Sources_Sought_Zooplankton_1.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Zooplankton Analysis of Water Samples

Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity Contract (IDIQ)

Bureau of Reclamation

Notice Type: Sources Sought

Posted Through: Government Point of Entry (GPE) - SAM.gov

Notice / Solicitation Number: 140R4026R0028

NAICS: 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services

Place of Performance: Laboratory analyses will be performed entirely at the contractor's facility (off site). Reclamation or a partnering agency will collect, preserve, and ship samples to the contractor for processing.

Estimated Period of Performance: July 26, 2026 through July 26, 2032 (five-year ordering period)

1. PURPOSE

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, is conducting market research under FAR

Part 10 to identify qualified small business laboratories capable of performing zooplankton analysis of reservoir water quality samples for the Upper Colorado Basin (UCB) and Lower Colorado Basin

(LCB). The results of this notice will be used to assess the availability and capability of small business sources and to support the Government's acquisition strategy, including the appropriate type of small business set-aside or other procurement approach.

This Sources Sought Notice is not a solicitation. No contract or order will be awarded from this announcement, and submissions will not be considered formal proposals or quotations.

2. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Reclamation conducts long-term reservoir water quality monitoring throughout the Colorado River

Basin. Zooplankton abundance, diversity, composition, and biovolume are used to evaluate reservoir health, biological productivity, environmental stressors, and changes over time. The UCB and LCB have used contracted laboratory services for zooplankton analyses for several decades, and the resulting data support program decisions and reports to Congress.

Reclamation intends to establish a unified, single-laboratory approach for zooplankton analysis across the UCB and LCB to promote consistent and reliable taxonomic identification and reduce discrepancies caused by differing laboratory methods or personnel. The anticipated IDIQ will cover analysis of newly collected samples and an existing UCB backlog, with results organized and reported by reservoir.

3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND SAMPLE SHIPPING

All laboratory analyses will be performed at the contractor's facility. Reclamation or partnering agency personnel will collect zooplankton samples from Reclamation reservoirs, generally in 500 mL bottles preserved in the field with 1% Lugol's solution. Sample batches are anticipated to be shipped approximately every three months, or after a sampling trip when 12 or more samples are collected. The contractor will be responsible for receiving samples, documenting sample condition and receipt, and maintaining chain-of-custody records.

No Government travel or on-site contractor presence is anticipated. The contractor must furnish all facilities, equipment, materials, personnel, and other resources necessary to perform the required analyses and electronic reporting.

4. SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall provide qualified personnel, laboratory facilities, equipment, quality controls, and other non-personal services necessary to perform zooplankton analyses ordered under the IDIQ.

Anticipated work includes, but is not limited to:

1. Sample Chain of Custody: Provide a chain-of-custody (COC) form for Government use and complete the laboratory portion upon receipt of each shipment, including sample condition and date/time received. The completed COC will be included with the report of analysis.

2. Zooplankton Taxonomic Analysis: Identify zooplankton to the lowest practical taxonomic level, typically species or genus, in accordance with the Integrated Taxonomic Information System

(ITIS) and the analytical requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

3. Enumeration and Biovolume: Perform sample preparation and analysis in accordance with

APHA Standard Methods 10200 Plankton, including enumeration of a minimum of 400 natural units to the lowest practical taxonomic level and calculation of abundance/density and biovolume estimates. Biovolume measurements should be based on at least 10 organisms per taxon when possible.

4. Sample Capacity: Process an anticipated UCB base-year backlog of up to 100 samples, up to 120 newly collected UCB samples annually, and up to 136 LCB samples annually. Actual quarterly or annual quantities may be zero and will depend on Government sampling activity.

5. Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Maintain an internal quality assurance system sufficient to ensure consistent, defensible analyses. Results are expected to achieve accuracy within 90 percent confidence limits when independently compared, and QA/QC data must accompany each report of analysis.

6. Reports and Deliverables: Complete analysis of routine sample batches within 60 days of receipt and complete the UCB backlog within one year of receipt. Provide results electronically in spreadsheet format, separated and summarized by reservoir, with the completed COC included in the complete report of analysis.

5. REQUIRED TECHNICAL CAPABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

Interested firms must demonstrate that their personnel, laboratory systems, equipment, and quality program possess the specialized experience and capacity necessary to perform the complete zooplankton analysis requirement. Capabilities of particular interest include:

• Demonstrated experience performing taxonomic identification of freshwater or reservoir zooplankton to the lowest practical taxon, typically species or genus.

