FY26 Willapa Sediment Characterization Service

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for a non-personnel services contract to perform a sediment characterization in Willapa Bay, Pacific County, Washington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires technical services to assess sediment suitability for open-water disposal.

The contractor will be responsible for:

• Developing and submitting a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) for approval by the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) agencies.
• Sampling and characterizing sediments within the proposed dredging areas as defined in the SAP.
• Preparing a comprehensive Sediment Characterization Report (SCR) detailing the findings.

Key tasks include:

• CLIN 1: SAP Preparation: Develop a detailed plan for sampling and analysis, including project description, characterization volumes, DMMU and sample determination, target station placement, quality control procedures, and a site-specific health and safety plan.

• CLIN 2: Sample Collection and Processing: Collect grab samples from specified locations, process and composite samples for analysis, and manage sample logistics. This includes providing a vessel, crew, and experienced personnel.

• CLIN 3: Physical and Chemical Analysis: Perform laboratory analysis of sediment samples for conventional parameters and specified Chemicals of Concern (COCs).

• CLIN 4: Data Validation: Validate all generated physical and chemical data according to EPA and DMMP guidelines.

• CLIN 5: Sediment Characterization Report: Compile all findings, including sampling details, analytical results, QC data, and validation reports, into a final SCR.

• CLIN 6: EIM Data Entry: Prepare and submit data to the Environmental Information Management (EIM) database.

• The contractor must adhere to the standards outlined in the PWS and the approved SAP.

• Quality control procedures are detailed, and the USACE will evaluate performance based on a Performance Requirements Summary (PRS).

• Deliverables require government review, with specified turnaround times.

• Period of Performance (PoP): Nine (9) months (270 days) from the time of award.

• Place of Performance: Willapa Bay and the Contractor's offices.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Personnel: Key personnel include a Contract Manager, Project Manager, Site Safety and Health Officer, and Quality Control Manager. Pre-screening via E-Verify is required for candidates.

• Laboratory Accreditation: Laboratories must be accredited by the Washington State Department of Ecology, NELAP, or equivalent.

• Data Rights: The Government has unlimited rights to all materials produced under this contract.

• Options: Several option CLINs are available for additional sampling, analysis, and bioassays.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the FY25 Willapa Sediment Characterization solicitation.

• Laboratory Certification: Laboratories must be accredited through the Department of Ecology, NELAP, or equivalent approved by DMMP. DOD ELAP certification alone is not sufficient if not equivalent to WA ELAP.
• Award and Field Schedule: Anticipated award is mid-late April. Field sampling must be completed before dredging begins on July 16, 2026.
• Z Layer Sampling: Z-layer sampling is not required; refer to the amended Table 1.
• Option CLINs: Option CLINs for additional sampling may be exercised before field sampling if required by the approved SAP. Option CLINs for additional analysis can be exercised before or after field work.
• EIM Data Acceptance: CLIN 6 (EIM Data Entry) completion requires submission of draft and final EIM files to the USACE QAR after addressing comments.
• Technical Experience Criteria:
  • Criteria 1 (Coastal/Marine): Sediment sampling in the Great Lakes or tidally-influenced rivers upstream of Columbia River Mile 20 does not qualify.
  • Criteria 2 (SAP): SAPs must be generated specifically under the DMMP User Manual.
  • Criteria 3 (Sample Collection/Analysis): Experience must be in accordance with DMMP guidance.
  • Criteria 5 (Database/EDD): Experience must include generating, reviewing, and uploading electronic data deliverables in the WA EIM database format.
• SSHO: A Level 2 SSHO is acceptable.
• Dredge Start Date: Dredging work window begins July 16, 2026. Approximately 3.5 months are available between the response date (March 25, 2026) and the dredging start date.

Proposal submission deadline was not extended. Several technical requirements and experience criteria have been clarified, emphasizing adherence to DMMP guidance and WA EIM format.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (RFQ W912DW26QA035) is for "Willapa Bay Sediment Characterization Service" in Pacific County, Washington. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is procuring non-personal services for sediment characterization in Willapa Bay. The objective is to prepare a sampling and analysis plan (SAP), sample and characterize sediments in the proposed dredging area, and prepare a report for suitability determination by the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) agencies.

• Development and submission of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP).

• Collection and processing of sediment grab samples.

• Physical and chemical laboratory analysis of sediment samples.

• Data validation.

• Preparation of a Sediment Characterization Report (SCR).

