W912QR22Q0056.pdf

SEE ADDENDUM

(No Collect Calls)

W912QR22Q0056 05-May-2022

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER

502.315.7028

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

10:00 AM 23 May 2022

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA – FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

(TYPE OR PRINT)

(SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

ADDENDA ARE

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Gov t. Use Only )

23.

CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT

BELOW IS CHECKED

TELEPHONE NO.

W912QR9. ISSUED BY

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a. UNLESS BLOCK

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

KARI A SMITH

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER

(TYPE OR PRINT)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a.UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

0 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1. 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3. 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED.

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

20.

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, AND 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR X

SMALL BUSINESSX

17a.CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR CODE

U. S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, LOUISVILLE

600 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLACE

ROOM 821

LOUISVILLE KY 40202-2239

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

13b. RATING

CODE15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFPX

502.315.6195 OR 6193FAX:

TEL: 502.315.6172 SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

8(A)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SIZE STANDARD:

$16,500,000

NAICS:

541620

X

OFFER DATED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

EMAIL:

TEL:

31c. DATE SIGNED

SEE SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/ SERVICESITEM NO. QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

24.22.21.19.

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(CONTINUED)

PAGE 2 OF25

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ______________________________________________________

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f . TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIALCOMPLETE

36. PAYMENT35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER

FINAL

33. SHIP NUMBER

PARTIAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

Prescribed by GSA – FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

SEE SCHEDULE

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY UNIT

22. 23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

19.

ITEM NO.

W912QR22Q0056

Section SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Request for Quote (RFQ) is to provide all necessary management, personnel, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, fuel, and vehicles, except as otherwise provided herein, required to perform water quality data and samples in streams and reservoirs at 17 Louisville District reservoir basins during the 2022 sampling season. The Contractor’s services and responsibility shall include all planning, programming, administration, management, supervision, communications, and inspection necessary to assure that all services are conducted in accordance with the contract requirements and all applicable Federal, state and local laws and regulations.

One award will be made from this Request for Quote (RFQ). The contract type is a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

This procurement is 100% set-aside for Small Business, NAICS 541620, Size Standard $16.5M.

Method of Payment under this contract will be Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to a commercial bank account specified by the Contractor.

The contract award will be based on Lowest Total Price (sum of all line items) to the Government. Award will be made to a responsible contractor. The offeror shall complete the price breakout. The total evaluated price will be determined by adding the total of all line items from the price breakout schedule. The price will be reviewed by the Government for reasonableness and realism through the use of price analysis. Price will also be checked for unbalancing of line items. Offerors are cautioned to distribute costs appropriately. Award will not be made to offerors who do not provide reasonable and realistic prices for all line items listed in the price breakout schedule.

Submit Quotes to Kari A. Rogers. Quotes are due on 23 May 2022 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Fax submittals will not be accepted. Electronic submittals will be accepted and may be emailed to kari.a.rogers@usace.army.mil.

For contractual/technical questions, please contact Kari Rogers by e-mail at kari.a.rogers@usace.army.mil. Technical Points of Contact shall not be contacted prior to award.

All contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov) prior to quote submittal.

All proposed contractors are highly encouraged to review FAR Clause 52.232-33 Payments by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management, which indicates “All payments by the Government under this contract shall be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT).” Those not currently registered can obtain registration by going to the website http://www.SAM.gov. The process can usually be completed from 24 to 48 hours after submission.

Contractors will need to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (previously DUNS number) for processing their registration. If you do not already have a Unique Entity Identifier, one can be obtained from DUN and Bradstreet by calling 1-800-333-0505. Refer to www.SAM.gov for information formerly found in CCR, EPLS, ORCA and FedReg.

Training tools are available on the SAM website to help you get familiar with SAM. Start by going to www.sam.gov, and then click on the SAM HELP tab. Under User Help you will find the full User Guide as well as Quick Start Guides and Helpful Hints that will help you create an account, migrate your roles, perform updates , and search for the information you need. These guides can also be viewed at http://www.acquisition.gov.

PLEASE NOTE: SAM is completely free of charge for both registrants and users.

Price Breakout Schedule FY22 Water Quality Data and Sample Collection Bid Schedule

CLIN Reservoir Name Quantity Unit of

Measure Price

Barren River Reservoir

(BRR) 1 EA

Brookville Reservoir

(BVR) 1 EA

Buckhorn Reservoir

(BHR) 1 EA

C. J. Brown Reservoir

(CBR) 1 EA

Caesar Creek Reservoir

(CCK) 1 EA

Cagles Mill Reservoir

(CMR) 1 EA

0007 Carr Fork Reservoir (CFK) 1 EA

Cave Run Reservoir

(CRR) 1 EA

Cecil M. Harden Reservoir

(CHL) 1 EA

Green River Reservoir

(GRR) 1 EA

0011 Harsha Reservoir (EFR) 1 EA

0012 Monroe Reservoir (MNR) 1 EA

0013 Nolin Reservoir (NRR) 1 EA

0014 Patoka Reservoir (PRR) 1 EA

Rough River Reservoir

(RRR) 1 EA

Taylorsville Reservoir

(TAR) 1 EA

West Fork Reservoir

(WFR) 1 EA

TOTAL PRICE (Sum of all Line Items)

