative severity of a hazardous substance release or potential release based on: 1) the relative potential of substances to cause hazardous situations; 2) the likelihood and rate at which the substances may affect human and environmental receptors; and 3) the severity and magnitude of potential effects.

The HRS Package also includes references and documentation in support of the score. The score is computed using the revised Hazard Ranking System (HRS). Regions are responsible for preparing HRS packages for both

Federal and non-Federal Facility sites. Regions submit a draft version of the HRS package to HQ for quality assurance review. Regions and HQ work together to address issues and agree on a final version of the HRS package. Based on results of the completed HRS package and other factors, regions determine what next steps, if any, are appropriate for a site (e.g., NPL listing, NFRAP, etc.)

13. Integrated Assessments (IA)

The contractor shall perform IA activities. The purpose of an IA is to gather data that meet the requirements of both a RA and a SI at the same site. The data gathering effort at these sites may require field screening and full Contractor Laboratory Programs (CLP) analysis of samples.

The contractor shall assess the potential for short or long term clean-up actions; and perform IA activity in accordance with EPA OSWER Short Sheet 9345.16FS, “Integrating Removal and Remedial Site Assessment Investigations,” dated September 1993, and Removal Site Evaluation and Site Inspection documents referenced in Sections 1(b) Removal Assessments and 2(b) Site Inspections.

14. Targeted Brownfield Assessments (TBA)

The “Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act,” dated January 11, 2002, defines a Brownfields site. The purpose of the BA is to streamline site investigation and to characterize site conditions. The BA does not involve collection of data associated with Hazard Ranking System (HRS) package preparation. (See section 4.4(e)) The objectives of a BA are to identify the nature and the extent of contamination on-site, identify the risks posed by the contamination, identify potential alternatives for cleanup, and determine costs of cleanup options for site redevelopment.

The contractor shall perform BA activities in accordance with the following guidance:

• “Integrating Brownfields and Traditional Site Assessment,” #9230.0-81, EPA 540-F-96-028, January 1997;

• “Guidance for Performing Site Inspections Under CERCLA,” EPA 540-R-92- 021, September 1992;

• “Road Map to Understanding Innovative Technology Options for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup,” EPA 542-B-97-002;

• “Brownfields Quality Assurance” document (EPA 540-R-98-038);

• “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental

Site Assessment Process,” ASTM, E 1527-05; and

• “Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site

Assessment Process,” ASTM, E 1903-11.

15. Other Cleanup Activity (OCA)

This action is used to document the referral of a non-NPL site to a state, tribal, or federal environmental cleanup program for remedial-type work without EPA enforcement or oversight.

Remedial-type work can include comprehensive site investigations in support of making cleanup determinations, interim cleanup actions, removals or final cleanup decisions, including decisions that cleanup is not required. For this definition, “without EPA enforcement or oversight” means that there is no continuous and substantive involvement on the part of EPA while remedial-type work is ongoing, such as routinely reviewing work products and other documents and providing comments to the non-EPA party. However, EPA may gather information about activities at an OCA site through meetings or calls with the non-EPA party, by accessing related web sites, or through other means. OCA status should only be used for sites that have completed the Superfund site assessment process and are considered to be NPL-caliber (i.e., existing information indicates the site would achieve an HRS score > 28.5 and the site warrants remedial-type work as described above). Regions should periodically discuss progress of OCA sites with the other party leading or managing the remedial-type work to ensure adequate progress is being made. OCA sites not making adequate progress should be evaluated to determine whether another cleanup approach is warranted.

16. Remedial Investigation /Feasibility Study (RI/FS)

An RI/FS is an extensive assessment conducted at a site which is proposed/added to the NPL.

The purpose of conducting an RI/FS is to develop the data necessary to support the selection of a remedy to eliminate, reduce, or control risks to human health and the environment.

Contractor shall perform RI/FS tasks in conformance with, AEPA Guidance for Conducting Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA, Interim Final@, U.S. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, October 1988, OSWER Directive No. 9355.3- 01.

D. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

The requirements under this section include the gathering and analysis of technical information and related data, the preparation of draft technical reports and related materials on oil and hazardous substance investigation, assessment cleanup, disposal technologies, process activities, operations, problems, and trends.

1. Multi-media Surveys and Inspections

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA for multi-media surveys and inspections activities. EPA conducts multi-media surveys and inspections at facilities where hazardous substances are managed, treated, stored, or disposed.

EPA also conducts these activities at the release of environmental hazardous substances. These activities may support multiple environmental regulations and/or programs.

2. Treatability Studies

The contractor shall perform treatability studies in accordance with EPA 540- R-92- 071A, “Guide for Conducting Treatability Studies Under CERCLA,” and OSWER Directive 9380-.3-10, NTIS Order Number# PB93-126787IN; and provide for laboratory, bench, and /or pilot scale treatability studies. The treatability study provides waste treatment and site specific response data to support the feasibility and use of technologies at a site.

3. Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (EE/CA)

After EPA issues the EE/CA approval memorandum, the contractor shall conduct EE/CA activity in accordance with EPA 540-R-93-057, “Guidance on Conducting Non-Time Critical Removal Actions Under CERCLA,” dated August 1993. EE/CA’s are required for non-time critical removal actions.

