A01-RFI_Sources_Sought_19Q0105.docx

Subject: Non-Drinking Water Sample Analysis Support Contract for the United States Army Public Health Center

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ); IT IS STRICTLY A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI). NEITHER UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS NOR ANY OTHER KINDS OF OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED PURSUANT TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

1.0 DISCLAIMER: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. At this time, questions concerning the composition and requirements for a future RFP will not be entertained.

2.0 SUBJECT: The United States Army Public Health Center (APHC) is conducting market research to assess commercial availability of performing non-drinking water sample analysis. In line with the above goal, APHC wishes to obtain information from commercial sources who possess the ability to perform the tasks required.

3.0 BACKGROUND: The APHC is part of the United States Army Medical Command and focuses on epidemiology, laboratory sciences, occupational health sciences, public health information and toxicology to enhance Army readiness and assure the quality and effectiveness of the Army’s Public Health Enterprise. As part of the APHC mission, the Lab Sciences (LS) Directorate currently analyzes non-drinking water samples for various parameters in support of the APHC mission. However, the LS does not currently possess the analytical capability and/or capacity to perform all non-drinking water sample analyses rqeuired, including analyses from various worldwide locations and from natural or man-made disaster locations.

4.0 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents should address the following in their capabilities statement:

Sample Description and Estimated Quantities (per year) are in the attached Excel document.

The Contractor shall have the capabilities of performing the following key tasks and provide a description of their capabilities in performing non-drinking water sample analysis services, specifically:

· Receipt and storage of samples prior to analysis

· Perform sample analysis and media preparation within stated turnaround times

· Provide analytical results as required

· Dispose of unused sample volumes and return Government shipping containers

The Contractor shall have the following instrumentation/technologies to ensure their ability to process sample analyses within a timely manner at the anticipated volume in the above table:

· Instrumentation/Technology (minimum requirements to perform the required testing methods)

· Gas Chromatograph with various detectors as required (minimum of 6)

· Mercury Analyzer (most likely CVAA)

· Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (minimum of 4)

· Ion Chromatographs (ICs) (minimum of 2)

· Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) (minimum of 2)

· Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) (minimum of 2)

· Liquid Chromatograph (LC) UV detector (minimum of 1)

· Liquid Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS)

· Reagent water to meet ASTM Type II classification.

· TCLP tumblers and zero headspace extractors

· Total Organic Carbon/Dissolved Organic Carbon (TOC/DOC) Analyzer

· Laboratory Facilities (minimum requirements):

· Minimum of 5000 sq. ft. of laboratory space

· Adequate electrical service

· Reagent water to meet ASTM Type II classification

· Class A volumetric glassware for all analyses

· Adequate fume hood system to provide safe handling of hazardous materials

The Contractor shall provide a description of their laboratory certifications and qualifications for industrial hygiene sample analyses:

· The contract and sub-contract laboratory(ies) shall be accredited to the ISO 17025 standard through a third party accrediting body. DOD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DOD ELAP) accreditation is required of the contractor and sub-contract laboratories. All methods and compounds are to be on the ISO17025 accreditation scope. Methods required to be on the lab’s DOD ELAP scope of accreditation are identified in Attachment 1.

The Contractor shall also provide a description of their business size or small business category (i.e., HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, etc.).

5.0 CONTACT INFORMATION: Any and all questions related to this RFI shall be directed to Ms. Beverly R. Michaels at beverly.r.michaels.civ@mail.mil. All information regarding Capabilities Statements or any other proprietary information relative to this RFI shall be submitted via email to beverly.r.michaels.civ@mail.mil no later than 12:00 p.m. E.S.T. on Friday, 8 March 2019.