FY22 Water Quality Data & Sample Collection Date Prepared: 20 APR 2022

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT for

FY22 WATER QUALITY DATA & SAMPLE COLLECTION

1. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish all necessary management, personnel, materials, supplies and equipment (except as specified in this contract) for the collection of water quality data and samples in streams and reservoirs at 17 Louisville District reservoir basins during the 2022 sampling season, and for delivery of these samples to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) assigned to this contract or the Government’s laboratories as specified by the COR. Information generated as a result of this contract will be used by the Water Quality Team to meet the objectives of the Louisville District Water Quality Program.

Work activities consist of four major components: scheduling, aquatic physical/chemical/biological data and sample collection, quality control, and reporting. The Contractor, in accordance with the task descriptions listed below, will undertake a field program to accurately and effectively collect water quality data and samples as specified in this performance work statement (PWS). Water quality data and sample collection will consist of in-situ measurements and sample collection for lab analysis; lab analysis and testing will be covered by the Government and is not covered in this contract. The Contractor will need to identify and ensure proper treatment and labeling of all samples and sample containers. The Contractor will be responsible and accountable for the collection and delivery to the COR or laboratories (as appropriate and directed by the COR) of all samples and data as specified in this PWS. Advanced planning is crucial to maintain efficient use of time and resources in the field.

Within 10 calendar days of contract award, arrangements are to be made for a virtual meeting between the Contractor and COR to discuss specifics of work, answer questions, present written materials, etc., as are indicated in this contract. This meeting will be referred to as the ‘Initial Meeting’ in the remainder of this contract. All field crew members and project manager will be required to attend. The project manager is required to be present during at least 50% of the sampling events in this contract.

2. POINTS OF CONTACT (POC) - GOVERNMENT COR AND POC

After contract award, any questions regarding any aspect of the contracted work effort and billing shall be directly addressed to the COR, Zachary Wolf, phone: (502) 315-6312, email address:

Zachary.L.Wolf@usace.army.mil. The COR is to be kept fully informed of any matter pertaining to this contract and copied on all emails regarding the work in this contract. Any communication regarding specific contract matters pertaining to this contract shall be done directly with the COR. In the event that the COR is unavailable, the Contractor shall contact the alternate Government POC, Kristin Berger, phone: (502) 315-6502, email address: Kristin.M.Berger@usace.army.mil.

3. SCHEDULE OF WORK

The Contractor will bring to the Initial Meeting their detailed sample collection schedule for review and approval. In general, samples will be collected from each reservoir between May and September 2022. A sampling event is defined as the collective sampling of the reservoir, inflow, and tailwater sample stations belonging to a particular reservoir. The Contractor will have no more than four consecutive days to complete a sampling event or it shall be rescheduled at no additional cost. Sampling events cannot be completed on Fridays or Saturdays due to the fact that laboratories cannot receive next-day sample shipments on Saturdays and Sundays.

All reservoirs will be sampled once. All reservoirs will be sampled between May 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022. Indiana reservoirs will be sampled between July 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022.

The Government may conduct contract oversight of the Contractor’s activities by observing the Contractor in the field. This may include the COR, representatives of the COR, or other employees of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Government oversight trips will be coordinated one week in advance and with as little disruption to the Contractor as possible.

Exact scheduling may be subject to change due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, reservoir maintenance activities, equipment problems, etc. The Contractor will be expected to remain aware of weather and reservoir access conditions. Local reservoir POC information will be provided at the Initial Meeting. Any resources expended by the Contractor resulting from failure to inquire about reservoir access ahead of time will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor. During the course of the year, any revisions in schedule shall be submitted to the COR and laboratories by the Contractor within 24 hours.

4. RESERVOIR LOCATIONS

The Louisville District has 17 reservoirs within Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The Louisville District Reservoirs are:

Ohio Reservoirs Indiana Reservoirs Kentucky Reservoirs

W.H. Harsha (EFR) Brookville (BVR) Taylorsville (TAR) C.J. Brown (CBR) Patoka (PRR) Cave Run (CRR) Caesar Creek (CCK) Cagles Mill (CMR) Carr Creek (CFK) West Fork (WFR) C.M. Harden (CHL) Buckhorn (BHR)

Monroe (MNR) Nolin (NRR) Barren River (BRR) Rough River (RRR) Green River (GRR)

A list of latitude/longitude information with sample station locations is provided in Appendix A. In the field, the Contractor will locate sample stations using this information. Stations are located over the deepest point over the original channel thus requiring use of a depth sounder. GPS latitude/longitude readings determined by the Contractor for this ‘deepest point’ location shall be recorded by the Contractor on the field data sheet requiring the use of a GPS unit. Discussion will be held at the Initial Meeting as to how to address stations that may be inaccessible due to shallow conditions, etc.