• Experience applying APHA Standard Methods 10200, ITIS taxonomy, enumeration/abundance methods, biovolume calculations, and laboratory QA/QC procedures for zooplankton samples.

• Sufficient laboratory capacity, qualified personnel, and quality systems to process the anticipated UCB and LCB sample volumes while meeting required turnaround times and supporting Government verification of analytical results.

• Ability to maintain analytical continuity and comparability for long-term monitoring datasets, including documented methods, consistent taxonomic practices, and procedures to minimize variability caused by changes in laboratory personnel or analytical approach.

The anticipated minimum performance requirements include:

• Routine sample batches completed and delivered within 60 days of receipt; UCB backlogged samples completed within one year of receipt.

• Analytical results meeting the PWS accuracy expectations, including results within 90 percent confidence limits when independently compared and QA/QC data accompanying each report.

• Ability to support Government verification of up to 5 percent of samples through an independent laboratory and to re-perform deficient analyses within 24 hours of notice at no additional cost to the Government.

• Complete electronic spreadsheet deliverables organized by reservoir, with applicable analytical results, QA/QC information, and completed chain-of-custody documentation.

6. ANTICIPATED ACQUISITION APPROACH

• Contract Vehicle: The Government anticipates awarding an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-

Quantity (IDIQ) contract for zooplankton analysis of water samples.

• Ordering Period: Five years, currently estimated from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.

• Orders: Analysis services will be ordered as needed based on Government sampling activity and funding. Estimated sample quantities are provided for planning purposes and actual quarterly or annual quantities may be zero.

• Pricing Arrangement: The anticipated pricing arrangement is firm-fixed-price on a per-sample basis for the laboratory analyses ordered under the contract.

• Small Business Strategy: The Government is evaluating a total small business set-aside or other appropriate acquisition strategy. The final approach will be based on the results of this market research and other acquisition-planning considerations.

• Evaluation Approach: Any future solicitation is expected to evaluate technical acceptability, relevant laboratory experience, ability to meet the required analytical methods and quality standards, data continuity/comparability, schedule, contractor responsibility, and price reasonableness. The final evaluation methodology will be stated in the solicitation.

7. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested firms are requested to submit a capabilities statement of no more than five pages, excluding a cover page, that addresses the following:

1. Company Information: Legal business name, physical address, website, Unique Entity Identifier

(UEI), CAGE Code, and primary point of contact with telephone number and email address.

2. Business Size and Socioeconomic Status: Business size under NAICS 541380 and all applicable socioeconomic categories, including small business, 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, women-owned small business, economically disadvantaged women-owned small business, and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise status.

3. Relevant Experience: Up to three recent projects of similar scope, size, and complexity involving zooplankton, plankton, or comparable biological laboratory analysis. For each project, identify the customer, contract number if publicly releasable, period of performance, total value, description of work, role as prime or subcontractor, and a customer point of contact if available.

4. Technical Capability and Capacity: Explain the firm's ability to perform the complete scope in

Sections 4 and 5, including taxonomic identification, APHA Standard Methods 10200, ITIS, enumeration and biovolume, QA/QC, sample throughput, required turnaround times, electronic reporting, staffing, facilities, and equipment.

5. Data Continuity and Comparability: Describe the firm's approach to maintaining consistent analytical methods and taxonomic practices over a long-term monitoring program. Explain how the firm would demonstrate comparability with an existing historical dataset and control or validate potential inter-laboratory or personnel-related variability when assuming an established monitoring requirement.

Do not submit a formal proposal or detailed cost proposal. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. The Government may contact respondents for clarification or additional market research information.

8. RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Responses must be submitted by email to:

Kyle Goddard

Contract Specialist kyle_goddard@ios.doi.gov

Subject Line: Sources Sought - Zooplankton Analysis of Water Samples IDIQ

Response Due: 15 September 2026, by 10:00 AM Mountain Time

Electronic submissions should be in searchable PDF format. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

9. DISCLAIMER

This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and acquisition-planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation, Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, or promise to issue a future solicitation. The Government will not accept proposals or quotations in response to this notice and will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response.

The Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this market research.

Information received may be used to develop the acquisition strategy and solicitation requirements, subject to applicable procurement laws and regulations.

