USFS R6 Drinking Water System PFAS Sampling and Analysis

Description:
The purpose of this update is to issue Amendment 0001 to the solicitation for Water Sample Collection and Laboratory Analysis.

Amendment 0001 modifies the solicitation to address the following administrative, logistical, and technical requirements:

1. Incorporate Q&A: Formally publishes and incorporates the official Questions & Answers document into the solicitation.
2. Extend Proposal Due Date: Extends the proposal submission deadline to September 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
3. Update Laboratory Mailing List: Provides an updated system mailing list identifying specific laboratories undergoing seasonal closures in September and October.
4. Add Mandatory Coordination: Establishes a requirement for contracted laboratories to contact the designated Point of Contact (POC) on the mailing list prior to shipping coolers and sample bottles.
5. Revise Performance Period: Removes the December 31, 2026 testing deadline to accommodate spring and early summer 2027 sampling for sites impacted by early seasonal laboratory closures.

Please review the attached file C05-Amendment 01_1240BD26Q0083.pdf in its entirety for full details, technical clarifications, and the updated mailing list.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS: All potential offerors must acknowledge receipt of Amendment 0001 in accordance with the instructions on the SF30 form. Failure to acknowledge this amendment may result in the rejection of your proposal.

All other terms, conditions, and specifications of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under solicitation number 1240BD26Q0083. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2026-03.

Requirement Description:
The USDA Forest Service, Region 6 (Pacific Northwest Region), requires professional laboratory services to perform Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) drinking water analysis for seventy-five (75) non-public or public transient drinking water systems. Testing is mandated by internal USFS policy to protect personnel and the public.

The selected laboratory must provide all necessary sample containers, coolers, cold packs, written technical sampling instructions, and pre-paid return shipping labels to various remote Forest Service Point of Contact (POC) locations. No sample gathering labor is required from the contractor.

Laboratory Certifications & Technical Methods:
To be considered for award, the laboratory performing the tests MUST possess a current certification for PFAS analysis from either the State of Oregon or the State of Washington. The laboratory must be certified to run specific US EPA approved analytical methods: EPA Method 533, 537.1, or 537. Proof of current certification must be submitted with the quotation package.

Schedule of Items (CLIN Breakdown):

• CLIN 0001: Shipping and Handling - Mail sample bottles, QA/QC materials (trip blanks), shipping materials, and return labels to water system POCs. Quantity: 75 EA. (Unit price must include analysis costs for up to 19 trip blanks, representing 25% of systems).

• CLIN 0002: Analyze Drinking Water Samples - Receive, process, and perform PFAS laboratory analysis. Quantity: 75 EA.

• CLIN 0003: Compiled Results - Consolidate all laboratory report findings into a single Excel table/spreadsheet format. Quantity: 1 Lump Sum.

Period of Performance & Location:
All collection supplies must be mailed out within 30 days of contract award. All laboratory testing must be completed and standard reports emailed by November 30, 2026. Final compiled Excel results must be submitted by December 31, 2026. Work will be performed at the laboratory’s home facility; no travel is required

Evaluation and Basis for Award:
Award will be made to a single responsive and responsible offeror representing the most advantageous solution to the Government. Quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR Part 12.203 based on the following criteria:

1. Technical Capability (Proof of valid OR/WA certification and required EPA methods)

2. Past Performance (Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable)

3. Price (Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness)

Submission Instructions:
Vendors must have an Active Registration in SAM.gov at the time of submission. Quotation packages must include:

1. Completed SF-1449 (Blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c, including Telephone, Email, and Unique Entity ID).

2. Pricing completed for all individual line items within the Schedule of Items.

3. Relevant Experience / Past Performance references.

4. Physical or electronic proof of valid Oregon or Washington PFAS analytical laboratory certification.

All signed and dated offers must be submitted via email to Mindy Hickman at mindy.hickman@usda.gov no later than August 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM PDT. Late or incomplete packages will be excluded from consideration.