Each station ID, e.g., ‘CRR20001’, consists of 3 capital letters, e.g., ‘CRR’, representing the reservoir name (see reservoir list above with abbreviations in parentheses), and the 5-digit station number at the end, e.g., ‘20001’. The tailwater station number is always ‘10000’ and the damsite station number is always ‘20001’.

Station number 20001 at each reservoir is located at the original stream channel within the reservoir near the control tower but not past any restrictive buoys. This station is considered to be the deepest point of any reservoir. Care shall be taken not to get too close to the control tower to prevent damaging equipment and collecting non-representational data due to reservoir outflow. Stay outside of indicated danger areas.

Different types of data and samples will be collected as part of this contract: field data; water chemistry samples; algal samples; and zooplankton samples. However, not all sample stations will have the same collections made.

For some of the stream sites, the Contractor will need to coordinate with the COR (or alternate POCs as specified by the Government) to access certain sites that require access via private property or state property (see Appendix A). The Contractor shall provide ample time (i.e., 48 hours) and flexibility for this coordination.

5. BOTTLE ORDERS AND SAMPLE SHIPMENT

The laboratories will furnish all sample containers, preservatives (except for ice), tags, chain of custody forms (COCs), labels, and coolers. The Contractor will work directly with the laboratories to order bottles. The Contractor will keep the COR informed or copied on all communications with the laboratories. The Contractor will give the laboratories at least a seven business day notice for bottle preparation and shipment. Delays due to failure of the Contractor to request bottles seven business days before sampling date will be solely the fault of the Contractor.

The Contractor shall have room to store approximately 30 coolers and two pallets of sampling supplies at their facility. The Contractor is responsible for returning extra sampling supplies to the laboratories at the end of the sampling season before the final invoice will be paid.

All samples collected by the Contractor shall be shipped the same day that they are collected. Contact and shipment information for the laboratories will be provided by the COR at the Initial Meeting. The Contractor is responsible for shipping the samples to the COR or laboratories, as appropriate. In the event that coolers are delayed or lost, the Contractor will provide the tracking numbers to the laboratories so that accommodations can be made by the laboratories to analyze the samples as soon as possible and have the best chance of meeting holding times.

6. SAMPLE BOTTLES AND LABELS

Recording of any data, notes, comments, etc. in the field shall be done in waterproof ink and on waterproof paper. Label information shall be filled out in waterproof ink. Any markings on any sample container shall be written clearly, heavily, and in waterproof marker. Once completed, labels shall be taped over with clear, waterproof tape to prevent ruin of information by water wear. Bottles will be placed in clear, watertight plastic bags to further prevent water damage to labels. The sample tags may already include information as to Station ID, tag number, parameter(s) of interest, and preservative. The year, month, day, time, and depth in feet will be recorded in the field by the Contractor as part of sample collection process.

If necessary to the Contractor field crew in organizing and keeping track of samples, an ‘S’ (surface), ‘AT’ (above thermocline), ‘MT’ (mid-thermocline), ‘BT’ (below thermocline), and ‘B-5’ (5 feet above bottom) can be indicated in addition to actual depth in feet on the field sheets and sample bottles. Actual depths in feet shall be recorded on sample bottles and in the ‘depth’ columns on both the hardcopy field data sheets and the Excel field data files.

One tag will be used per sample, with proper adhesive labels used for each parameter group. Tag information shall match field sheets for date, time, and depths. If the sample labels are not complete and legible, the samples will not be valid. Care shall be taken to protect labels against water damage while in the cooler.

Clear, waterproof tape will be applied over the labels after they are filled out with all relevant information.

Sample containers for chlorophyll filters (i.e., aluminum foil and plastic bags) and algae shall be marked with a waterproof marker to ensure that identifying information does not smear or rub off.

Preservatives will be administered to each bottle by the laboratories as needed prior to delivery to the Contractor. It is the responsibility of the Contractor field crew to become familiar with the preservative needs of the different water quality samples so that any deficiencies can be identified and addressed. Should a particular sample require preservative material, and none is evident in the sample bottle, corrective action shall be taken to maintain sample quality. This issue can be more easily addressed if the Contractor has extra sample bottles on hand. Personnel handling preservatives or samples containing preservatives shall be properly trained and experienced in handling hazardous chemicals.

Ice is a required preservative used for most samples collected in the field. All samples (with the exclusion of algal and zooplankton samples) are to be placed on ice immediately upon collection. Any labeling to be done shall be in waterproof ink, labels taped over, and the bottles tightly sealed in plastic bags to prevent damage to label information by water and ice in coolers. Coolers shall be lined with a large plastic garbage bag to prevent ice meltwater from leaking out of the coolers. Significant leakage could result in the refusal of the shipping entity to transport samples, resulting in loss of data. The Contractor is responsible for purchasing all materials (including ice) for proper sample preservation and shipment unless otherwise specified in this PWS.

