Superior National Forest/Water Lab Inspection

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides a clarification in response to a vendor's request regarding specific tests and testing matrices for the Superior National Forest/Water Lab Inspection opportunity.

• A prospective vendor inquired about the specific tests and testing matrices required for the assessment, noting this information was not in the current solicitation documents.
• The response clarifies that the Superior National Forest Laboratory is certified under the Safe Drinking Water Program.
• The laboratory tests specifically for the analytes Total Coliform and E. Coli using the "SM 9223 B (colilert-97)" Method.
• The required matrix for this assessment is under the drinking water program.

This clarification provides specific details on the testing scope and methodology relevant to potential bidders for laboratory services.

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

To perform an on-site assessment of the Superior National Forest Water Lab.

• Conduct an on-site assessment in accordance with the MDH On-Site Assessment Agenda (MDH-ELAP, 2009).

• Contractor must be approved by the Minnesota Department of Health MN Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (MN-ELAP) and appear on the Approved list of MNELAP Assessment Organizations.

• Submit one (1) signed paper and one (1) electronic assessment report to MN-ELAP.

• Submit one (1) signed paper and one (1) electronic copy of the report to the Superior National Forest.

• The report should include a summary of investigation methods and findings, with relevant citations to the 2016 TNI standard and a description of the assessors' observations supporting the findings (MDH-ELAP, 2013).

• The assessment will be performed at the Superior National Forest Water Lab, located at: Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated in this document.

• Contractor must be an approved MNELAP Assessment Organization.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items, specifically for performing on-site water lab assessments of the Superior National Forest Water Lab. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541380 with a small business size standard of $19.0 million.

• The primary requirement is to conduct an on-site water lab assessment.

• The assessment includes submitting one paper and one electronic assessment report to the Minnesota Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (MN-ELAP).

• One paper and one electronic assessment copy must also be sent to the Superior National Forest.

• A complete list of requirements is detailed in Attachment A - SOW.

• Schedule of Items is detailed in Attachment B - SOI SNF WaterLab.

• The anticipated award type is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• The government intends to make one award.

• Offerors must create an SF-1449 or SF-1447 and complete the rest of the document, saving it as a PDF to upload.

• All attachments (PWS, SOW, etc.) should be uploaded as external documents or included as separate attachments to the SAM posting.

• Quotations must include pricing for all line items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Technical Approach will assess the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach.

• Past Performance will be evaluated using an acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable rating.

• Delivery is required within 90 days after award; early deliveries are accepted.

• Shipping instructions are provided for delivery to the USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Offerors must meet qualification requirements, including approval and listing on the MN-ELAP Assessment Organizations approved list.

• Various FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and must be adhered to.

• The document includes information on filing agency protests through the USDA Ombudsman Program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act in specific geographic areas.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-4939, Revision No. 28, dated 12/03/2025.
• Geographic Area: Minnesota Counties of Carlton, St. Louis, and Wisconsin County of Douglas.
• Occupational Listings: The document lists numerous occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates. These include administrative support, automotive service, food preparation, furniture maintenance, general services, health occupations, information technology, instructional, laundry, materials handling, mechanics, personal needs, plant and system operations, protective services, recreation, stevedoring, technical occupations, transportation, and miscellaneous occupations.
• Fringe Benefits: Required fringe benefits are noted to follow the occupational listing. Specific details on Health & Welfare benefits are provided, including rates per hour, per week, and per month, with variations based on Executive Orders (EO 13706 and EO 13658).
• Additional Provisions: Includes information on paid sick leave (EO 13706), vacation, and paid holidays.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the process for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed in the determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and fringe benefits meet or exceed the rates specified in this wage determination for all applicable occupations. Failure to comply can lead to violations of the Service Contract Act. The document helps bidders accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a Laboratory On-Site Assessment of the Superior National Forest Water Laboratory. The purpose is to certify the lab in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Minnesota Department of Health requirements. The SNF Water Lab is responsible for completing water testing of potable water at recreation and administrative sites.

• Conduct an on-site assessment of the Superior National Forest Water Laboratory.

• Certify the laboratory's compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

• Certify the laboratory's compliance with Minnesota Department of Health requirements.

• The laboratory performs water testing for potable water at recreation and administrative sites.

• Period of Performance: August 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026.

• Delivery Date: August 1, 2026.

• Offer Due Date: May 25, 2026, 1700 ET.

• Solicitation Number: 1244462600029.

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

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories).

• Size Standard: $19 million.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• The document is a Standard Form 1449.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-4959, Revision No. 28) for the Service Contract Act, applicable to the State of Minnesota, specifically for the counties of Aitkin, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, and Pine. It outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work in this area.

• Lists numerous occupation codes and titles, ranging from administrative support and clerical to health occupations, technical occupations, and protective services.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each listed occupation.
• Indicates that "Fringe Benefits Required Follow the Occupational Listing." Specific fringe benefit details (Health & Welfare, Vacation, Holidays) are provided in subsequent sections of the document.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), and their applicability to contracts awarded under the Service Contract Act.
• Details the process for "Conformance" if a required classification is not listed.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and fringe benefits meet or exceed these minimums for all covered employees to ensure compliance with the Service Contract Act. Failure to comply can result in penalties. The specific rates listed will directly impact the cost proposal and overall competitiveness of bids.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Schedule of Items for the Superior National Forest Water Lab Assessment. It is intended to outline the pricing structure for the assessment services.

• Item: Lump Sum
• Quantity: 1
• Unit Cost: Not specified
• Cost: Not specified
• Total Cost: Not specified

This document provides a basic structure for pricing the water lab assessment. Bidders will need to fill in the Unit Cost and Cost fields to provide their pricing proposal for the Lump Sum item. This directly impacts how bidders prepare their financial proposals and how their offers will be evaluated.