ISM01. 1 multi-media, multi-concentration inorganic analyses

The purpose of this amendment to the previous pre-solicitation notice is to provide notice of the applicability of the Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended as set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 22.10 to this acquisition. In accordance with FAR 22.1009-4, notice is hereby given that: (1) the place of performance is unknown; (2) possible places of performance include those listed for current active ILM05.4 contractors listed at http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/clp/download/lablist.pdf; and (3) the Contracting Officer will obtain wage determinations for possible places of performance if asked to do so in writing within 15 days of release of the solicitation or as otherwise specified therein. All questions should be directed in writing to to Ms. Elizabeth Fuller, Contract Specialist, at fuller.elizabeth@epa.gov and Mr. Jami J. Rodgers, Contracting Officer, at rodgers.jami@epa.gov.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Superfund Remediation Technology and Innovation (OSRTI) Analytical Services Branch (ASB) has a requirement for Multi-Level, Multi-Matrix Inorganic Sample Analyses. This requirement will provide a contractual framework for qualified laboratories to apply EPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) analytical methods for determining the presence and concentration of specified inorganic sample analyses. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541380 with a U.S. Small Business Administration defined size standard of $12 million. This acquisition will be partially set-aside for small business concerns.

This requirement will satisfy a need for qualified laboratories to apply EPA CLP analytical methods for the isolation, detection, and quantitative measurement of 23 metals (including mercury) and cyanide in aqueous/water and soil/sediment samples. The Statement of Work (SOW) also includes methods for total metals analysis in wipes and air filters. Analyses are performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption (CVAA), and colorimetric techniques. The EPA intends to award multiple indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type contracts with a six-month base period and four 12-month option periods to meet the EPA's sample analyses needs using Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15-Contracting by Negotiation.

Detailed information on the analytical requirements is provided via the Inorganic (ISM01.1) SOW and its associated exhibits/appendices which are posted to the following web page: (http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/clp/ism1.htm). The ISM01.1 SOW is a protocol that will define the inorganic methods and procedures accepted by the CLP.

Offerors will be evaluated on factors which include Past Performance, Pre-Award Performance Evaluation Sample, Contract Compliance Screening Audit, Quality Assurance Plan, and Pre-Award Onsite Laboratory Audit. Offerors will be required to request Pre-Award Performance Evaluation Samples from the Contracting Officer by the date specified in the solicitation. In an effort to streamline the procurement process and to utilize electronic communication to the maximum extent possible, the solicitation, amendments, and other related items for this procurement will be posted at this website: http://www.epa.gov/oam/srpod. Solicitation PR-HQ-08-10103 will be issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) on or about February 27, 2009.

Interested parties are required to download the RFP and all related documents from the aforementioned website and to monitor it regularly for status updates. No printed copies of the RFP will be available. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted in writing to Ms. Elizabeth Fuller, Contract Specialist, at fuller.elizabeth@epa.gov and Mr. Jami J. Rodgers, Contracting Officer, at rodgers.jami@epa.gov.

In preparation for the award of the ISM01.1 contracts, EPA is making the ISM01.1 Self-Assessment tool available to interested laboratories and software vendors. This tool can be accessed via the web and allows users to upload their Electronic Data Deliverables (EDD) in SEDD level 2a and 2b format. The self-assessment system will assess each EDD based on the ISM01.1 technical and contractual requirements and provides feedback to the user on the structural and technical compliance of their EDD. Interested parties should forward their request to the Inorganic Program Manager, John Nebelsick, via e-mail at nebelsick.john@epa.gov with the following information: (1) First name; (2) Last name; (3) Organization/Company name; (4) Organization/Company mailing address; (5) Phone number; (6) E-mail address.Upon receipt, EPA will review the request and direct the Sample Management Office (SMO) contractor to issue an ID for the requester. SMO will contact the requester directly and provide them with the system URL as well as a temporary User ID/Password to access the system.Please note that the temporary User ID/Password is only valid during the testing phase (prior to contract award). All laboratories that meet the Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements and are awarded a contract, will receive a new user name and password. All test user IDs/Passwords will be deactivated and removed from the system after award of the ISM01.1 contracts.The tentative schedule is to release the ISM01.1 solicitation in November 2008. Interested parties should begin testing the system prior to the release of the RFP in order to maximize familiarity with the system; once the RFP is released, all questions will be answered via amendments to the solicitation.

Draft Solicitation is posted on the EPA website http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oarm/oam/forecastdatabase.nsf. Pre-Solicitation Conference is scheduled 14 August 2008 at 1 PM at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capital Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001.