Bottle cleanliness shall be maintained at all times. Empty sample containers taken to the sampling stations shall be capped and placed in covered containers or plastic bags until immediately prior to use. At least 2 extra sets of bottles and tags will be taken into the field for availability should any bottles be damaged or lost, or if extra samples should need to be collected to address some unforeseen environmental concern.

Samples will be placed by the Contractor field crew in appropriate bottles or containers as indicated on the bottle labels. All samples will be collected and handled in accordance with standard EPA or State procedures. Sample bottle caps may become loosened in transport so care should be taken to ensure containers are properly sealed. Contractor field crew personnel shall be trained and equipped to handle cases of chemical contact.

7. CHAIN OF CUSTODY SHEETS (COCs)

Template COC forms for laboratories will be provided by the laboratories. Filling out COCs in an incorrect or careless fashion can result in substantial costs to the Government. If this occurs, the Contractor will be responsible for covering the costs incurred as a result of the Contractor’s actions. The Contractor will fill out separate COCs for each cooler of samples. The Contractor will take photographs of the COCs and email these photographs to the COR and the laboratories by the end of each sampling day. These photographs of the COCs shall be legible and of good quality, the contractor shall check the photograph before sending to ensure this requirement is met. The Contractor will place the hardcopy COCs in clear, watertight plastic bags (as to prevent water damage to COCs) to be taped to the underside of the cooler lid containing the samples before taping the cooler shut and shipping at the end of the day.

8. AIRBILLS

The COR will provide to the Contractor airbills for shipping samples to the laboratories (UPS will be used for shipping unless otherwise specified by the COR). The Government’s shipping account will be utilized for shipping samples only. The account is not to be used for supplies, etc. The Contractor is responsible for purchasing shipping supplies, if needed. For maximum efficiency, used airbills shall be mailed or scanned and emailed to the COR within 10 calendar days after being used. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to make sure they have possession of a sufficient number of airbills. If more airbills are needed, the Contractor will give the COR no less than 10 calendar days notice of this need. Any unused airbills shall be returned to the COR before the final invoice will be paid.

9. FIELD DATA COLLECTION

The Contractor will use a portable, multi-parameter water quality sonde system (such as the Hydrolab Surveyor 4A multi-parameter unit with integrated barometric pressure) to measure water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen (or DO) saturation, pH, specific conductivity, turbidity, chlorophyll, blue-green algae (BGA), and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) for all stations and for depths as described in this contract. The Contractor will use an optical style DO sensor. All sondes will have a weight to minimize the cable from drifting in current. Data will be recorded on hardcopy field sheets in the field. Water temperature shall be measured to the nearest tenth of a degree Celsius, specific conductivity to the nearest umho/cm, pH to the nearest hundredth of a standard unit, DO to the nearest hundredth mg/L, DO saturation to the nearest hundredth %, turbidity in NTU, BGA in relative fluorescence units (RFU), chlorophyll in µg/L and RFU, and ORP in millivolts.

Data are to be recorded by hand onto field data sheets and digitized to create electronic data files that are compatible with Microsoft Excel. Scans of field data sheets and electronic data files shall be sent via e-mail to the COR within 5 calendar days of associated sample collection.

Cables shall be marked at 1', 5', and 10' increments beginning with the sensors as the 0' point. Marking is best accomplished using colored cable ties with one color for the five-foot increments and a different color for the one-foot increments. To aid in depth determination, a marking scheme shall be established by placing 2 ties at 20', 3 at 30', and following this scheme for the length of the cable. Depths will be recorded according to physical measurement using these ties rather than by the depth reported by the probe. Cable length and depth markings shall be able to accommodate a depth to 110'.

Thermal equilibrium of the sensors is absolutely necessary to avoid errors in the data. The unit shall be allowed to warm up for the minimum amount of manufacturer recommended time. For any particular measurement, the Contractor shall let the probe stabilize, e.g., when going from one depth to another. For example, the DO sensor is typically the slowest to attain equilibrium, therefore, when the DO reading stabilizes, all parameter readings may be read and recorded.

The Contractor is responsible for the maintenance and calibrations of all sensors. Instruments are to be calibrated according to the manufacturers’ recommendations. Manuals and supplies shall be readily available to the field crew to be used as needed. Calibration records shall be sent no less than monthly or within 5 business days of request by the COR. Instrument checks conducted in the field shall be recorded in a field crew notebook. Any problems with equipment experienced in the field shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR. To ensure that field data is collected at the same time that water chemistry samples are collected, the Contractor will correct any equipment problems within 24 hours or reschedule the sampling event at no cost to the Government.

