A -- MANUSCRIPT DEVELOPMENT FOR URBAN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

Amendment #1 Technical Questions QUESTION #1: Does the EPA have a particular wetland system in mind for the project topic #4: - A greywater study to examine the efficacy of on-site wetland treatment? Specifically, if a wetland system has already been identified, where is this wetland located? ANSWER: Under this project topic the EPA assumed either any offeror had available or was able to construct a wetland system to perform the task within the time period allotted. Providing details about the wetland system to be used for treatment and technical expertise, should be included as part of any quotation as part of the technical approach. QUESTION #2: Is there any possibility the quotation deadline could be extended? ANSWER: Yes, the due date for quotations is hereby extended to August 18, 2006 NLT 3:00PM (EST) QUESTION #3: The SOW indicates the following: "One order or up to six separate orders can be issued to an offeror. Additionally, offerors can submit a quote for each individually or any combination of up to all six topics." The Final reporting manuscript for this project will be either a stand alone final report or a chapter in a compendium report, anticipated to be entitled - Urban Watershed Practices. If a quote is submitted for a combination of topics, is it the EPA's intention that the offeror produce a single and separate manuscript and/or a single and separate QAPP for each topic or may multiple topics be integrated into a single manuscript and/or QAPP? ANSWER: Each project topic will have a separate manuscript developed. The manuscript may be one of the following: chapter in a report or a journal article submission. The intent at the end of the project period is to have a high quality research manuscript that could be used for either or both. Additionally, if an offeror is awarded an order for multiple project topics either multiple QAPPs can be submitted or one QAPP that addresses the individual needs of each project topic may be submitted. QUESTION #4: The synopsis states, - A QAPP is necessary if the contractor will sample environmental measurements during the project period (Sampling and Analysis Project), use secondary data (Secondary Data Project). For quotes that will not sample environmental measurements under this purchase order, but will incorporate data from sample collection and analyses efforts that are ongoing during the project's period of performance under a pre-existing and approved QAPP, will use/incorporation of the data require a QAPP specific to this project or may an existing and approved QAPP be submitted or referenced to meet the QAPP requirement? ANSWER: A QAPP is required for each project. An existing or previously approved QAPP is not acceptable to meet the QAPP requirement. QUESTION #5: This RFQ is identified as a Small Business Set-Aside. Does that mean that a University cannot be the contractor? If so, can a consultant submit a quote as a small business? ANSWER: As for the Small Business Set Aside requirement question, yes these requirements are 100% small business set-asides. As for the questions concerning the University and Consultants, in most instances, colleges and universities are not considered small businesses, but this is something that will need to be verified by the offeror. An offeror can submit a quote as a small business, but the offeror must be registered in CCR or this must be accomplished before an award can be made. Additionally, see the clause below pertaining to Small Business Set-Aside. Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (a) Definition. - Small business concern, as used in this clause, means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the size standards in this solicitation. (b) General. (1) Offers are solicited only from small business concerns. Offers received from concerns that are not small business concerns shall be considered nonresponsive and will be rejected. (2) Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made to a small business concern. Limitations on Subcontracting (Dec 1996) (a) This clause does not apply to the unrestricted portion of a partial set-aside. (b) By submission of an offer and execution of a contract, the Offeror/Contractor agrees that in performance of the contract in the case of a contract for -- (1) Services (except construction). At least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.