NR-ARD-271 IMPROVE ION ANALYSIS RFP

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for Factor 5: Small Business Participation. It details how offerors' commitments to utilizing U.S. small businesses, including various socio-economic categories, will be assessed as part of the overall proposal evaluation.

• Evaluation Basis: All offerors will be evaluated on their proposed participation/commitment to use U.S. small businesses.
• Small Business Self-Certification: Small business offerors who self-certify in SAM.gov will receive maximum credit and do not need to submit supporting documentation for this factor.
• Evaluation Criteria for Other Offerors: The following will be evaluated for non-small business offerors:
  1. Identification and participation of small socio-economic businesses and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) as subcontractors.
  2. Meeting or exceeding DOI subcontracting goals for small and socio-economically disadvantaged businesses.
  3. Demonstrating substantive commitment to small business firms (e.g., letters of commitment, Joint Ventures, mentor/protégé agreements).
  4. Identifying the type and variety of work small firms will perform.
  5. Providing detailed explanations/documentation supporting proposed quantitative participation.
  6. Compliance with FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns.
• DOI Subcontracting Goals:
  • Small Business: 45.87%
  • Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Small Business (SDB): 5%
  • Women Owned Small Business (WOSB): 5%
  • Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB): 5%
  • Historically Underutilized Business District Small Business (HUBZone): 3%
  • Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE): 3%

This document is crucial for bidders to understand how their small business participation plan will be evaluated and scored. It highlights specific goals and types of commitments that will be favorably considered, directly impacting proposal strategy and competitiveness, especially for non-small business offerors. Small business prime offerors will also be evaluated and can receive maximum score for this criteria.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Small Business Subcontracting Plan template required for large business Offerors proposing a total price greater than $700,000 ($1,500,000 for construction). It outlines the Offeror's plan for subcontracting with small businesses and other socio-economic categories.

• Submission Date: Date of Submission.
• Contractor Information: Name, Address, State/Zip Code, DUNS #.
• Contract Information: Contract or Solicitation #, Scope of Work, Period of Performance, Total Proposed Price.
• Type of Plan: Specifies if it's an Individual Plan covering the entire contract period.
• Goals: Details percentage and dollar value goals for various small business categories (SB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, SDB, WOSB, Other than Small Businesses).
• Subcontracted Products/Services and Subcontractors: A table to list products/services to be subcontracted, identified subcontractors (DUNS, Company Name), and their Business Size & Socio-Economic Status.
• Method for Determining Goals: Explanation of how goals were established.
• Method for Identifying Potential Subcontractors: Lists sources used to find potential subcontractors (e.g., SAM, SBA Dynamic Small Business Search).
• Indirect Costs: Indicates if indirect costs are included in goals and the method for allocation.
• Subcontracting Program Administrator (SPA): Name, Title, Address, Phone #, E-mail of the individual responsible for the subcontracting program.
• SPA Authorities and Responsibilities: Outlines the SPA's duties.
• Equitable Opportunity: Efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for small businesses.
• Flow-Down Clauses: Mentions inclusion of FAR clauses related to small business utilization.
• Reporting and Cooperation: Details reporting requirements (ISR, SSR) and cooperation with government studies.
• Recordkeeping: Description of records to be maintained.
• Acquiring Supplies & Services: Commitment to acquire from small businesses used in proposal preparation.
• Contracting Officer Notice: Procedure for notifying the CO if commitments are not met.
• Prohibition of Subcontractor Discussions: States no prohibition on subcontractor discussions with the CO.
• Subcontractor Payments: Terms for timely and accurate payments to subcontractors.
• Description of Good Faith Effort: Commitment to making a good faith effort.
• Required Signatures: Sections for Contractor, Contracting Officer, and Small Business Specialist.

Large business Offerors must complete and submit this plan with their proposal. Failure to do so may result in rejection of their offer. The document specifies the required small business subcontracting goals and the methods the Offeror will use to identify and engage subcontractors. Bidders should review the specific goals and requirements to ensure their proposal aligns with the government's objectives for small business participation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a single award firm-fixed-price contract for "IMPROVE Ion Analysis Product/Service Code: B502". The service is described as "SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- AIR QUALITY".

• The contract will be a single award firm-fixed-price contract.

• It includes one base year and five one-year ordering periods.

• The service involves "IMPROVE Ion Analysis" related to "Air Quality".

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: 08/01/2026 to 07/31/2031

• Delivery: 06/30/2031

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the solicitation number is 140P212600009.

