Analytical Chem Lab Services for the Sixth UCMR

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking capabilities from industry providers to deliver analytical chemistry laboratory services in support of the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, with a primary performance location in Cincinnati, Ohio. The solicitation, identified as 68HERW26R0087 and posted on August 5, 2026, with a response deadline of August 19, 2026, targets firms capable of supporting nationwide water sampling, analytical testing, data management, and regulatory compliance activities under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The anticipated contract structure is a single-award, cost-plus-fixed-fee/level-of-effort arrangement with a base period of 12 months and four optional 12-month extensions, potentially spanning five years, with an additional unilateral option to extend services by up to six months. Offerors must demonstrate proficiency in managing sample collection kits that meet Department of Transportation packaging and temperature control standards, submitting data through the EPA’s SDWARS system, and providing monthly progress and quality control reports. Key deliverables include draft and final monitoring plans, contaminant analysis results, and technical reports on occurrence and treatment, with all outputs subject to review and approval by EPA’s Technical Operation and Contract Laboratory Contracting Officer’s Representatives. Proposals must be submitted electronically to the designated contracting officer, Keith Pfeffer, and include a capability statement that outlines organizational size status under NAICS code 541620, socioeconomic certifications (including small business, HUBZone, 8(a), WOSB, or SDVOSB), past performance on similar tasks, and availability of personnel, equipment, and facilities. The solicitation does not require submission of Unique Entity ID or CAGE codes, nor does it impose page limits, but generic brochures are unacceptable. No formal FAR clauses are included, as this is a market research notice rather than a formal solicitation; however, special requirements include potential organizational conflict of interest mitigation, subcontractor oversight for contaminant analysis labs, and mandatory access to EPA systems. The EPA will evaluate responses based on capability, experience, and socioeconomic status, with award criteria including a trade-off approach anticipated but not yet finalized. Payment, invoicing, and accounting details are not yet specified, and no barcoding or security clearance requirements are mandated. All activity must align with EPA’s QA/QC standards and applicable regulations including the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 and the UCMR 6 contaminant list.