Original Point of Contact

Wendy Rizzo, Contract Specialist, E-mail: rizzo.wendy@epa.gov or Dianne Lyles, Contracting Officer, E-mail: lyles.dianne@epa.gov

NOTE: THIS IS DRAFT SOLICITATION. NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Acquisition Management (OAM) is conducting market research for potential sources FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY to identify: small; small disadvantaged; women-owned; 8(a); HUBZone and service disabled veteran-owned business concerns that possess the necessary technical capabilities to provide data analysis for use in Multi-Media, Multi-Concentration Inorganic Sample Analyses for US EPA?s Office of Superfund Remediation Technology Innovation (OSRTI). The analytical methods are for the isolation, detection and .the quantitative measurement of 23 metals (including mercury) and cyanide in aqueous/water and soil/sediment/wipe and air environmental samples. The information attained as a result of this announcement will be used to determine the extent to which this acquisition will be set aside for small business concerns.

This requirement will satisfy a need for qualified laboratories to apply US EPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) analytical methods for metals and in wipes and air filters. The analytical method must have the capability to determine the nature and the extent of contamination at the hazardous waste site, assessing priorities for response(s) based on the risks to human health and the environment, determining appropriate cleanup actions and when remedial actions are complete. The North American Industries Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541380 and the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is 8734 and the size standard is $11.0 Million. Please note THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.

The USEPA intends to award multiple indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity type contracts with a six month base period and four (4) 12-month option periods.

Detailed information on the analytical requirements is provided via the Inorganic (ISM01.1) Statement of Work (SOW) and its associated exhibits/appendices which are posted to the following web page: ( http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/clp/ism1.htm). To evaluate the potential number of laboratories capable of adequately performing under the SOW, a thorough review of laboratory Capability Statements will be made. Laboratories responding to this sources sought synopsis are requested to provide the US EPA all the appropriate documentation that would assure the US EPA that for any possible future contract(s) with the CLP, the laboratory will be able to:

(1) Adhere to a written QAP containing the elements described under Exhibit E, Section 5 of the SOW;

(2) Adhere to Standard of Operating Procedures (SOPs) containing the elements described under Exhibit E, Section 6 of the SOW;

(3) Adhere to the analytical methods detailed in Exhibit D and associated Quality Control (QC) requirements specified in Exhibit E of the SOW;

(4) Verify and document analytical standards and retain documentation of the purity of neat materials, as well as the purity and accuracy of solutions obtained from private chemical supply houses;

(5) Submit all raw data and required documentation for Regional review;

(6) Submit results of all analyzed laboratory evaluation samples, including adherence to corrective action procedures;

(7) Submit, upon request, instrument data tapes and applicable documentation for tape audits, including a copy of the Sample Data Package;

(8) Submit on-site laboratory evaluations and adhere to corrective action procedures; and

(9) Submit all original documentation generated during sample analyses for US EPA review.

Documentation required to be submitted during the sources sought by each laboratory for evaluation by the US EPA include the following:

1) CAPABILITIES STATEMENT MANUAL. The laboratory shall submit a written capabilities statement detailing the following:

a. Organizational chart listing key personnel, including section managers, analysts, sample receiving personnel, Quality Assurance (QA) staff, and Information Technology ( IT) personnel that would participate in the performance of a contract under the SOW, and a copy of the job description and/or other documentation outlining the duties and responsibilities of the laboratory Quality Assurance Manager. Include sufficient information to assure the laboratory?s capability of analyzing, at a minimum, 1600 units per month (a unit consists of an individual ICP-AES, ICP-MS, mercury, or cyanide analysis).

b. Inventory of key instrumentation to be used in the performance of the SOW, not including laboratory consumables and glassware. Sufficient information should be included to assure the laboratory?s capability of analyzing, at a minimum, 1600 units per month (a unit consists of an individual ICP-AES, ICP-MS, mercury, or cyanide analysis).

c. Inventory of IT equipment and systems to be used in the generation and submission of electronic data as required in Exhibit H of the SOW.

d. Copies of current State or Federal certifications, if applicable.

e. Copies of two most current Performance Evaluation Sample evaluations (US EPA sponsored WP, WS, CLP, or other) performed by t he laboratory.