• Solicitation Issue Date: 05/20/2026

• Offer Due Date/Local Time: 06/22/2026 1200 ED

• The method of solicitation is "FOR QUOTE (RFQ)".

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS): 541380

• Size Standard: $19

• The contracting officer is Christina Gingras.

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

• Delivery is FOB Destination unless otherwise specified.

• Payment will be made by the specified code.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Past Performance Questionnaire," is an attachment to Solicitation 140P2126Q0009. It is provided as part of the procurement process for a IMPROVE Ion Analysis Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Past performance is a source selection factor for this requirement.

• Two forms are included:
  1. Performance Rating Form
  2. Supplemental Comment Form
• The offeror is responsible for compiling and submitting completed past performance questionnaires with their proposal.
• The Government may contact references to verify information, but references should not send questionnaires directly to the Government.
• Rating Standards:
  • Outstanding: Performance exceeded customer expectations and was technically acceptable, providing significant features or benefits.
  • Satisfactory: Performance met customer expectations or contract requirements and demonstrated an acceptable understanding of the requirements.
  • Unsatisfactory: Performance was marginal or did not meet customer expectations or contract requirements.
  • Other: Use for "N/A" or if no data was obtained.
• The Performance Rating Form includes sections for:
  • Company evaluated
  • Contract details (number, period of performance, value, type)
  • Contracting Officer/Customer information
  • Type of services performed
  • Evaluator information
  • Performance elements rated across Technical Performance, Timeliness of Performance, Quality/Customer Satisfaction, and Cost Control.
  • A final question on whether the evaluator would do business with the contractor again.
• The Additional Comment Form allows for further comments on performance ratings.

Bidders must understand that past performance is a critical evaluation factor. They need to proactively gather and submit completed questionnaires from their references using the provided forms. The detailed performance elements within the questionnaire indicate the specific areas the Government will assess when evaluating past performance. The "Notice to Contractor" section clarifies that the information is Source Selection Sensitive and cannot be used for endorsement purposes.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a single award firm-fixed-price contract for "IMPROVE Ion Analysis." The contract will have one base year and five one-year ordering periods.

• The core service is "IMPROVE Ion Analysis."

• The Product/Service Code is B502, described as "SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- AIR QUALITY."

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031.

• Structure: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a base year and five option years.

• Solicitation Number: 140P212600009

• Solicitation Issue Date: May 20, 2026

• Offer Due Date: June 22, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Method of Solicitation: Request for Quote (RFQ).

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 541380, with a size standard of $19.

• The contracting officer is Christina Gingras.

• The contract is subject to FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5, with addenda potentially attached.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW outlines the requirements for a contractor to perform ion analysis on IMPROVE nylon filters (module B) for the National Park Service (NPS). The goal is to support the IMPROVE program's efforts in monitoring air quality and visibility in Class I federal areas.

• Task 1: Standard Analysis: Analyze approximately 18,000 filters per year for nitrite (NO2⁻), nitrate (NO3⁻), sulfate (SO4²⁻), and chloride (Cl⁻).

• Filter Handling: Receive, identify, and store exposed nylon filters from the IMPROVE Operations Contractor (currently UC, Davis).

• Extraction: Extract ions from filters using established or proposed SOPs, aiming for high extraction efficiency.

• Analysis: Analyze extracted samples using ion chromatography (IC) to determine ion masses, meeting specified minimum detection limits (MDLs).

• Quality Control: Conduct internal quality assurance, characterize analytical techniques, perform replicate analyses, and analyze laboratory and field blanks.

• Ion mass concentration data for nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, and chloride for each filter.

• Annual Quality Assurance Report.

• Up-to-date records on system calibrations and procedure changes.

• Updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Ion Analysis.

• Annual technical and scientific progress reports at IMPROVE Steering Committee Meetings.

• The contract includes five 1-year ordering periods with an option for an additional six months.

• Analysis will be performed by the contractor; filter receipt and storage are also specified.

• Quality Assurance: Adhere to strict QA protocols, potentially contribute to the IMPROVE QAPP, conduct acceptance testing, ensure procedures are followed, validate results, and maintain records.

• Contingency: Provide a contingency of operations plan for catastrophic failures.

• Transition: Cooperate with the incumbent contractor for a smooth transition.

• Government Owned Property: No government-furnished property is provided.

• Proof of Equivalency: Offerors must demonstrate competency and qualifications, showing equivalency or better for MDLs, precision, and extraction efficiencies compared to current methods.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing pricing schedules and cost breakdowns for Task 1: Standard Analysis, across multiple ordering periods and an optional period. It details the estimated costs associated with various labor categories, travel, and other direct costs for each period.