At reservoir sampling locations, the Contractor will measure water temperature, pH, specific conductivity, DO, DO saturation, turbidity, and ORP at five-foot increments beginning at the surface (0') to reservoir bottom, as well as at one-foot increments through the thermocline. Measurements shall be taken at 1' increments from 5' above the thermocline to 5' below the thermocline. For quality assurance, a duplicate profile shall be taken at the damsite (Station 20001) beginning at the surface with subsequent readings taken at 10' increments for each water temperature, pH, conductivity, DO, DO saturation, turbidity, and ORP. Time of the duplicate profile shall be recorded as 41 minutes after the hour at which the initial damsite profile data are taken. Physical parameters, including DO, DO saturation, specific conductivity, pH, water temperature, turbidity, and ORP, are to be measured at each depth sampled for algae and chlorophyll, and at each depth where water chemistry samples are collected, in addition to other depths throughout the water column as described in this contract.

A standard metal Secchi disc having four quadrants, two opposing black and two opposing white, is to be used at reservoir sampling sites. Secchi depth readings are recorded to the nearest inch. The proper procedure for reading the disk is as follows: lower the disk from the shaded side of boat, record the depth at which the disk disappears. Lower the disk further, then raise and record the depth at which it reappears. The average of the two depths is used as the Secchi disk reading and recorded on the field sheet.

Maximum depth of reservoir sample stations shall be recorded by the depth sounder onto the field sheets and transferred to the electronic data file.

Barometric pressure shall be recorded in mm Hg at the damsite during sampling. Most sonde communication devices (e.g., the Hydrolab Surveyor 4A) have integrated barometers that will be acceptable for this measurement.

The measurement of physical parameters in streams and tailwaters will be taken with the unit probes set to point into the stream current. The Contractor will ensure that probe sensors remain submerged and taken from a depth and area best representative of stream conditions. Instead of recording the actual depth sampled, the Contractor will record field data measurements in streams and tailwaters as a depth of 0'.

The Contractor will determine the depth of the euphotic zone (the strata of the lake from the surface down to the threshold where 1% of the surface photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is available) and collect a PAR profile using light meters at all reservoir sites. Note that PAR measurements are measured in meters rather than feet. Two light sensors should be used simultaneously to ensure accurate measurements are collected. One meter (such as a LiCor Li-250a with a Li-190R sensor for PAR quantification) should be placed somewhere above the water surface (e.g., mounted to the boat gunwale) facing directly upward and will collect above-water PAR measurements. The second meter (such as a LiCor Li-250a with a Li-192 underwater quantum sensor for PAR quantification) will be used to make underwater PAR measurements and should have a cord that is at least 25 meters long and marked in tenth-meter increments. Additionally, the underwater sensor should be mounted to a lowering frame to ensure the sensor stays directly upright (facing the sky/surface) to measure downwelling PAR. The appropriate calibration should be selected for each sensor (i.e., the above-water sensor requires the in-air calibration while the underwater sensor requires the underwater calibration). For collections made before 0900 local time, it is preferred for euphotic zone determinations and PAR profiles to be recorded as late as possible (i.e., after all other collections have been made for that site) due to the low angle of the sun on the lake surface early in the morning. The exact time (to the minute) at which PAR measurements begin should be recorded on the appropriate field sheet.

To measure the depth of the euphotic zone, ensure the above-water PAR sensor is not shaded, then record the above-water PAR value on the field sheet, and calculate 1% of the above-water PAR value. Lower the underwater meter into the water until the 1% value is reached, ensuring the sensor is not shaded by anything, including the boat, and note that depth using the meter gradations on the sensor cable. Record the 1% sensor depth to the nearest tenth meter on the field sheet as the euphotic depth.

To collect the PAR profile, PAR measurements shall be recorded starting at the surface (0 meters, i.e., submerged just slightly below the water surface so that the PAR sensor is completely submerged) and at 1-meter intervals until a PAR of 0 is reached using the underwater light meter. Record the depth at which PAR is 0 to the nearest tenth of a meter using the meter gradations on the sensor cable. For each underwater PAR measurement recorded, the above-water PAR measurement shall also be recorded simultaneous to each underwater PAR measurement to account for changing cloud/sun conditions while collecting the profile data. If the euphotic zone is less than 1 meter deep, PAR measurements should be taken at every tenth of a meter until the depth where PAR is 0 is reached. When collecting PAR profiles, ensure neither sensor is being shaded by any object, including the boat (i.e., drop the underwater PAR sensor down on the sunny side of the boat).

10. FIELD DATA SHEETS

Field sheets are to be filled out for each sample station indicated in this contract for all physical parameters. Field sheets shall also note the identity of person(s) collecting the data, air temperature, equipment type and meter serial numbers, weather condition, cloud cover, depths of AT, MT, BT, and B-5, and any other factors that could affect the data. Examples of field data sheets are located in Appendix B. Field data are to be submitted in electronic format (i.e., Excel file and hardcopy scans) to the COR within (5) calendar days of associated sample collection (data entry template will be provided by the COR at the Initial Meeting).