• Entry of data into the Environmental Information Management (EIM) database.

• Specific tasks include SAP preparation, sample collection and processing, physical and chemical analysis, data validation, report preparation, and EIM data entry.

• Option items include additional sampling, analysis of various sediment types (metals, semivolatiles, pesticides, wood waste), reference sediment sampling, bioassays, and retests.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Nine (9) months (270 days) from award to completion.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 541620 has a size standard of $19M.

• Offer Due Date: 06 April 2026, 11:00 AM PST.

• Quotes must be emailed to DELLA.S.OVERTON@USACE.ARMY.MIL with the subject line "RFQ W912DW26QA035".

• Questions are due two (2) days prior to the closing date.

• Award will be made to the lowest priced quote that conforms to the requirements, determined to be fair and reasonable.

• Evaluation is based on Technical Factors (Experience) and Past Performance, followed by Price (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable - LPTA).

• Experience evaluation requires demonstration of sediment characterization in coastal/marine environments, SAP generation, sample collection/analysis, data synthesis, and EIM data entry.

• This acquisition is a 100% small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 541620 - Environmental Consulting Services.

• Size Standard: $19,000,000.00.

• PSC Code: B510 - Special Studies / Analysis - Environmental Assessments.

• Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award.

• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the standard payment method.

• The USACE is exempt from state and local taxes.

• No special security requirements are anticipated.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT. It provides a list of occupational classifications, corresponding wage rates, and fringe benefits required for contracts subject to the Service Contract Act in the specified geographic area (Washington Counties of Pacific, Wahkiakum).

This document is crucial for potential bidders on Service Contract Act-covered opportunities. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various categories of employees performing work under such contracts. Bidders must use this information to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals and ensure compliance with federal labor laws. The document also includes important notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage), as well as details on vacation and holiday pay, and the process for conforming unlisted classifications.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for a Request for Quotation (RFQ) concerning sediment characterization services. The government aims to procure services to assess sediment quality in coastal/marine environments.

Offerors must demonstrate experience in:

• Sediment characterization in coastal/marine environments.

• Generating sampling and analysis plans per the Dredged Material Management Program (DMMP) User Manual.

• Collecting and analyzing sediment samples for chemical and biological testing according to DMMP guidance.

• Synthesizing chemical and biological sediment data into comprehensive reports with tables and figures.

• Generating and uploading electronic data deliverables in the Washington State Environmental Information Management (EIM) database format.

• The document does not explicitly state contract type, period of performance, or estimated value.

• Technical Factors (Experience): Offerors must submit detailed descriptions of 2-5 similar projects completed within the last 10 years. Required information includes project title/location, total dollar value, offeror's role, subcontractors, contract type, dates, customer contact, and a narrative demonstrating relevance and experience in the five key areas listed above.

• Past Performance: Offerors must provide information on up to three (3) relevant contracts from the last 10 years. This can include CPARs or Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs). The government may also review other sources like CPARS, FAPIIS, etc.

• Price: Pricing must comply with RFQ requirements, covering all tasks, deliverables, and personnel. The Contracting Officer will evaluate reasonableness of rates, discounts, and total price.

• Evaluation Approach: Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Quotes will be evaluated for technical acceptability first, and then the lowest priced technically acceptable quote will be selected.

• Not specified in this document.

• Offerors are encouraged to submit their best quote initially, as discussions may not be held.

• Experience is evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis. Past performance is also evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis. If past performance is unknown or sparse, it will be considered neutral.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Price Schedule for Dredged Material Characterization services for Willapa Bay Federal Navigation Features in Pacific County, Washington. It outlines the CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers), descriptions of services, quantities, units, and fields for Unit Price and Amount.

• Base Items: Include Sampling and Analysis Plan, Sample Collection & Processing, Physical and Chemical Analysis, Data Validation, Sediment Characterization Report, and EIM data entry.
• Option Items: Cover additional sampling and processing, various sediment sample analyses (conventional, DMMP COCS, metals, semivolatiles, PCB Aroclors, pesticides GC/MS, pesticides, wood waste), reference sediment sampling, bioassays, and retests for specific samples.
• Fields for Total Amount Base Items, Total Amount Optional Items, and Total Amount Base & Option Items are provided.

This schedule details the specific services and associated costs that bidders will need to consider when preparing their proposals. It breaks down the scope of work into distinct line items, including both base requirements and optional services that may be exercised. Bidders should use this to understand the pricing structure and potential costs associated with the opportunity.