• Ordering Periods: The spreadsheet outlines costs for Ordering Period 1 (2026-2027) through Ordering Period 5 (2030-2031), plus a 6-month option period (2031).
• Task 1: Standard Analysis: This task is broken down by sub-sections (3.1 to 3.3.4) which appear to represent different components of the analysis, such as Deliverables, Filter Supply and Distribution, Sample Analysis, and Data Reduction and Reporting.
• Cost Breakdown: For each ordering period, the document details Direct Labor costs (broken down by labor category, rate, hours, and costs), Travel costs (airfare, ground transportation, lodging, meals), and Other Direct Costs (lab supplies, instrument service contract).
• Total Task Costs: A summary of the total costs for Task 1 for each ordering period is provided.
• Life of Contract (Total): An overall total cost for the life of the contract is indicated as 240,000.
• Labor Rates Sheet: A separate sheet provides labor rates for Principal Investigator, Scientist, Data Analyst, and Lab Technician, along with minimum qualifications for each.

This pricing schedule is critical for bidders to understand the estimated costs associated with performing Task 1: Standard Analysis. It provides a detailed breakdown of how costs are allocated across different ordering periods and cost categories (labor, travel, other direct costs). Bidders should use this information to develop their own pricing proposals and to assess the overall value and scope of the contract.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Task Order (TO) requires the Contractor to perform routine anion analysis for Module B nylon filters used in the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program. The goal is to deliver validated results to the IMPROVE Operations Contractor for integration into the IMPROVE dataset, adhering to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

• Task: Standard Analysis (Task 1) of IMPROVE Module B nylon filters.

• Estimated Workload: Approximately 17,300 filters annually, plus associated blanks (laboratory, field, QA replicates).

• Analysis: Extraction and analysis of nitrite (NO2-), nitrate (NO3-), sulfate (SO4^2-), and chloride (Cl-) using ion chromatography or an approved equivalent method.

• Coordination: Contractor will coordinate with the IMPROVE Operations Contractor (currently UC Davis) on shipment schedules, sample identifiers, and data handoffs.

• Turnaround Time: Results delivered within sixty (60) calendar days of filter receipt.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Implement QA/QC practices consistent with IMPROVE QAPP and SOPs, including calibration verification, analysis of blanks, replicate analyses, control charts, and documentation of corrective actions.

• Data Reduction & Reporting: Determine ion mass and QA/QC metrics. Provide results in an agreed machine-readable format, including sample identification, ion masses, units, analysis dates, and QA/QC flags.

• Period: 12 months from the date of award.

• Place: Primarily at the Contractor's laboratory facility. Government facility work requires advance coordination and approval.

• Documentation: Maintain up-to-date SOPs, calibration records, and annual QA reports. Provide documentation to the COR upon request.

• Meetings: Participate in the annual IMPROVE Steering Committee Meeting and provide progress updates.

• Contingency: Maintain a contingency of operations plan.

• Government-Furnished Information: Includes IMPROVE SOPs/QAPP, sample identifiers, and program requirements. Filters will be furnished via established logistics.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule for Task Order 1, "Standard Analysis," within the New IDIQ Ordering Period 1, covering the 2026-2027 period. It details the cost breakdown for performing standard analysis tasks.

• Task 1: Standard Analysis
  • Assumes 17,300 filters.
  • Total Cost: $40,000.
  • Cost per filter: Approximately $2.31.
• Direct Labor Breakdown:
  • Includes roles such as Principal Investigator, Scientist, Data Analyst, and Lab Technician.
  • Specifies hours and costs allocated to various sub-tasks including Deliverables, Filter Supply and Distribution, Filter Receipt and Sample Storage, Sample Extraction, Sample Analysis, Quality Assurance, Data Reduction and Reporting, Quality Assurance Report, Network Documentation, and Steering Committee Meetings.
• Travel Costs:
  • Not to Exceed (NTE) $5,000 for the entire task.
• Other Direct Costs:
  • Lab Supplies: NTE $35,000.
  • Instrument Service Contract: NTE $3,000.
  • Other Direct Costs (unspecified): NTE $32,000.
• Total Task Costs: $40,000 (excluding travel and other direct costs which are listed separately as NTE amounts).

This pricing schedule provides a detailed breakdown of anticipated costs for performing standard analysis services under Task Order 1. Bidders can use this information to understand the cost structure, labor categories, and associated expenses for this specific task, which is crucial for developing their own competitive proposals and understanding the government's cost expectations.