Field data are to be sent by email attachments in Excel format to the COR with additional copies to other

Government personnel (to be identified at the Initial Meeting) as needed. Original hardcopy field data sheets are to be scanned and emailed to the COR with the Excel spreadsheet for record keeping purposes. Excel spreadsheet completion and electronic delivery to the COR shall be accomplished within five (5) calendar days of associated sample collection.

Upon receipt of each electronic field data file, the COR will review for errors or inconsistencies. A random selection of 10% of data file rows will be checked against field notes for accuracy. If this 10% check fails, the Contractor will be required to fix all errors and resubmit within 48 hours and at no additional cost.

Field Observations Sheets will only need to be recorded for each reservoir site for only reservoirs in

Kentucky. The Contractor will be required to send hardcopies or scans of hardcopies via email within 5 calendar days of associated collection. Field Observations Sheets do not require submittals as spreadsheets. The Field Observation Sheet template is located in Appendix C.

11. WATER CHEMISTRY SAMPLE DEPTH SELECTION

The water chemistry sample depth selection process is determined by characteristics of the thermocline.

The thermocline is the portion of the water column through which water temperature changes greater than or equal to (≥) 1.7 degrees Celsius (°C) over a 5-foot depth or ≥ 0.34 °C over a 1-foot depth. The ability to identify the presence and extent of the thermocline throughout the water column is imperative to proper sample collection.

Water chemistry samples at reservoir stations will be collected at three depths: one above the thermocline (AT), one within the thermocline (MT), and one below the thermocline (BT). The Contractor will attempt to collect at the middle depth within each layer (i.e., AT, MT, and BT).

In the event the reservoir is not stratified, the AT, MT, and BT depths will be evenly spaced between surface and the B-5 depths. If there is more than one thermocline, the primary (i.e., the most prevalent thermocline) shall be used for the selection of depths from which to collect water quality data and samples. Under low pool conditions, depth of the thermocline may not allow for collection of a sample 5' above the sediments. In this case, collect a sample at a depth midway between sediments and bottom of the thermocline.

For bid estimates, the Contractor should assume that they will be collecting 6 liters of water at each sample station and depth. The Contractor should anticipate making all collections as specified in this PWS. However, if the Government changes the number of samples that are to be collected, it will be a reduction in the number of samples, never an addition.

12. WATER CHEMISTRY SAMPLE COLLECTION

All water chemistry and biological samples will be collected on the same day and at the same time as the associated field data. When labeling bottles, use the same time that was used for the field data for that station. The corresponding damsite and tailwater stations for a particular reservoir shall have their sample collections completed on the same day.

All stream station sampling points shall represent the entire stream as much as possible. Water samples from the tailwater and inflow stations will be collected from the stream bank using a pole or swing sampler whenever possible. When collecting samples with a pole sampler, the pole should be extended to an appropriate length so that water can be collected from the center of stream, or as close to the center as possible. The sample container should be submerged to approximately mid-depth to collect the sample. When sampling with a pole sampler is not possible, samples can be collected from a bridge using a polyethylene or stainless steel bucket.

Care shall be taken to avoid sample contamination. If a bucket must be used due to difficulties effectively sampling with a pole sampler, the bucket shall be rinsed at least 3 times with sample water prior to collection of actual sample material for each station to eliminate any carry over from the previous station. If any sediment material is collected with the water sample, the entire bucket contents are to be discarded and another sample collected. Samples are to be collected upstream of any streambed disturbance, e.g., as a result of a prior sample collection effort, wading activities, etc., to avoid sample contamination by sediments. Sample collection from a bridge requires that care be given to avoid any contact between the sampling rope and the bridge structure as scraped material can fall into the bucket causing sample contamination. Sample material shall be poured from the bucket directly into sample bottles to avoid contamination. The sample shall be kept well mixed by stirring with clean rod or spoon (stainless steel). Prior to each sampling event, the bucket shall be washed in hot tap water using a laboratory grade non-phosphate detergent, rinsed with hot tap water, rinsed with a 10% hydrochloric acid solution, rinsed well at least three times with de-ionized water, and air dried. To maintain cleanliness, the bucket shall be stored in a clean plastic bag whenever not in use.

Water samples from reservoir stations will be pulled from the appropriate depth at each reservoir station as single pulls using a Van Dorn bottle sampler for placement into the appropriate containers. The Van Dorn bottle shall be equipped with a rope of a minimum stretch or shrink material. This rope shall be of sufficient length to accommodate the deepest expected depth of all the reservoirs sampled (110'). The rope shall be marked with waterproof ink at 1' and 5' intervals from the 0' point at the center of the Van Dorn bottle. For ease in determining the depth, the rope shall be marked with 2 lines circling the rope at 20', 3 at 30', 4 at 40', etc. The Van Dorn bottle shall also have attached on its bottom a 5' length of rope as measured from the center, onto which is attached a sufficient enough weight to be able to detect contact with the reservoir bottom. This will be used to determine the depth needed for collection of B-5 water samples. The Van Dorn bottle shall also have sufficient weight attached to it to minimize the Van Dorn bottle from drifting in current. This sampler shall be rinsed three times with sample water at each station prior to sample collection. This can be accomplished by collecting and wasting a Van Dorn sample three consecutive times prior to sample collection and ensuring some water is flushed through the valve.