The purpose of the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (EE/CA) is to allow public participation in the removal decision process, if time permits, and give consideration to alternatives to land disposal. The goal of an EE/CA is to identify the objectives of the removal action and to analyze various alternatives.

4. Public Participation Support

The contractor shall perform public participation activities in accordance with EPA OSW ER Directive 9360-05, “Public Participation Guidance for On-Scene Coordinators: Community Relations and the Administrative Record,” dated June 1992, and “Community Relations in Superfund: A Handbook,” dated January 1992; and provide technical support to EPA in the development, planning, and implementation of community relations and public support activities.

5. Site Discovery Program

The contractor shall support EPA’s determination of whether sites require additional site assessment activities by collecting, recording, and analyzing detailed information about the site; and perform site discovery activity in accordance with EPA OSWER Directive 9200.4-05, “PreCERCLIS Screening Guidance,” dated September 30, 1996. The purpose of the Site Discovery Program is to determine whether sites require additional site assessment activities.

6. Human Health/Ecological Risk Assessment

The contractor shall perform human health and ecological risk assessments in accordance with relevant guidance. Toxicity values can be sought using the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), Health Effects Summary Tables, and other sources. Risk assessment may include, but is not limited to data collection and evaluation, exposure assessment, toxicity assessment, and risk characterization.

7. Administrative Records Support

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA for compiling information for inclusion in the Administrative Record, as defined in Section 113(k) of CERCLA. As Administrative Record included records, data, and guidance that EPA used to determine the federal response action.

8. Equipment Maintenance

The contractor shall provide on-site* support for equipment maintenance of government owned property or equipment, which is not government furnished property (GFP). An equipment and associated parts inventory, maintenance records, equipment checkout, etc., will be maintained current in the CERETS database (or if a new inventory/database system is adopted by EPA ) on a daily basis. The contractor will provide reports which list: inventory on hand, to include location within or outside the warehouse; projected maintenance schedules; if sent out for maintenance, the projected date for return to the inventory system; maintenance performed; shelf life dates, to include projected expirations; disposal dates; and equipment “checkout information, release and return date and person/organization released to. The equipment status is presently pushed out via website to a national database that allows EPA Headquarters and all regions to view equipment availability.

The contractor shall provide technical support on the use of the equipment either by consultation with EPA personnel (OSCs, RPMs, etc.) via phone or by a visit to the job site.

The contractor shall maintain and/or calibrate all equipment in conformance with manufacturers’ recommendations and record the maintenance in the inventory system within 24 hours of completions. All equipment will be repaired and in good working order in the minimum time necessary to ensure readiness for response. The contractor shall coordinate with maintenance vendors, the scheduled return date of any equipment sent out for maintenance.

Maintain maintenance/calibration logs for all applicable items in the CERETS database and maintain all hard copy records for each piece of equipment in the current filing system at EPA’s warehouse where the equipment is located. Any discrepancies shall be noted and steps to correct the discrepancies shall be noted and steps to correct the discrepancies shall be immediately identified.

The contractor must maintain an adequate and viable inventory of calibration, sampling preparation and operating chemicals and supplies to both maintain calibrated and field ready equipment in the warehouse as well as insuring that all equipment dispatched from the warehouse is accompanied by an adequate supply of chemicals and supplies to allow for standard field calibration and anticipated field utilization.

The contractor shall also receive and inspect all incoming equipment and material and ensure equipment is ready and available for emergency response.

Prepare Government property for shipment and delivery to designated sites.

Deliver or arrange for immediate delivery of equipment in accordance with technical directive issued by the OSC/PO.

The contractor shall clearly identify and track items with a shelf life by date and when the item is to be replaced. Replacement of items having a shelf life shall be accomplished so as to receive the replacement item prior to the shelf life expiring for the item being replaced. Upon receipt of the replacement item, the expired item will be disposed of upon consultation with the OSC/PO and in accordance with the approved property management system, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and contract procedures.

** On site support will be at the Training and Logistics Warehouse location, 8600 NE Underground Drive, Kansas City, MO 64161 and 212 Little Bussen Drive, Fenton, MO 63026

9. Regional Emergency Operations Centers (REOC) Support

The contractor shall provide support to the REOC as described under Section A, “Response Activities,” of this PWS.

10. Regional Response Team (RRT) Support

The contractor shall provide technical support to the RRT. The RRT is comprised of federal and state entities, as well as representatives of the response community, local governmental agencies, and interested members of the public.

11. Enforcement Support

The contractor shall provide EPA with technical support for government enforcement at sites The primary goal of EPA’s enforcement program is to identify PRPs and to obtain voluntary settlement or, if necessary, to compel PRPs to implement site cleanups. Once the PRP has agreed to take response actions, the goal of the enforcement program is to ensure that the assessment or cleanup activities are performed in accordance with applicable statute(s), the NCP, and any other relevant guidance.

12. Cost Recovery

The contractor shall provide technical and administrative support to EPA in collecting and securing evidence to aid EPA in its cost recovery efforts. This may include compiling cost documentation packages and gathering information, which may be used to establish liability and support EPA’s response decisions.

