Water Sample Collection and Analysis Services - Amend 4

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation HT940626QE005, clarifying requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Testing Methods & Accreditation: The laboratory must be certified by the state of South Carolina. Methods like EPA 200.8 are acceptable, and the PWS has been updated to reflect this. RLs and MDLs are based on the specified methods.
• Scope of Work: Contractor responsibilities are limited to sampling, analysis, reporting, and recommendations for treatment. Physical remediation or treatment activities are not included. Additional capabilities beyond the stated requirements, such as water purification, are outside the scope of this solicitation.
• Sampling & Access: The Government will make existing sampling points available. The contractor is not responsible for installing or modifying sampling infrastructure but must coordinate schedules and obtain visitor passes/escorts.
• Quantities & Pricing: Emergency or 'special event' testing quantities are included in specific SLINs and will be evaluated before award. Travel costs must be included in the price per line item.
• Quality Control: Field blanks are not explicitly listed but contractors must comply with quality control requirements per method (e.g., matrix spikes, reagent blanks) and account for these in their proposals. Quantities stated are per required method.
• Frequency of Sampling: The frequency of sampling for the three facilities is detailed in solicitation amendment 3, under PWS bullets 1.4.3 and its sub-bullets.

This Q&A document clarifies existing requirements and confirms that offerors should rely solely on the requirements stated in the current solicitation (HT940626QE005) and its PWS. No changes to due dates or submission rules are indicated in this Q&A document.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 3 to Solicitation HT940626QE005. The specific changes or additions made by this amendment are not detailed in the provided pages, but it is issued in conjunction with the original solicitation.

Not specified in the provided document excerpt.

This amendment likely impacts the original solicitation by providing updated information or requirements. Offerors should refer to the full amendment document for specific details regarding any changes to proposal deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing template (Excel spreadsheet) for Solicitation # HT940626QE005, related to TOPR # 10327. It is intended for bidders to input their pricing for water sample collection and analysis services.

• Structure: The template includes line items (CLIN/SLIN) with descriptions, units of measure, quantities, unit prices, and total prices for both a base period and multiple option periods (Option Periods 1, 3, 4, and a 6-month period subject to FAR 52.217-8).
• Services: Covers regular water sample collection and analysis for Shaw AFB, as well as services for emergencies or special events at Shaw AFB, Poinsett Range, and Wateree Air Force Recreational Area.
• Methods: Specifies various EPA-approved analytical methods for water testing (e.g., Method 533, Method 9223B Colilert, Method 4500-H+B, Method 4500-CI G, Method 200.8).
• Instructions: Bidders must edit the template to accurately reflect their quote, ensuring correct calculations. They can insert or delete rows/columns as needed. The template requires the SLIN, line item description, unit of measure, quantity, unit price, SLIN Total Price, and period total price columns to be present. For emergency/special event SLINs, if prices differ by location, the contractor must provide per-location pricing, and the SLIN Total Price will be calculated based on the higher location price (these are 'Not to exceed' SLINs).
• Submission: The signed document must be submitted.

This template is crucial for bidders to prepare and submit their price proposals. It outlines the specific services, locations, testing methods, and contract periods for which pricing is required. Bidders must carefully populate this sheet according to the instructions to ensure their quote is accurate and compliant with the solicitation's requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quote (RFQ) is for Water Sample Collection and Analysis Services for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Contracting Activity. The contractor will provide services at Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), Poinsett Range, and Wateree Air Force Recreational Area to assess water quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and recommend remediation or treatment.

• Services: Water sample collection, labeling, transportation, and analysis from various sources (ground water, surface water, distribution systems).

• Analytical Methods: Services include testing for EPA Method 533 (PFAS), Method 9223B Colilert (Fecal Coliform/Total Coliform), Method 4500-H+B (pH), Residual Chlorine Method 4500-CI G, and EPA Method 200.7/200.8 (Lead/Copper).

• Emergency Services: Provide urgent sample collection and analysis for emergencies or special events, with results delivered within 24 hours of notification.

• Reporting: Submit detailed analysis reports, including official compliance forms and chain-of-custody, signed by a chemist and laboratory director, within five working days of analysis. Non-compliant results require immediate telephone notification.

• Plans & Schedules: Develop and submit a comprehensive Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and a Sample Collection Schedule.

• Certifications: Maintain South Carolina laboratory certification and ensure all personnel are qualified and certified.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: A base year (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027) and four 12-month option years. A potential extension of up to 6 months (April 1, 2031 - September 30, 2031) is possible under FAR 52.217-8. The total contract duration, including options, shall not exceed 60 months.

• Payment: Contractors must use Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) for payment requests and receiving reports, specifically submitting "Invoice 2in1" for fixed-price services.

• Submission Deadline: January 19, 2026, 02:00 PM (Local Time).

• Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialists.

