B--NR-ARD-269 IMPROVE OPS & FILTER ANALYSIS

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140P2126R0005 provides government responses to questions submitted by offerors.

• The "corrected solicitation" is attached to this amendment and is viewable on pages 4-67.

• The period of performance for the IDIQ contract is a 5-year ordering period, from 07/29/2026 to 07/28/2031.

• The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

• CS: Christina Gingras (christina_gingras@nps.gov)

• CO: Joyce Hongell (joyce_hongell@nps.gov)

• COR: James Miller (james_miller@nps.gov)

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140P2126R0005, effective March 2, 2026, provides government responses to questions submitted by offerors.

This amendment does not appear to modify specific sections of the original solicitation but rather provides clarifications.

No changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements are indicated. The amendment's primary purpose is to provide answers to vendor questions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for "IMPROVE Ops & Filter Analysis" services. The government is procuring these services to improve network operations and filter analysis.

• The core service is "IMPROVE Ops & Filter Analysis."

• The contract type is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a 5-year ordering period.

• The pricing structure is Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: 07/29/2026 to 07/28/2031.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services) with a size standard of $19 million.

• Offer Due Date/Local Time: 04/03/2026 at 1700 EST.

• Questions are due by 03/19/2026 by Close of Business.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4 by reference and FAR 52.212-3 and 52.212-5 are attached.

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• The document is a Standard Form 1449.

• Key points of contact are Christina Gingras (christina_gingras@nps.gov), Joyce Hongell (joyce_hongell@nps.gov), and James Miller (james_miller@nps.gov).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire provided as an attachment to Solicitation 140P2125R0009. It is used by the U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service (NPS) as part of the procurement process for a Socioeconomic Research Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Past performance is a source selection factor.

• Two forms are provided: 1) Performance Rating Form and 2) Supplemental Comment Form.
• Offerors are responsible for compiling and submitting completed past performance questionnaires with their proposals.
• The Government may contact references to verify information, but references should not send completed questionnaires directly to the Government.
• Rating Standards: Outstanding, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, and Other (for N/A or additional comments).
• Performance Elements for Rating:
  • Technical Performance (Quality of Technical Approach, Understanding of Requirements)
  • Timeliness of Performance (Effective and Efficient Use of Resources, Timeliness of Performance)
  • Quality/Customer Satisfaction (Quality of Performance/Customer Satisfaction, Business Behavior, Communication)
  • Cost Control
• A final question asks if the evaluator would do business with the contractor again.
• The Additional Comment Form allows for further details regarding performance ratings.

This questionnaire is critical for bidders to understand how their past performance will be evaluated. Bidders must ensure they provide complete and accurate information for their references and understand the rating criteria. The quality and content of the submitted past performance information can significantly impact the source selection process.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for "IMPROVE Ops & Filter Analysis" services. The National Park Service (NPS) requires assistance in operating, maintaining, and reconfiguring the IMPROVE particle monitoring network, analyzing exposed filters for mass concentrations, elemental concentrations, and optical absorption, and coordinating ion and carbonaceous material analysis. The goal is to support the NPS's responsibility for protecting air quality related resources in areas managed by the NPS, aligning with the Clean Air Act and the Regional Haze Rule.

• Operate and maintain the IMPROVE particle monitoring network (107 IMPROVE sites and 39 IMPROVE protocol sites).

• Analyze PM2.5 and PM10 Teflon filters for mass concentrations.

• Analyze PM2.5 Teflon filters for elemental concentrations and optical absorption.

• Coordinate analysis of nylon filters for ion and carbonaceous material.

• Establish and conduct an internal quality assurance program.

• Participate in laboratory and field audits.

• Provide a final, integrated dataset.

• Deliverables include quality assurance reports, database transfers, system configuration descriptions, analysis software, and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with Firm Fixed Price Task Orders.

• Period of Performance: Five 1-year ordering periods with an option for an additional six months.

• Minimum Contract Value: $300,000

• Maximum Contract Value: $30,000,000.00

• Task Order Minimum/Maximum: $10,000.00 / $10,000,000.00

• Proposal submission is via email.

• Offers must address technical approach, key personnel, and experience.

• Evaluation will be based on a tradeoff method, with technical capability being most important, followed by price.

• Submitted offers shall be valid for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Questions due: 03/19/2026

• Offer Due Date: 04/03/2026 1700 EST

• This acquisition is unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 541620 “All Other Professional, Scientific, Technical Services”

• Size Standard: $19M

• Attachment 1: IDIQ Pricing Schedule

• Attachment 2: Past Performance Questionnaire

• The contract includes numerous FAR clauses and addenda related to commercial items, ordering procedures, representations, and certifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed pricing breakdowns for various scenarios related to network operations and filter analysis for an indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. It outlines costs across multiple ordering periods and includes optional tasks.

• Base Configuration: Details costs for 146 sites and 146 samplers, assuming 19,000 filters. Includes tasks for network operations (sampler coordination, filter purchase/analysis/storage, QA, data management, documentation, meetings) and filter analysis (gravimetric, elemental, optical absorption). Also lists optional tasks for network modifications and support.
• Option Scenario A: Details costs for a reduced sampling frequency at 30 sites, assuming 17,500 filters. Similar task breakdown as the base configuration but with adjusted filter quantities.
• Option Scenario B: Details costs for a reduced network (136 sites/136 samplers) and elimination of PM10 analysis, assuming 18,000 filters. This scenario also includes a modified task breakdown.
• Network Operations Breakdown: Provides detailed direct labor hours, rates, and costs, as well as travel and other direct costs (e.g., lab supplies, filters) for each scenario.
• Filter Analysis Breakdown: Estimates costs per filter for gravimetric, elemental, and optical absorption analyses, including labor and instrument maintenance.
• Optional Tasks: Details costs for establishing new sites, repairs, decommissioning, equipment purchase, and site operators.
• Labor Rates: Lists fully loaded labor rates for various personnel categories across ordering periods and includes minimum qualifications.

This pricing schedule is crucial for bidders to understand the cost structure and potential financial commitments associated with different operational scenarios. It allows vendors to estimate their own pricing, assess the economic feasibility of the opportunity, and understand the labor categories and direct costs involved in fulfilling the contract requirements.