Q--WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TESTING

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0001) is to post questions and answers related to the solicitation.

• The period of performance is stated as 05/15/2026 to 05/14/2027.

• The document references an attached document for details regarding the questions and answers.

• Offerors are instructed to return one (1) signed copy of the SF 30 with their final quote to verify receipt of this amendment.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation # 140P6426Q0053, 53 Amendment # P00001, for Wastewater Treatment Plant Testing – BUFF.

• Sample Collection Responsibility: Sample collection will be performed by the laboratory. Pricing should include costs for onsite sampling and laboratory analysis.
• Sample Delivery and Shipping: Sample collection is the responsibility of the laboratory. The document does not specify whether samples will be shipped via carrier or delivered directly. The party responsible for shipping arrangements and associated costs is not explicitly stated, but implied to be the laboratory.
• Turnaround Time Requirements: The general turnaround time for results is 8 to 12 days. Expedited reporting is required for any results that flag over the limit for a violation.

This Q&A clarifies responsibilities for sample collection and delivery, and provides expected turnaround times, which may impact bidder pricing and planning.

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

To conduct monthly sampling and testing of wastewater at three locations within the Buffalo National River to ensure compliance with Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) permit requirements.

• Locations: Buffalo Point Lower Wastewater Plant, Buffalo Point Upper Wastewater Plant, and Tyler Bend Treatment Plant.

• Tasks: Monthly collection of wastewater samples and subsequent testing at an ADEQ-certified laboratory.

• Parameters: Specific testing parameters are detailed for each plant, including pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Residual Chlorine, Total Suspended Solids, Ammonia-Nitrogen, E-Coli, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Phosphorus, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, and Nitrate + Nitrite for the Buffalo Point plants. Tyler Bend requires annual grab samples for a broader range of parameters, including various nitrogen compounds, solids, metals, and oil & grease, as well as yearly soil testing.

• Contractor Responsibilities: Furnish all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, and supervision necessary to complete the tasks. Transport samples to a certified lab. Provide monthly testing result data sheets to the park COR and sewer plant operator.

• All sampling and testing must be in accordance with 40 CFR Part 136.

• All samples must be tested at an ADEQ certified/approved lab.

• Testing schedules vary by plant: monthly for Buffalo Point plants (March-November for Lower, January-December for Upper), and annually for Tyler Bend.

• Period of Performance: A base year (5/15/2026 - 5/14/2027) with four option years extending through 5/14/2031.

• Place of Performance: Buffalo National River, Middle and Lower Districts, AR.

• Work Hours: Generally normal business hours (6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday), with exceptions requiring prior CO/COR approval.

• Site Access: Limited to sewer plant grounds. Driveways and entrances must remain clear.

• Waste Disposal: Dispose of waste legally outside the park; do not use park dumpsters.

• Accident Prevention: Implement an effective accident prevention program. Requires submittal of ADEQ lab certification and qualified employees.

• Hazardous Materials: Responsibility for cleanup and remediation of spills, with notification requirements.

• Invoicing: Processed monthly through the IPP Platform.

• Site Visit: Bidders are urged to visit the site before submitting bids.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for Wastewater Treatment Plant Testing Services for the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; a written solicitation will not be issued. The requirement is a 100% total small business set-aside.

• The contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to provide the specified testing services.

• Specific details regarding the scope of work, deliverables, and performance standards are expected to be found in the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price commercial contract/award.

• Anticipated Award Date: On or before 05/10/2026.

• Effective Date: 05/15/2026.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but options to extend services and contract term exist (see FAR clauses 52.217-8 and 52.217-9).

• Quotes are due by 12:00 PM ED on May 5, 2026, and must be submitted via email to colette_riegelmayer@ios.doi.gov.

• Questions regarding the solicitation will be accepted until 12:00 PM ED on April 27, 2026.

• Offers will be evaluated based on best value to the government, considering price, technical capability, and prior experience.

• A checklist for quote submittal is provided, including requirements for SAM.gov registration, a signed price schedule, a capabilities statement/project narrative (limit two pages), and three prior project experiences.

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

• NAICS Code: 541380.

• Small Business Size Standard: $19 M.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and have an active status at the time of quote submission, award, and throughout contract performance.

• Offerors must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• Attachments include the Statement of Work, Price Schedule, and SCA Wage Determination.

• A site visit is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT at the Buffalo National River.

• Payment requests will be submitted through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (Wage Determination No.: 2015-5123, Revision No.: 29) for the state of Arkansas. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act for contracts awarded or performed in specific Arkansas counties.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors.
• Details provisions for vacation, holidays, hazardous pay differentials, and uniform allowances.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing services under a federal contract in the specified Arkansas counties. It ensures that potential contractors are aware of and can budget for the legally mandated minimum wages and benefits for their employees, thereby impacting the overall cost of proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing schedule for sampling services related to the Buffalo National River. It outlines the estimated costs for various testing parameters across different locations and time periods, including the base year and four optional years.

• Locations: Buffalo Point National Park (Upper and Lower Plants) and National Park Service - Tyler Bend WWF (Effluent and Soils).
• Testing Parameters: Includes a range of chemical and biological parameters such as CBOD, TSS, NH3-N, DO, E.Coli, Total P., Nitrate + Nitrite Nitrogen, TKN, TRC, pH, TS, WEP, O&G, Fecal Coliform, SAR, Ca, Mg, Na, Metals Dig., Electrical Conductivity, and CEC.
• Frequency: Specifies the number of times per year samples are taken for each parameter and location.
• Pricing: Details monthly pricing per test and estimated annual pricing for each parameter and location. Notably, all estimated annual costs are listed as $0.
• Permit Information: References specific environmental permits for each location (e.g., AR0034959, AR0034941, 3816-WR-1).

This pricing schedule provides potential bidders with an estimate of the costs associated with the required sampling and testing services. While the estimated annual costs are currently $0, bidders should review the parameters, frequencies, and locations to understand the scope of work and to develop their own pricing proposals. This document is crucial for understanding the financial aspects of the opportunity and for preparing a competitive bid.