SOW_integrated_contaminants_1.docx

CONTAMINANT CHARACTERIZATION FOR USGS WATER, HAZARD, AND RESOURCE STUDIES

ID / IQ STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Background

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) carries out field sampling and other types of studies to characterize environments, hazards, resources, and the physical and biogeochemical processes that shape them in US states, territories, and other areas. Projects undertaken with partners, stakeholder, customers, and colleagues are funded from a variety of sources and over varying time scales but have similar ongoing needs for emerging and persistent organic contaminant characterization in environmental matrices. Suites of both specialized (e.g., contaminants of emerging concern) and routine (e.g., persistent organic pollutants) parameters must be quantified at ultra-trace levels (nanograms or picograms) in order to establish baseline levels, identify source fingerprints and mixtures, or potential impairment under federal, state, and/or local criteria [e.g., US EPA Clean Water Act Section 303(d)]. An indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery contract (ID/IQ) will maximize the efficiency of procurement process and fulfillment of national and partner science needs.

2. Scope of Work

Organic chemicals will be quantified at concentrations ranging from natural, ultra-trace levels to anthropogenically elevated regulatory action levels. Task Orders under the ID/IQ contract will specify Required Method(s), Sample Matrices and Numbers, Standard or Rush turn around, and Deliverables (Reporting Levels).

A. Sample matrices (all are required for various analytes)

· Solids (soil, sediments, biosolids), including USDA-regulated soil from Pacific and Caribbean Islands

· Aqueous phases

· Biological tissues (animal and plant)

· Passive samplers (involving dialysis and analysis of SPMDs, elution and analysis of POCIS, loading + preparation (with PRCs) with extraction and analysis of Polyethylene passive samplers)

B. Sample numbers

· IDIQ Maximum: up to 300 analyses in total

· IDIQ Minimum: 20 analyses (see TaskOrder_01)

C. Timeline

· IDIQ Period of Performance is 2 years from the date of award.

· Vendor: Please specify per-matrix/per-sample pricing for Years 1–2 or a percentage increase per year.

· Standard turn-around times are requested

· Vendor: Please specify if RUSH turn-around is available, and the per-matrix/per-sample expedited cost.

D. Analyses and Methods Environmental matrices will be analyzed with ultra-trace multi-matrix methods using isotope dilution / recovery correction quantification where viable. Method performance requirements are specified in italics for certain analytes.

· Polycyclic aromatic compounds (74 parent and alkylated groups; EPA 8270 modified by EPA1625). Typical sample detection limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 1 nanograms per gram for 10 g dry weight.

· Chlorinated and related compounds such as:

· Dioxins/furans (TEQ assigned congeners plus homologue totals as EPA 1613B or GC MS/MS ATP alternative).

Typical sample detection limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 0.05 picogram per gram for 10 g dry weight.

· 209 PCB congeners (EPA 1668C and GC MS/MS equivalent) Typical reporting limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 0.05 picogram per gram for 10 g dry weight.

· 40 PBDEs congeners (EPA 1614A) Typical reporting limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 0.1 picogram per gram for 10 g dry weight.

· Chlorinated flame retardants (best methods)

· Chlorinated pesticides (EPA 1699 OC pesticides or GC MS/MS equivalent) Typical reporting limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 0.001 nanograms per gram for 10 g dry weight.

· and others needs as analytical capabilities allow

· Contaminants of Emerging Concern such as:

· 40 Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, EPA 1633 or comparable) Typical reporting limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 1 nanograms per gram for 5 g dry weight.

· Total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay

· Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs by EPA 1694 principles, in separate or custom LC MS/MS lists)

· 6PPD-q (whole water and solids) Typical reporting limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 0.05 nanograms per gram for 1 g dry weight.

· and others needs as analytical capabilities allow

· Other analyses and services:

· Sample homogenization

· Moisture content

· Lipid content

· Multi-residue pesticides (EPA 1699) Typical reporting limit (solid matrix) meets or exceeds 0.5 nanograms per gram for 5 g dry weight excluding Methoprene.

· Neonicotinoids by LC MS/MS

· Organophosphorus flame retardants by LC MS/MS, brominated flame retardants (multiple methods)

· Alkylphenols

· Sucralose

· and others needs as analytical capabilities allow

E. Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QA/QC)

Each analytical batch will include and report, as appropriate, a laboratory blank, spiked matrix sample, and duplicate analysis.

3. Reporting and Deliverables

· Level 2 data reporting required, and Level 4 data reports may be requested.

· Vendors: please specify per-sample cost of Level 2 and 4 data reports.

· “J” qualifiers (concentrations less than the quantification limit), blanks, and any spiked matrix and duplicate samples will be reported with QA/QC components.

· Results will be delivered in an electronic spreadsheet-readable format (EDD, Electronic Data Deliverable).

4. Evaluation Criteria

Vendors will be evaluated for technical merit of analytical methods and their ability to quantify most of the contaminant classes in all four specified environmental matrices. Vendors will provide, upon request, materials that will allow evaluation/comparison of technical merit including methods describing quantification, QA/QC measures and acceptance criteria, method detection limits, and sample reporting limits.

Vendors must have current USDA/APHIS permits for receipt, handling, storage, and disposal of regulated Domestic and Pacific and Caribbean Island soil (foreign soil) for the time periods needed to complete Task Orders under the ID/IQ contract.

5. Modifications

The ID/IQ contract may be modified upon mutual consent of the USGS and the analytical lab to add more funds, add more samples, and/or increase the Scope of Work.