To eliminate any possible contamination introduced by a transfer container, all samples are filled directly from the Van Dorn bottle. When collecting samples from the same station but at different depths, expel a small amount of water from the valve by keeping the valve open for two seconds before filling sample containers.

13. ALGAL RELATED FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND SAMPLES

Blue-green algae (BGA) (RFU) and chlorophyll (µg/L and RFU) will be measured in the field with an optical sensor type of meter at every foot from the surface to a 20-foot depth for reservoir stations and at a single depth for stream stations. This data will be collected for all stations and will be recorded on the field sheets with the other field data. To prevent data degradation due to instrument fouling, the BGA and chlorophyll sensors shall have an integrated wiping system. Due to the fact that most Louisville District reservoirs will be experiencing Harmful

Algal Blooms (HABs) during this time, the BGA sensor shall be specific to phycocyanin. For quality assurance, a duplicate profile shall be taken at the damsite (Station 20001) beginning at the surface with subsequent readings taken at 10' increments for BGA and chlorophyll. Time of the duplicate profile shall be recorded as 41 minutes after the hour at which the initial damsite profile data are taken.

Samples will be collected for phytoplankton and chlorophyll analysis. Algae and chlorophyll samples collected at reservoir stations will be collected at depths 0', 5', 10', and 20'. Algae and chlorophyll samples collected at stream stations will be collected at depth 0'.

Algae samples for reservoir stations will be collected using a Van Dorn bottle sampler for transfer to 500mL or 1L plastic bottles, depending on laboratory requirements. Algae samplers for stream stations may use either a Van Dorn bottle sampler or a bucket. The sample bottles will already contain the correct amount of algal preservative and care should be taken to not spill any of the preservative. If an adequate amount of preservative has been added, the water sample will look like weak tea. Preserved algae samples shall be kept shaded but do not have to be kept on ice. In some circumstances, laboratories may request unpreserved algal samples. Unpreserved algal samples shall be kept on ice and shipped to the appropriate laboratory within 24 hours.

Latex/nitrile gloves shall be used throughout the chlorophyll sample treatment process. Take care not to touch filtered material to avoid sample loss. Chlorophyll samples shall be obtained by using a vacuum pump and filtering a known volume of sample water through a 47 mm glass fiber filter with a mesh size of 0.7 to 1.0 micrometers. Note: The filtered material makes up the actual sample. Before each new sample, the vacuum pump funnel, the filter holder, and the 250-mL graduated cylinder used to measure the appropriate amount of sample shall be rinsed three times with deionized water. Sample water to be filtered is collected using a Van Dorn bottle sampler for reservoir stations and a Van Dorn, pole sampler with a clean bottle, or a bucket for stream stations.

After rinsing is complete, a 250-mL aliquot of sample water is then transferred directly from the Van Dorn to the 250-mL graduated cylinder. The filter is placed on the filter holder of the vacuum pump. A pinch (the amount that can be easily trapped between the thumb and forefinger when pinched together - but applied without touching - use a scoop or applicator) of magnesium carbonate is placed on top of this filter. The funnel is then attached to the filter holder along with the vacuum pump. The 250-mL aliquot of sample water is then poured into the funnel and pumped through the filter using the vacuum pump. Pump pressure shall not exceed 10 psi as algal cell breakage and pigment loss may occur. The filter is to be removed with forceps, folded in half, and wrapped in aluminum foil. Do not touch the filter with fingers. It is preferred that chlorophyll sampling and filtering be conducted in shaded conditions (i.e., not in direct sunlight). The sample is placed in a labeled, clear, watertight plastic bag. Label information shall include station ID, time, depth, and sample volume filtered. Again, the sample volume filtered shall be 250 mL. However, in instances of very turbid waters, the volume of sample filtered may be reduced to a minimum of 100 mL. Record the sample volume filtered on the appropriate COC form.

The Contractor is required to report any reservoirs that appear to have symptoms of a HAB. The Contractor shall take pictures of visible HAB symptoms and email the COR pictures and details of the precise location, date, and time of the symptoms. Symptoms of HABs include: visible mats, films, or scums; discolored or colored streaks; the appearance of spilled paint; or green globs that can be seen on or just below the water surface.

14. ZOOPLANKTON SAMPLE COLLECTION

With the exception of Harsha Reservoir, the Contractor will collect zooplankton samples from only the damsite (Station 20001) of each reservoir. At Harsha Reservoir, multiple reservoir stations will be sampled for zooplankton.

