FY25 Willapa Sediment Characterization - KTR Qs 2026.03.26.docx

FY26 Willapa Sediment Characterization – KTR Inquiries/Qs 26 May 2026 Questions from 2026.03.25 For the Willapa Sediment Characterization solicitation, does the laboratory used have to be WA ELAP, or would a lab that is DOD ELAP certified, but not certified in Washington be permitted?

Per the DMMP Manual: Accreditation may be through the Department of Ecology, the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP), or equivalent certification approved by DMMP. A current list of accredited labs may be found at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/laboratorysearch/ or https://lams.nelac-institute.org/. (pg. 8-79)

1. Anticipated Award and Field Schedule: Please provide the anticipated award date and the target window for completion of field sampling, given that dredging is anticipated to begin in summer 2026.

We are anticipating an award date in mid-late April. Per the PWS, dredging in the Federal features is anticipated to begin in summer 2026, and sampling must be completed prior to start of dredging. The dredging work window begins 16 July 2026.

2. Z Layer Sampling Expectation: Please confirm whether any Z layer sampling is anticipated or required under this solicitation, given that Table 1 includes a depth interval while the Performance Work Statement states that no subsurface DMMUs will be used and that grab samples will be used to characterize all DMMUs.

Z-layer sampling is not required. See amended Table 1.

3. Exercise of Option CLINs: Please clarify whether Option CLINs (particularly additional sampling and analytical options) may be exercised prior to completion of base CLIN field work, or only after base CLIN results have been reviewed.

If additional samples beyond the base are required in the approved SAP, Option CLIN 0007 will be exercised prior to field sampling effort. Option CLINs for additional analysis may be exercised before or after field work as needed.

4. EIM Data Acceptance: Please confirm whether CLIN 6 (EIM Data Entry) will be considered complete upon acceptance of EIM data by Ecology, or whether additional USACE review and approval is required.

CLIN 6 has been amended to read as follows: Prepare and submit location and results files using the Department of Ecology’s Environmental Information Management (EIM) templates in Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) format. Submit the draft EIM files to the USACE QAR. Address comments on the draft files and submit final files to the USACE QAR.

Questions from 2026.03.24 Questions regarding the 5 bulleted technical experience criteria

Evaluation Criteria / (1)Technical Factors:

1. Would the government consider sediment sampling within the Great Lakes a coastal/marine environment?

No. Great Lakes may be considered coastal, but not marine. Work in Great Lakes region would not satisfy Criteria 1.

2. Would the government consider sediment sampling within the Willamette River, a tidally-influenced river near Portland Harbor, OR a coastal/marine environment?

No. DMMP considers anything upstream of Columbia River Mile 20 as freshwater.

3. For criteria 2, must submitted projects show experience generating a SAP specifically under the DMMP Users Manual, or would a SAP generated for a different state covering similar work to be included as this project demonstrate adequate ability to meet this criteria?

No. Submitted projects must show experience generating a SAP under the DMMP User Manual.

4. If sediment sample collection and analysis were performed under a different program/guidance document other than the DMMP Users Manual but otherwise demonstrates the applicable experience, would this meet the requirement for Criteria 3?

No. Collection and processing of sediment grab samples, and analysis for chemical and biological laboratory testing must be in accordance with DMMP guidance.

5. Would similar projects outside the state of Washington having a database and EDD reporting requirement outside the WA EIM demonstrate the ability for criteria 5?

No. Contractor must show ability to generate, review, and upload electronic data deliverable in the WA EIM database format.

Additional questions:

6. Will the determination on number of samples to be collected under the optional tasks be determined prior to the initial field mobilization?

Yes. The number of samples to be collected will be defined in the approved SAP. If additional samples beyond the base are required in the approved SAP, Option CLIN 0007 will be exercised prior to field sampling effort.

7. Is a Level 2 SSHO acceptable for this project?

Yes, a Level 2 SSHO is acceptable for this project.

8. Is the dredge start date already scheduled for this project in the summer of 2026? If so, what is that date? How much time will be available post-award prior to field mobilization to prepare and finalize the project plans?

Dredging work window begins 16 July 2026. Dredging is anticipated to begin on or shortly after this date. Actual dredging schedule is not yet available. As of the date of this response (25 March 2026), there are approximately 3.5 months between now and the start of dredging work window.

9. Can we please have two weeks from when all questions are answered to submit the proposal? (This may be a discussion that needs to be had between the entire time, most definitely to include Shemekia – It’s not normal that we provide a contractor additional time that isn’t provided to all contractors. More to follow on this one. ) No.