RECOVERY – Analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded 604(b) planning projects (Task Order Solicitation 2011-001)

THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS OPPORTUNITY IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO CONTRACTORS UNDER THE "National Watershed Protection Program Using Point and Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Controls and Total Maximum Daily Loads" multiple award contracts (EP-C-08-001; EP-C-08-002; EP-C-08-003; and EP-C-08-004) The purpose of this task order is to support the EPA Water Quality Management program in overseeing the implementation of ARRA by conducting an analysis of the ARRA-funded 604(b) planning projects. The anticipated period of performance for this task order is anticipated to be from April 25, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The purpose of this analysis is to categorize the types of projects funded, highlight successful or innovative projects, and quantify the environmental benefits achieved by these projects. The contractor will then summarize these findings in a report to communicate the program goals and achievements to the public. The report should assist EPA in evaluating the impact of ARRA on water quality management planning efforts and identify opportunities to support innovative planning activities that will maximize both environmental and economic benefits post-ARRA. The contractor will also assist EPA in developing and implementing an EPA-sponsored national meeting to discuss the results of the analysis, solicit input from State and local partners, and identify lessons learned in the oversight and management of ARRA activities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contains specific acquisition requirements that must be met when using appropriated funds from the Act, including the need for acquisitions to be in accordance with the FAR and, to the maximum extent practicable, awarded as fixed-price (FP) contracts using competitive procedures. However, the Office of Management and Budget's guidance allows for the use of other than FP contracts. Although the Agency's Office of Water (OW) contracts were not awarded as FP contracts, they were awarded competitively, and each contract structure was selected to provide the contractor with the greatest incentive for efficient and economical performance, given the types of services to be performed. The existing OW contracts have sufficient qualified acquisition personnel to provide appropriate contract administration and oversight to monitor contract performance to mitigate the Government's risk. In order to meet the requirements of the Act in the most prudent business manner within the time constraints imposed, existing OW contracts are the most appropriate contractual vehicles consistent with Agency plans that promote the goals of the ARRA.