Zooplankton samples will be collected following a modified version of the USEPA’s 2012 National Lakes Assessment Field Operations Manual (Version 1.0, May 15, 2012). Equipment required includes: plankton net (also called a Wisconsin net; specific dimensions: 150 µm mesh; 30 cm diameter; 120 cm length; stainless steel ring material) with a cod-end assembly (specifications: 9 cm diameter; 17 cm length; approx. 1 L capacity), a sounding line with clip (marked at every foot), two squirt bottles (1 L Nalgene; one specified for de-ionized water and one specified for lake water), and a funnel.

Prior to each use, the Contractor will rinse the interior of the plankton net and containers with deionized (DI) water. Check the plankton net for significant holes or tears (a second plankton net will be available and ready in the field in case of significant holes or tears in the primary plankton net). Securely attach the cod bucket to the plankton net. Carefully lower the plankton net over the side of the boat into the lake in a constant upright position until the mouth of the net is 20 feet below the lake surface. Once the mouth is at 20 feet, pull it back to the surface at a steady rate (approx. 1 foot per second) without stopping. Once at the surface, bob the net up and down to dislodge zooplankton clinging to the sides of the net into the cod bucket. Rinse the net by spraying lake water against the outside of the net with a squirt bottle (be sure to only spray the outside; spraying lake water inside of the net can introduce unrepresentative organisms into the collection). If additional rinsing is needed, spray DI water inside the net (DI water is free of organisms, therefore no contamination). Carefully remove the cod bucket from the plankton net and concentrate the contents by swirling it without spilling. Excess lake water will filter out of the screened sides of the cod bucket. Using the funnel as needed (rinse as needed), pour cod bucket contents into the sample bottle (the sample bottle will contain preservative from the laboratory) and be sure to properly label.

In the case that the site is not 23 feet deep, then multiple tows will be required to meet the total tow length of 20 feet. Refer the USEPA’s 2012 National Lakes Assessment Field Operations Manual for details. Record the number of tows completed and report with field notes. The Contractor will follow labeling instructions for regular/original and QC samples as described in this contract.

15. QUALITY CONTROL - SPLITS, RINSATES AND DUPLICATES

Quality control (QC) samples for water chemistry samples will be collected from the hypolimnion (i.e., the BT layer) of the damsite (Station 20001; described in Appendix A). QC samples for biological samples (i.e., chlorophyll, algae, and zooplankton) will be collected from the damsite (Station 20001) at the deepest depth collected (e.g., typically 20 ft for chlorophyll and algae; no specific depth for zooplankton). QC samples include duplicates, rinsates, and splits. The only way to differentiate between a QC sample and an original sample to which it corresponds is the indicated time of sample collection.

Split samples (i.e., from original sample pull) are indicated with times 45 minutes after the hour (e.g., if the hour is 1100, the indicated time would be 1145). After the original samples are taken from the sampling container (e.g., the Van Dorn bottle for reservoir samples) additional water is taken from the same water sample for the split sample. The split sample will go to a different laboratory than the original sample.

Rinsate samples will have times 40 minutes after the hour (e.g., if the hour is 1100, the indicated time would be 1140). To collect a rinsate sample for the collection container, empty the original water sample from the sample collection container, and rinse the sample collection container three times with deionized water ensuring deionized water is also flushed through the valve. Then fill the sample collection container with deionized water, expel a small amount of water from the valve by keeping the valve open for two seconds, and fill appropriate rinsate sample containers. Rinsate samples for the chlorophyll filtering apparatus shall also be collected. Rinse the vacuum pump funnel, filter holder, and 250-mL graduated cylinder three times with deionized water. Then place a filter on the filter holder of the vacuum pump and place a pinch (the amount that can be easily trapped between the thumb and forefinger when pinched together – but applied without touching – use a scoop or applicator) of magnesium carbonate on top of the filter. Attach the funnel to the filter holder, along with the vacuum pump. Fill the 250-mL graduated cylinder with deionized water, pour it into the funnel, and pump the sample through the filter using the vacuum pump. Pump pressure shall not exceed 10 psi. The filter is to be removed with forceps, folded in half, and wrapped in aluminum foil. Do not touch the filter with fingers. The sample is placed in a labeled, clear, watertight plastic bag. Label information shall include station ID, time, depth, and sample volume filtered. Record the sample volume filtered on the appropriate COC form.

Rinsate samples will go to the same laboratory as the original sample. Rinsate samples will be conducted in the field under the same conditions that original samples are taken (e.g., on the boat if part of reservoir sampling

QC).

Duplicate samples (i.e., from a different sample pull as original) will have times 41 minutes after the hour (e.g., if the hour is 1100, the indicated time would be 1141). After the original samples are taken from the sampling container (e.g., the Van Dorn bottle for reservoir samples) excess water from the original pull will be dumped and another water sample (separate from the original) will be pulled and taken for the duplicate sample.

Duplicate samples will be shipped to the same laboratory as the original sample. Duplicate physical data measurements will be collected at the damsite (Station 20001) by recording an additional profile from water bottom to surface in multiples of 10'. The time indicated for the QC profile shall be given as 41 minutes after the hour.

16. CONTRACTOR QCPMP