DRAFT Performance Work Statement for the

Zooplankton Analysis of Water Samples

Table of Contents

1.0 General

2.0 Specific Requirements/Tasks

3.0 Contractor Quality Assurance

4.0 Delivery or Deliverables

5.0 Meetings

6.0 Required Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

7.0 Special Instructions

8.0 Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Information

9.0 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

1.0 General

1.1 Introduction

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources. The mission of the Upper Colorado Basin (UCB) Water Quality Group (WQG) is to monitor reservoir water quality and collect data and samples representing the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water and report conditions to congress. Similarly, the mission of the Lower Colorado Basin (LCB) Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program (CRWQIP) is to perform ongoing monitoring of the river and its tributaries to determine the quality of water and mitigate impacts from invasive species and to reduce their spread to other ecosystems.

This acquisition is to acquire contractor services to perform laboratory analysis of zooplankton in reservoir water quality samples in a unified manner between Upper and Lower Colorado Region teams.

1.2 Objective

Zooplankton are aquatic animals—including cladocerans, copepods, rotifers, and protozoans—that inhabit lakes, ponds, and rivers. Zooplankton feed on algae (e.g., phytoplankton) and bacteria, playing a vital role as secondary producers in the aquatic food web. By consuming algae, zooplankton help regulate algal populations, which can prevent harmful algal blooms. They also serve as an essential food source for fish and other aquatic organisms, supporting the transfer of energy up the food chain. The presence or absence of diverse zooplankton populations can provide important clues about environmental health, water quality, and the balance of an ecosystem in a reservoir. For example, a healthy zooplankton community generally indicates balanced nutrient levels and limited pollution, while their decline may signal ecological stress or the impact of invasive species.

Analyzing zooplankton in water samples is crucial for assessing the overall health and biological productivity of reservoirs. Their abundance, diversity, and composition can reveal changes in water quality, the effectiveness of management strategies, and the potential impacts of environmental stressors. A unified, single-laboratory approach to zooplankton analysis across a river basin is essential for achieving consistent and reliable taxonomic identification, minimizing discrepancies caused by varying laboratory methods or personnel, and enabling accurate interpretation of ecosystem health.

As such, the UCB and LCB are seeking contractor services to perform laboratory analysis of zooplankton in reservoir water quality samples. This includes speciation, 1.3

1.4 enumeration (abundance), and biovolume of zooplankton in samples collected from Reclamation reservoirs. The results from laboratory analyses will be evaluated by Reclamation and used in guiding program decisions and in reports to congress.

Scope of Work

This contract covers the identification and quantification of zooplankton in water samples collected from reservoirs in Reclamations’ UCB and LCB regions. The contractor will provide taxonomic analyses to support ongoing water quality monitoring and assessment efforts. The scope includes processing both newly collected and backlogged samples, with results used to evaluate reservoir health and primary productivity. The work is limited to sample analysis and reporting as specified in the contract. Reclamation will furnish labor for sample collection, sample bottles and preservatives, and will ship samples to the contractor for processing after each sampling period.

Background

Pursuant to Public Laws 84-485 section 15, 87-483 section 15, and 87-590 section 6, as amended, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to continue studies of quality of water of the Colorado River Basin, to appraise its suitability for municipal, domestic, and industrial use and for irrigation in the various areas in the United States in which it is used or proposed to be used, to estimate the effect of additional developments involving its storage and use on the remaining water available for use in the United States, to study all possible means of improving the quality of such water and of alleviating the ill effects of water of poor quality. Further, under the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974, Public Law 93-320, Reclamation is authorized to enhance and protect the quality of water in the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Under these statutory authorities, the UCB and the LCB have collected water quality samples for zooplankton analyses from Reclamation reservoirs with laboratory analyses conducted by contracted services for several decades. The most recent contract issued to the UCB for zooplankton analyses was 140R4020P0079, which expired 09/17/2025.The most recent contract issued to the LCB for zooplankton analyses was 140R3022D0005 and expires 7/26/2027.

Going forward, the UCB and LCB seek to have single-laboratory approach for analyzing zooplankton data across the Colorado River basin to achieve consistent and reliable taxonomic identification.

Water samples for biological analysis of zooplankton shall be collected from Reclamation reservoirs by Reclamation or partnering agency personnel (e.g., U.S.

Geological Survey). Zooplankton samples are collected as discrete samples with a surface Niskin-type water sampler. Water is collected in a 500mL bottle and preserved in the field using 1% Lugol's solution (standard preservation method).

Sample labels on the bottle identify the date, time, location, depth, and sample number. Sample batches will be shipped by Reclamation or a partnering agency to the contractor for zooplankton analyses. Sample batches shall be shipped every three (3) months, or after each sampling trip if 12 or more samples are collected.

1.5 Type of Contract Contemplated

The resultant award will be a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract.

