Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers W912HZ25RA011

Q1. Please provide Attachments referenced in Part 2 - Reporting Requirements (e.g., Attachments 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9), inclusive of electronic copies of the reporting templates and state agency protocols.

A1. Technical Exhibit B Data Deliverable Example Format has been uploaded as an attachment to the solicitation contains all the required information.

Q2. Each individual cyanotoxin (Anatoxin, Saxitoxin, Cylindrospermopsin, Microcystins) is listed in Table 1, but Cyanobacteria is listed as its own line item too. Can you please explain what type of testing you are looking for on the Cyanobacteria line as opposed to the individual cyanotoxins?

A2. Cyanotoxins is referring to the category of toxins ( Anatoxin, Saxitoxin, Cylindrospermopsin, and Microsystins) released by cyanobacteria. When requesting the toxins we would want to total of each toxin. Cyanobacteria will be a total count of the cyanobateria in the sample.

Q3. Is the start of the TAT on Table 1 from the date of receipt or completion of analysis? This is focused on Cyanotoxin analysis. Taxonomy and pigment turnaround times appear standard.

A3. Start of the TAT will be based on sample receipt.

Q4. Will sample kits need to be provided? Two of the cyanotoxins need a preservative once collected.

A4. Contractor shall provide bottles for collection and any necessary preservatives with instructions.

Q5. Benthic samples are the only sample type that does not state holding for 1-year after processing, is this correct?

A5. All samples shall be stored for up to one year post analysis.

Q6. What is the anticipated frequency of sample shipment for analysis? Once a week, every other week, all at once, etc.

A6. Sampling and shipping may occur weekly during the months of March – October.

Q7. State protocols listed for benthic macroinvertebrates (NY, PA, KY, OH, IN) are not inclusive of all locations listed in Table 2. Are macroinvertebrates expected only from these states?

A7. Macroinvertebrates may be collected in other states, we will note on all COCs and coordinate in advance when samples will require those protocols.

Q8. State protocols listed for benthic macroinvertebrates (NY, PA, KY, OH, IN) require significantly different levels of effort to process. Is one unit price required to cover all of these methodologies or can unit prices be given for each state individually?

A8. No, each of these types shall be quoted separately.

Q9. Does the contractor lab need to provide all supplies (bottles/preservatives/coolers) for the collection of all samples, inclusive of benthic macroinvertebrates, phtyoplankton and cyanptoxins? It appears that sampling bottles, preservative, bottle labels, and COCs are only listed as being requested for Zooplankton taxonomy.

A9. Yes, this may be required on special occasions, it will be coordinated in advance.

Q10. Are benthic macroinvertebrates for the PONAR and HESS categories originating strictly from the Nashville district or from multiple districts? Does the unit price need to include providing personnel for the field sampling as mentioned on page 7?

A10. Yes, these samples are related to the Nashville District specifically. Sampling efforts shall be provided separately. Sampling will only be required on special occasions.

Q11. Please provide Technical Exhibit B (describing custom reporting formats/EDDs).

A11. Technical Exhibit B Data Deliverable Example Format has been uploaded as an attachment to the solicitation.

Q12. Sample Volume/Frequency: Can you provide estimated annual sample counts by test type (phytoplankton, benthic, zooplankton, toxins, chlorophyll) and whether sampling is scheduled or event-driven?

A12. Phytoplankton (650 – 1000 samples / year), Benthic (250 samples / year), Zooplankton (250 samples / year), Toxins ( up to 200 samples / year), Chlorophyll (125 samples / year)

Q13. Collection vs. Shipping : Will USACE collect and ship all samples, or should the contractor plan for field sampling? If field work is expected, which districts/sites are included?

A13. A majority of the samples will be collected and shipped by USACE. The Nashville District is the only district that may require the contractor to sample.

Q14. Shipping/Chain of Custody: Are shipping costs covered by the Government, or must they be built into pricing? Are standard USACE chain-of-custody forms provided?

A14. Shipping to the lab will be paid for by USACE, shipping of coolers back to USACE will need to be provided by the lab.

Q15. Rush Orders: Does the 24–48 hr turnaround begin at sample receipt or collection?

Will advance notice be given?

A15. Time starts at sample receipt; advance notice will be provided.

Q16. Data Deliverables: Is there a standard format/system across districts for reporting results?

A16. Technical Exhibit B Data Deliverable Example Format has been uploaded as an attachment to the solicitation.