Description
The Environmental Protection Agency has a requirement for analytical laboratory support for the chemical speciation of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 filter samples using multiple filter media and standardized instrumental methods. Specifically, contracting support is required to assist State and Local agencies in the operation of PM 2.5 chemical speciation monitoring networks by providing filter media and analytical support for the analysis of sampler filters for mass, elemental concentrations (Al through Pb), total, organic and elemental carbon, anions (ammonium, sodium, potassium) and cation (sulfate, and nitrate). Analytical support is also required to analyze selected quartz filter samples for semi-volatile organic aerosols. Each sampling site will produce a set of filters for each sampling event that must be analyzed for the complete group of analytes. In addition, the contractor shall provide support services, when requested, for both optical and electron microscopic analyses of selected filter samples. Electron microscopic analyses may also be required to be coupled with elemental particle analyses, when requested. The contractor shall be responsible for the preparation and refurbishment of denuder devices and absorbent traps, filter pretreatment, and the shipment and receipt of filters, traps, and denuders to and from the field. The contractor is responsible for providing the associated QA, QC, data validation, computation, and reporting of results into Air Information Retrieval Systems/Air Quality System (AQS). Also, the contractor shall store filters and extract solutions that contain filters from the Speciation Trends Network (STN) and the SLAMs speciation network for a five year period. The contractor shall maintain the technical capability to perform the required analytical services issued through delivery orders and maintain an acceptable level of personnel, equipment, and systems. EPA anticipates the award of a IDIQ FFP type contract with a base period of performance of 12 months, with four additional twelve-month option periods. The total duration of the proposed contract is sixty months. The contract will be awarded on the basis of full and open competition. The associated NAICS code is 541380 with a size standard of $6 million in average annual receipts over the preceding three fiscal years. This procurement is a follow-on to contract 68-D-99-013. The RFP will be issued approximately 01/28/03, and proposals will be due approximately thirty (30) calendar days after the RFP issuance date. The solicitation and amendments will be available at http://www.epa.gov/oam/rtp_cmd. If you obtain a copy of the solicitation via Internet, it will be your responsibility to frequently check the same site where the solicitation is posted for any amendments. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Agency.*****