Technical Support for National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS 3)

Technical Support for National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS 3)

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS FOR WRITTEN INFORMATION ONLY. 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 ANY FOLLOW-UP REQUESTS. NO TELEPHONE CALLS REQUESTING A SOLICITATION WILL BE ACCEPTED OR ACKNOWLEDGED.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is performing market research for large and small businesses in preparation for a future procurement.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states, and numerous other partners are conducting National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) to collect data on quality of the nation¿s waters. NARS was developed in response to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other independent reviews calling for improved water monitoring and reporting. The NARS use statistical survey designs to randomly select sites to represent the conditions of aquatic resources at multiple spatial scales. Field crews use the same and often innovative protocols at all sites to ensure that results are nationally comparable. For many of the indicators selected, scientists analyze the results against reference conditions derived from water bodies judged to have been the least disturbed by human activities. This survey program provides statistically valid data and information vital to describing water resource quality conditions across the country, how these conditions vary with geographic setting, and the extent of human and natural influences.

To be considered a potential source, a firm must demonstrate that it is able to provide the necessary personnel and services to support the effort delineated by the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). Important components of the activities to be performed to support EPA¿s Office of Water in a wide range of water quality monitoring, laboratory analyses, and logistical services to support statutory and policy activities including implementation of water quality monitoring programs and the National Aquatic Resource Surveys. The contractor shall provide technical support including (1) research and planning for water quality monitoring implementation, (2) field sampling, (3) field sampling logistics, (4) laboratory analysis, (5) data analysis, and (6) reporting.

A draft PWS is attached. It is anticipated that the contract will be an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) multiple award contract with firm fixed price and cost plus fixed fee task orders with an ordering period of 5 years. The majority of the task orders are anticipated to be cost plus fixed fee. The applicable NAICS code is 541620 with a size standard of $16.5 million in average annual receipts. The total level of effort of approximately 93,220 hours is anticipated over the five-year period of the contract.

Interested parties with the capability of providing the services described in the draft PWS are invited to submit a ten (10) page document, in writing, sufficient to clearly demonstrates their ability to provide the services described in the draft PWS, including personnel, experience and qualifications. A description of similar services previously or current shall be provided. The information should include: size status for the above referenced NAICS code, (i.e. large, small); whether the firm is a certified Hubzone, 8(a), women-owned, small disadvantaged and/or service disabled veteran-owned small business concern; point of contact; telephone number; email address, and interest in proposing on the solicitation when issued. Standard company brochures will not be considered as a sufficient response to this Sources Sought Synopsis.

The EPA reserves the right to set this action aside for small businesses if it determines that there are two or more small businesses able to compete in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery. If set aside, a small business would be required to comply with FAR 52.219-14.

Capabilities Statements in response to this Sources Sought Synopsis MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE FEDCONNECT PORTAL MESSAGE CENTER by 5:00 p.m. EST, on October 20, 2020, 2020. Any questions regarding the content of this Sources Sought Synopsis announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to submit documents, questions, and to view responses. FedConnect can be accessed at https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/. FedConnect is a web portal that connects agencies and vendors to streamline the process of doing business with the federal government. Through FedConnect contractors will be able to receive, review and respond to contract pre- and post-award actions and documents such as correspondence, request for proposals, tasking instruments and contract modifications. The use of FedConnect also furthers the EPA's commitment to moving towards a paperless acquisition environment by reducing its carbon footprint and conducting its business in an ecologically friendly manner. There is no charge to use FedConnect. Vendors can register with FedConnect at www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/. For assistance in registering or for other FedConnect technical questions please call the FedConnect Help Desk at (800) 899-6665 or email at support@fedconnect.net. In addition, all vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), as this facilitates registration for FedConnect. Please note that vendors MUST have their SAM profile set to ¿public,¿ otherwise FedConnect will not be able to access the SAM information required to validate vendor credentials. Registration may be completed and information regarding the registration process may be obtained at http://beta.sam.gov. There is no charge for registration in SAM.

A separate synopsis will be issued for any Request for Proposal (RFP) resulting from this Sources Sought Synopsis.