• Format: Quotes must comply with FAR 52.212-1 and 52.212-2, submitted in Word, PDF, or Excel format (non-compressed, virus-free, no locked/encrypted files). The SF 1449 must be fully executed and returned as a separate document.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable. Offers must achieve a Technically Acceptable rating in all factors.

• Non-Price Factors: Evaluation includes proof of laboratory certification, a cover sheet, a capability statement, and past performance/testimonials documentation.

• Price Factors: Completion of SF 1449 (blocks 30a-30c) with prices covering travel, shipping, personnel, and materials. Price documentation, historical sales, and explanations for price escalations are required.

• Discussions: The Government intends to award without discussions; offerors should submit their most favorable prices initially.

• Offer Acceptance: Offers must remain firm for 90 calendar days.

• Set-Aside: 100% set-aside for Small Businesses.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Laboratory testing (except medical, veterinary) services).

• Size Standard: USD 19,000,000.00.

• Registration: Offerors must be registered and maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist and KO, with the subject "Requirement HT940626QE005". Questions received less than 3 days prior to the due date may not be answered.

• Contractor personnel will require base access and must comply with all applicable base regulations.

Solicitation

This solicitation is for Water Sample Collection and Analysis Services for Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), Poinsett Range, and Wateree Air Force Recreational Area. The services include collecting, labeling, transporting, and analyzing water samples from various sources to assess water quality, determine regulatory compliance, and provide remediation recommendations. This is a small business set-aside requirement.

• Collection, labeling, transportation, and analysis of water samples.

• Use of EPA-approved analytical methods.

• Assessment of water quality and determination of regulatory compliance.

• Provision of recommendations for remediation or treatment.

• Submission of an analysis report including official compliance forms and chain-of-custody documentation.

• Development and submission of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP).

• Provision of laboratory certification.

• Maintenance of a qualified workforce.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Base Year (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027) with four Option Years (April 1, 2027 - March 31, 2031).

• Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8) and Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (FAR 52.217-9) are included.

• Estimated value for NAICS 541380 is USD 19,000,000.00.

• Offer due date: January 5, 2026, 02:00 PM Local Time.

• Quotes must be submitted electronically.

• Award will be made on a Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Prices must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• This acquisition is a small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Laboratory testing (except medical, veterinary) services).

• Size Standard: Not specified, but implied by the set-aside.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference and in full text, including those related to contract administration, representations and certifications, and evaluation factors.

• Specific acceptance locations are detailed for various line items.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation HT940626QE005, clarifying technical requirements and laboratory certifications.

• Testing Methods & Laboratory Accreditation: The laboratory must be certified by the state of South Carolina and run parameters with Potable Water accreditations. The specific RLs and MDLs are based on the method used.
• Lead and Copper Analysis: EPA Method 200.7 or EPA Method 200.8 are acceptable for Lead and Copper analysis. The PWS has been updated to reflect this.
• Metals/Elements under Method 200.7: Bullet 1.4.3 of the PWS lists the required parameters per method. There is no specific SLIN (Standard Line Item Number) for "3001AW" in this solicitation.

These clarifications confirm acceptable testing methodologies and laboratory requirements, ensuring bidders understand the precise technical specifications for the analytical services required.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Water Sample Collection and Analysis Services for Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), Poinsett Range, and Wateree Air Force Recreational Area. The services include collecting, labeling, transporting, and analyzing water samples from various sources to assess water quality, determine compliance with regulations, and provide recommendations for remediation or treatment. The contract will consist of a base year and four 12-month option years.

• Collection, labeling, transportation, and analysis of water samples.

• Assessment of water quality and compliance with regulations.

• Recommendations for remediation or treatment.

• Performance of specific analytical methods as detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Submission of analysis reports, including compliance forms and chain-of-custody documentation.

• Development and submission of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP).

• Adherence to quality control, handling, and holding time requirements.

• Contract Type: Not explicitly stated, but pricing arrangement is Firm Fixed Price for services.

• Period of Performance: Base Year (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027) with four Option Years (April 1, 2027 - March 31, 2031). Option to Extend Services may extend to September 30, 2031.

• Estimated Value: USD 19,000,000.00 (stated in Block 13b).

• Offer Due Date: January 5, 2026, 02:00 PM Local Time.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to the Contracting Officer (KO) and Contract Specialists.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Offerors must be rated Technically Acceptable in all factors/subfactors.

• Key Deadlines:

  • SAP Submission: Within 15 business days of contract award.
  • Sample Collection Schedule Submission: Within 15 business days of contract award.
  • Analysis Reports: Within five (5) business days of analysis.
  • Non-compliant Results Notification: Immediately after incubation period.

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be received at least 3 days prior to the due date.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Laboratory testing services).

• PSC Code: B533 (Special studies/analysis-water quality).

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to Service Contract Labor Standards and Buy American provisions.

• The contract is for non-personal services.