1.6

1.7

1.1.

Period of Performance

The period of performance of this contract consists of a base year and four additional years, with an anticipated start date of July 26, 2027, and continues for 60 months, ending on July 26, 2032.

Place of Performance

Laboratory analyses of zooplankton samples will be performed entirely at the contractor’s facility (off site).

Applicable Documents

Laboratory analyses of zooplankton samples, performed by the contractor, shall be conducted following the methods described in Standard Methods For the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 10200 Plankton (https://doi.org/10.2105/SMWW.2882.207).

2.0 Specific Requirements/Tasks

2.1 Task One: Sample Chain of Custody

The contractor shall provide a chain of custody (COC) form to Reclamation upon award. The COC will accompany samples during shipment to the lab and will serve as documentation of the number and types of samples submitted for analysis. The form will be populated by the government upon collection of samples and shall be completed by the laboratory upon receipt of samples, noting the condition of samples and the date and time received. The completed COC must become part of the complete report of analysis.

2.2 Task Two: Zooplankton Sample Analysis

The contractor shall perform analysis of zooplankton samples to the lowest practical taxon (typically species or genus) and in accordance with the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Analyses shall identify all species by division (i.e.

cyanobacteria). Analyses shall include both cell density (#/L) and biovolume estimates (µm3/L). Samples are to be prepared using standard membrane filtration techniques (APHA Standard Methods 10200) and a minimum of 400 natural units enumerated to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Cell biovolumes should be based on measurements of at least 10 organisms per taxon when possible.

The UCB has a backlog of approximately 100 zooplankton samples. These samples (not to exceed 100) are to be processed in the base year of the contract. The number of samples sent from the UCB to the contractor is not to exceed (NTE) 120 samples annually (NTE 30 samples quarterly). The number of samples sent from the LCB to the contractor is not to exceed 136 samples annually (NTE 34 samples quarterly). Annual or quarterly sample quantities from the UCB or LCB may be zero.

Zooplankton Samples Upper Colorado Region Lower Colorado Region

Base Year Backlog of 0 – 100 samples

0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 120 samples annually

0 – 34 samples collected quarterly; 0 – 136 annually

Year 2 0 – 30 samples collected

Year 3 0 – 30 samples collected

Year 4 0 – 30 samples collected

Year 5 0 – 30 samples collected quarterly; 0 - 136

3.0 Contractor Quality Assurance.

3.1 Performance Standards

The contractor shall maintain a quality assurance system capable of ensuring all zooplankton analyses meet the performance standards and accuracy expectations specified in this Performance Work Statement. Contractor performance will be evaluated against measurable criteria including:

Timeliness:

• Completion of all sample analyses and data deliveries within the required timeframes.

• Backlogged sample analyses completed within one (1) year of contract award.

Quality of Analyses:

• Compliance with accepted taxonomic standards, including identification to the lowest practical taxon and adherence to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System.

• Enumeration and biovolume estimation performed using recognized methods (APHA Standard Methods 10200).

• Results must achieve accuracy within 90% confidence limits, as verified through independent comparison.

• Quality assurance/quality control (QAQC) data for each analyte must accompany each report of analysis.

3.2 Government Surveillance and Verification

The government will evaluate contractor performance using surveillance methods appropriate to the type and complexity of the work, including:

Random Sampling Inspection:

• The government may select up to 5% of samples for verification through an independent laboratory. Results will be compared at the genus level. Any significant discrepancies will constitute non‑compliance with the performance standards.

Right to Use Additional Surveillance Methods:

• The government reserves the right to apply any additional inspection or monitoring procedures deemed necessary to ensure compliance with contractual requirements. Surveillance methods may be altered at any time at the government’s discretion.

3.3 Corrective Actions

If surveillance identifies deficiencies or results outside acceptable quality limits:

• The contractor shall re‑perform affected analyses within 24 hours of receiving notice from the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

• Re‑performed work will be completed at no additional cost to the government.

3.4 Contractor Responsibility

Consistent with the template’s guidance on quality assurance, the contractor is responsible for:

• Implementing internal quality controls sufficient to meet all performance requirements without government direction.

• Ensuring personnel, methods, equipment, and data handling practices support consistent, defensible zooplankton analyses.

• Maintaining a quality system capable of supporting government inspection and verification activities.

4.0 Delivery or Deliverables

4.1 Overview of Deliverables

The contractor is responsible for delivering all analytical results and reports associated with zooplankton sample processing in accordance with the timelines, formats, and standards identified in this Performance Work Statement. All deliverables must be submitted electronically in the specified formats and organized by reservoir.

