Q--POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE WATER TESTING FOR SHENANDO

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) Water Testing opportunity (Contract Number 140P4226Q0003).

• Sample Delivery Method: The government will NOT accept FedEx or UPS drop-off locations or courier pick-ups for sample deliveries. This is due to critical hold times and temperature requirements for the samples.
• Incumbent Contractor: There is no current incumbent contractor for this government contract.
• Scope of Work Comparison: The previous contract required courier pickup for samples. This current scope allows the government to deliver samples directly within a 50-mile radius of Shenandoah National Park Headquarters.

This Q&A clarifies sample delivery procedures and the scope of work compared to a previous contract, emphasizing the government's direct delivery responsibility within a specified radius. It also confirms the absence of an incumbent.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140P4226Q0003 serves to attach answers to contractor questions and a Statement of Work (SOW).

• Questions and Answers (Q&A) sheet

• Statement of Work (SOW)

• Questions Deadline: All questions must be submitted to Debbie_Coles@nps.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on January 16, 2026.

• Quote Submission Deadline: All quotes must be submitted to Debbie_Coles@nps.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on January 23, 2026. The subject line must read "140P4226Q0003 SHEN Water Testing". Faxed submissions will not be accepted.

• Period of Performance: 02/01/2026 to 01/31/2031.

• Contractor Requirement: Contractors must have an active SAM registration at the time of award.

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

To procure services for potable and non-potable water regulatory testing for Shenandoah National Park.

• Furnish all equipment, materials, supplies, and labor for water testing.

• Testing must comply with Virginia Department of Health/Office of Drinking Water, Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 136, and DCLS standard methods.

• Laboratories must be certified by DCLS through VELAP for all covered analytes.

• Reports must be sent to specified individuals and the Virginia Department of Health database for potable water.

• Park staff will supply containers and deliver samples to the lab if within a 50-mile radius; otherwise, the contractor must arrange pickup.

• The contract laboratory shall supply chain of custody forms.

• Reports of tests must be sent to individuals listed in the Response Time Requirements section.

• For potable water, laboratories must follow VDH guidance for electronic reporting.

• Results must be emailed within five (5) business days of sample receipt.

• Emailed results must be signed by a laboratory supervisor or manager and include the original chain of custody.

• Written results must include: location, date/time sampled, date received, date results issued, parameter tested, results, units, detectable limits, date/time test prepared and analyzed, testing method, VELAP certification number, and analyst's name.

• Base period: Twelve (12) months from date of award.

• Four (4) twelve (12) month option periods.

• Contractor's testing facility must be within a 50-mile radius of Shenandoah National Park Headquarters (3655 US Hwy 211 East, Luray, VA 22835) to meet sample hold times, or contractor must arrange pickup.

• Samples accepted Monday through Thursday; tests run within required hold times.

• Sample pickup (if arranged by contractor) is Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, excluding Federal holidays.

• Laboratory must be certified by DCLS via VELAP for all analytes.

• Specific analytes and estimated test quantities are detailed for potable and non-potable water across the base and option periods.

• Payment requests are made monthly via the US Treasury Internet Payment Portal (www.ipp.gov).

• A breakdown of costs must be uploaded with the invoice.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Price Schedule, likely intended for bidders to provide cost information for various testing services. It outlines different testing parameters and their associated costs across a base period and four option periods.

• Testing Parameters: Includes a list of various tests such as Total coliform, Nitrate-Nitrite, Volatile Organics, Metals, Lead and Copper, and others.
• Cost Structure: Presents a table with 'Number' (presumably quantity or frequency) and 'Cost' for each test.
• Contract Periods: Differentiates costs for a 'Base' period and 'Option 1' through 'Option 4'.

Bidders must use this price schedule to understand the expected costs for performing the specified tests. It is crucial for developing a comprehensive and competitive proposal, ensuring all required services are priced accurately according to the government's defined structure and periods of performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (WD 15-4333, Revision 32) for federal contracts in Virginia, specifically for the counties of Madison, Page, and Shenandoah. It outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations employed under the Service Contract Act.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles, ranging from administrative support and clerical to health, technical, and maintenance occupations.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each listed occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage adjustments), and their applicability to contractors.
• Details the standard Health & Welfare benefits ($5.55 per hour) and the EO 13706 Health & Welfare rate ($5.09 per hour).
• Outlines the conformance process for contractors to request additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This wage determination is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. It establishes the minimum compensation that must be paid to service employees working on the contract, ensuring compliance with federal labor laws. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these minimums to be compliant.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for potable and non-potable water testing services at Shenandoah National Park (SHEN) in Luray, Virginia. The National Park Service (NPS) requires these services to ensure compliance with Virginia Department of Health/Office of Drinking Water regulations, the Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 CFR 136, and approved standard methods by the Division of Consolidated Laboratories (DCLS).

• Furnishing all equipment, materials, supplies, and labor for potable and non-potable water regulatory testing.

• Laboratories must be certified by DCLS in all analytes covered by the contract.

• Reports of tests must be sent to designated individuals within specified response times.

• Samples will be collected by park staff or picked up by the contractor.

• Contractor must supply chain of custody forms.

• Testing must adhere to Virginia Department of Health regulations for electronic reporting.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price quote.

• Period of Performance: Base year (02/01/2026 to 01/31/2027) plus four option years.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but bids should reflect the total cost for estimated tests.

• Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13) will be utilized.

• Questions Due: January 16, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

• Quotes Due: January 23, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to Debbie_Coles@nps.gov. Mailed, shipped, faxed, or hand-delivered quotes will not be accepted.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process. Offers will be evaluated based on technical acceptability and price. Past performance will also be considered.

• Offerors must demonstrate understanding of SOW/PWS requirements and capabilities.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• Contractors must have an active SAM registration at the time of award.

• The contract includes FAR Clause 52.217-8 (Option to Extend Services) for up to six months and FAR Clause 52.217-9 (Option to Extend the Term of the Contract) for a total contract duration not to exceed five years and six months.

• Electronic invoicing and payment will be through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).