Interested concerns who believe they have the capability of providing the required services as defined in the ISM 01.1 SOW are invited to submit a Capabilities Statement. Responses, including the vendor?s business status (e.g. large, small, small disadvantaged, minority-owned, 8(a), etc.) should be mailed to the following:



(1) U.S. POSTAL SERVICE ADDRESS:Environmental Protection AgencyBid and Proposal Room, Ariel Rios Building (3802R)ATTN: Wendy Rizzo 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, DC 20460; or

(2) HAND CARRY/COURIER/OVERNIGHT CARRIER ADDRESS:Environmental Protection AgencyBid and Proposal Room, Ronald Reagan Building, 6th FloorATTN: Wendy Rizzo 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, DC 20004

Original Point of Contact

Wendy Rizzo, Contract Specialist, E-mail: rizzo.wendy@epa.gov or Dianne Lyles, Contracting Officer, E-mail: lyles.dianne@epa.gov

CAPABILITIES STATEMENTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM EASTERN, August 15, 2008. Information contained in the Capabilities Statements will be used to determine the qualifications of the business community with respect to this requirement. DEPENDING ON THE RESPONSES TO THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE/MARKET RESEARCH, THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, PARTIALLY SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, OR PROCURED THROUGH FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION. No feedback or evaluations will be provided to concerns regarding their individual submissions.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO REIMBURSEMENT WILL BE MADE FOR ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND/OR ANY FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION REQUESTS. NO TELEPHONE CALLS AND/OR REQUESTS FOR A SOLICITATION WILL BE ACCEPTED OR ACKNOWLEDGED. COMPANY BROCHURES ARE NOT DESIRED. INFORMATION SHALL FOCUS ON THE CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES DESCRIBED IN THE ILM SOW AS DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Acquisition Management (OAM) is conducting market research in accordance with the requirements of FAR Part 10 for information in developing a preliminary acquisition strategy for meeting its Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) Organic and Inorganic Analyses needs. This request for information is for market research only. It is not a solicitation or a commitment by USEPA to contract for services identified herein. The Government will not pay respondents for information in response to this market research. This request for information and the information collected will not restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach.

PURPOSE/GENERAL INFORMATION: The CLP regularly solicits and awards contracts separately for Organic Sample Analysis and Inorganic Sample Analysis. The program value for organic and inorganic sample analysis is between approximately $10 and $15 million per year. The contracts are Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) IDIQ with a Base Period and multiple 12-month Option Periods. The contracts fall under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541380. The objective of this request for information is to gather information from industry in order to tailor the Government?s approach to acquiring necessary analyses in accordance with customary industry practices.

BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION: Full information regarding the CLP, as well as Statements of Work (SOWs), can be found at the following address: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/clp/. The Organic Program currently operates under the SOM01.2 SOW. SOM01.2 defines methods for the isolation, detection, and quantitative measurement of trace volatile, low/medium volatile, semivolatile, pesticide, and Aroclor target compounds in water and soil/sediment environmental samples.

The Inorganic Program currently operates under the ILM05.4 SOW and plans to implement the ISM01.0 SOW in the future. ILM05.4 SOW defines the analytical methods accepted by the CLP for the isolation, detection, and quantitative measurement of 23 target analyte metals (including mercury) and cyanide in both water and soil/sediment environmental samples. Analyses are performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption (CVAA), and colorimetric techniques.

INSTRUCTIONS: Any information submitted by respondents to this request for information is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information that is submitted. Interested laboratories are requested to submit answers to the questions below. Laboratories may choose to answer all or some of the questions; all responses will be kept confidential. All information received will be evaluated with the objective of finding an appropriate balance between the risk undertaken by the contractor and the Government?s need for consistency and quality.

The deadline for responses is May 23, 2008. Answers may be submitted in the body of an email or as an attachment to Wendy Rizzo at rizzo.wendy@epa.gov. Answers may also be mailed to the address below:

US EPA Ariel Rios Building Attn: Wendy Rizzo, Mail Code 3805R 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460

Q1. What is your business size under NAICS code 541380?

Q2. Does your laboratory have the ability to analyze organic, inorganic, or both types of samples?

Q3. Has the laboratory ever participated in the CLP? Provide dates and the SOW, if applicable.

Q4. Does the laboratory use the CLP SOWs as part of its regular commercial practice?

Q5. Is the laboratory familiar with the Staged Electronic Data Deliverable (SEDD)? Does the laboratory currently deliver any of the stages? Which stages?

Q6. Are the required SEDD deliverables too complicated?

Q7. Would it be burdensome on the laboratory to provide deliverables under more than one stage (e.g., 2a, 2b, and/or 3) under the same contract?

Q8. What is the laboratory?s willingness/ability to perform quick turnarounds for preliminary data (e.g., 48 hours, 72 hours)?

Q9. Would a disincentive policy be a deterrent from entering the program?

Q10. Is the process of bidding on a contract too difficult (i.e., paperwork, initial cost, confusing instructions, etc.)?

Q11. Are sample capacities of approximately 500 units per month too low/high?

Q12. How do you perceive the partial small business set-aside?

Q13. Based on what you know about the current program, would your laboratory be likely to submit a proposal for a contract? Please elaborate why or why not.

Q14. Please provide any additional information.

Q15. May we contact you regarding your responses for clarification and elaboration?