The contractor shall collect and organize data in defense of claims, such as claims for reimbursement under CERCLA and other applicable environmental statutes. This service will be in support of preparation by EPA for civil and administrative settlements, including pre-trial and auxiliary services, leading to formal negotiations/meetings with private parties, and trial.

The contractor shall analyze government furnished documents (e.g., provide support for data analysis of the overall cost recovery program). Government furnished documentation may include a description of work performed, site specific cost summaries, tracking of oversight costs, billings and payments received, statutes of limitations, and status of past removals and remedial actions.

If EPA is unable to provide access to documents needed in the performance of cost recovery activities, the contractor shall obtain specific cost information from firms whose EPA contracts have expired.

The contractor shall copy, organize, summarize, maintain, and track evidentiary materials, which are stored in a non-site specific manner to facilitate review of liability determinations.

The contractor shall have a document storage technology, which reflects EPA’s technology.

13. General Technical Support

The contractor shall provide information, analysis, options, and recommendations for implementing emerging technologies and maintaining program currency.

The contractor shall provide information and options, which will enable EPA to draft specifications for EPA program activities. The specifications are used in connection with the provision of technical and cleanup support.

The contractor shall provide information for EPA’s review and approval.

EPA will make the final determination of the acceptability of the information the contractor submits. Examples of technical specifications include data for developing site safety plans for response personnel and the public, information on local contingency planning, methods of hazard mitigation, containment, countermeasures, on-site treatment systems, removal and disposal options, and personnel and equipment requirements.

E. DATA MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

The contractor shall provide data management support; utilize hardware and software to provide information technology support in the form of web applications; Geographical Information Systems (GIS); Personal Data Assistant (PDA) application development;

maintenance of data applications utilized for inspections, investigations response, and contingency planning; and be used routinely to enter, track, or retrieve information and data developed during the performance of the contract.

The contractor shall have the capability to communicate and transmit data both in and from the field. Communications capabilities shall include radio, cell phone and satellite communication options. Capabilities shall include both voice and data transmission in and from the field. Field communications shall include the use of radios suitable for Level A response activities and the use of repeaters to enhance field radio transmissions. Data transmission may include exchange of information within the field and between the field, office, Regional Response Center, and internet based information management systems such as WebEOCO, and www.epaosc.net. Data transmission shall utilize the most efficient means such as dial-up, dsl, high speed cable, wireless, or satellite transmission. The contractor shall have the ability to transmit draft data from the field, during an emergency response, within 4 hours of arrival at the scene.

F. TRAINING

Training formats may include classroom training, exercises, field training, response/practice drills, conferences, and simulations. Work may be required beyond the contractor’s normal work week, and evenings and weekends may be necessary to accommodate the schedules of volunteer fire departments and emergency response personnel. Training may require frequent travel, including occasional travel outside the primary regional area.

The requesting agency is required to provide suitable class room space. Class room space varies from community college class rooms and laboratories to training in fire bays. The contractor shall adapt to any physical limitation of the provided classroom space. Class size will range from 12-35 persons, but 40 hours Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) classes may be limited to 20 persons. If a minimum of 12 students do not attend, classes may be cancelled at the last moment. The contractor shall communicate directly with the requesting agency on class schedule, room arrangements, class agenda, etc.

1. Training Course Descriptions

Duration Title

40 hours HAZWOPER Operation Level Class 40 hours HAZWOPER Technician Level Class 8 hours Annual Refresher Classes 40 hours Methamphetamine (METH) Class 24 hours Hazard Categorization (HAZCAT) Class 16 hours METH HAZCAT Class 16 hours Air Sampling Class

2. General Training Requirements

The contractor shall provide technical support to EPA for training activities, both presentation and development; develop classes which incorporate new regulations and issues pertinent to the response community; accommodate specific training needs of the organizations to be trained; continually evaluate all training material, content, quality, and effectiveness; recommend to EPA the appropriate additions, deletions and modifications of training material; provide more than one class during the same time period, if required. provide adequate manpower, equipment and reference materials to class attendees; coordinate class schedules with the requesting agency and EPA as far in advance as http://www.epaosc.net/ possible; provide EPA with a proposed monthly training calendar; provide all course attendees with reference material, such as NIOSH pocket guides, Orange DOT guidebook, government regulations, and all other reference material used in the course as needed to be loaned to the student for the duration for the class.

All reference material will be current; and provide student manuals for each student.

3. Training Equipment Requirements

The contractor shall provide current and operational equipment, which is in calibration, necessary to support the training courses; be responsible for disposing of any hazcat chemicals and waste chemicals/PPE in accordance with all Federal, state and local regulations; present course material to EPA for review and approval prior to delivery; and refer any questions relating to the interpretation of EPA policy, guidance, or regulation to EPA training staff.

III. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

In the course of performing tasks identified in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), the contractor shall submit all analyses, options, recommendations, reports, training materials, and any other work products in draft form for review by the Contracting Officer (CO) or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to use or distribution.

The contractor shall not publish,…