4.2 Deliverables for Zooplankton Samples

For zooplankton samples collected and shipped by Reclamation throughout the year:

• The contractor shall complete the identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of each sample batch within 60 days of receiving the samples.

• The contractor shall complete the identification, enumeration, and biovolume analysis of backlogged samples within one (1) year of receiving the samples.

• Results must be delivered electronically to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) in electronic spreadsheet format.

• Results must be separated and summarized by reservoir.

• The completed COC must become part of the complete report of analysis.

4.3 Government Review

The government will review all deliverables upon receipt. Any deficiencies identified must be corrected promptly by the contractor as part of the required performance standards.

5.0 Meetings

Routine, recurring meetings are not anticipated under this contract. However, the government may request one‑off, ad‑hoc meetings as needed to discuss contract performance, clarify technical issues, or resolve concerns related to sample processing or data deliverables.

All meetings will be conducted via teleconference or other remote communication methods approved by the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall ensure staff availability to participate in these discussions when reasonably requested.

Ad‑hoc meetings will be scheduled at the request of the government with reasonable advance notice. Specific dates and times will be mutually agreed upon by the contractor and the government.

For each meeting, the contractor shall provide any analytical summaries, data clarifications, or supporting materials requested by the government to facilitate discussion. Materials may be delivered electronically before or during the teleconference.

6.0 Required Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

No travel is required or anticipated under this contract. All contractor activities associated with the identification and analysis of zooplankton samples will be performed at the contractor’s facility, and no on-site presence at government locations is needed to fulfill contract requirements.

7.0 Special Instructions

Zooplankton analyses performed under this contract are part of an ongoing, long‑term water quality monitoring program. The government anticipates that zooplankton analytical services will continue beyond the five‑year period of performance, and a follow‑on contract will be pursued at that time.

Maintaining consistent laboratory methods and taxonomic practices is critical for interpreting temporal trends in zooplankton communities. For this reason, it is in the government’s best interest to avoid changes in laboratories performing these analyses whenever possible.

If, at any point, analytical services transition to a new laboratory through a follow‑on contract, the incumbent contractor shall:

• Cooperate fully with the successor contractor, as needed, to ensure continuity of data quality and analytical comparability.

• Provide methodological clarifications, historical context, calibration information, or any other technical support required to allow the successor to align methods appropriately.

• Participate in teleconference discussions if requested by the Contracting Officer to support a smooth transition.

8.0 Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Information

No Government‑Furnished Property, Equipment, or Information will be provided under this contract. The contractor shall furnish all facilities, equipment, materials, and resources necessary to perform zooplankton analyses as specified in this Performance Work Statement.

9.0 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Acronym/Abbreviation Definition APHA American Public Health Association COC Chain of Custody COR Contracting Officer’s Representative CRWQIP Colorado River Water Quality Improvement Program FP Fixed Price HABs Harmful Algal Blooms IDIQ Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity LCB Lower Colorado Basin NTE Not To Exceed ODCs Other Direct Costs QAQC Quality Assurance/Quality Control PSC Product or Service Code PWS Performance Work Statement Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation UCB Upper Colorado Basin USGS U.S. Geological Survey µm³/L Cubic micrometers per liter (unit for biovolume)

Table 1: Model for List of Deliverables

For fixed-price line items:

Line Item

Description Product or Service Code

(PSC)

Accounting classification

Unit of measure

Quantity Unit price

(FP)

Total price

Delivery schedule

Destination

SOW

reference*

001 UCB backlogged sample analysis (one-time processing of ~100 samples)

TBD Cost Center:

RR040U2200

Functional Area:

R13510000.000000 Fund: XXXR4081G1

Per sample ~0 – 100 TBD TBD Due within 1 year of contract award

Electronic delivery to

COR

Section 4.2

002 UCB zooplankton sample analyses

RR040U2200

Functional Area:

R13510000.000000 Fund: XXXR4081G1

Per sample 0 – 120 / year

TBD TBD Due within 60 days of receipt of each batch

003 LCB zooplankton sample analyses

RR03026000

Functional Area:

R31430000.000000 Fund: 26XR0680A3

Per sample 0 – 136 / year

TBD TBD Due within 60 days of receipt of each batch

004 Ad-hoc data clarification support (teleconference meeting materials if needed; no routine meetings)

TBD TBD Per occurrence

As needed

TBD TBD Upon government request with reasonable notice

Teleconference Section 5.0