B--Investigation of Processes Controlling Attenuation and Cleanup of Hexavalent Chr

The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with the University of New Brunswick for the procurement of Investigation of Processes Controlling Attenuation and Cleanup of Hexavalent Chromium in Fractured Sedimentary Bedrock. The purpose of this Purchase Order is to obtain analysis of chromium speciation (distribution of hexavalent and trivalent chromium) and chromium reduction capacity in core samples from the Garfield Chromium Ground Water Superfund Site. Specific tasks and deliverables of this requirement are as follows: 1) The contractor shall provide a written description of batch testing procedures used on solid core materials for evaluation of chromium speciation, the laboratory procedure for determining the Cr(VI) reduction capacity of the bedrock matrix, and the procedure for determining Cr(VI) in bedrock matrix porewater. The written procedures shall include, but may not be limited to: material handling (i.e., procedures utilized to minimize atmospheric contact), laboratory batch experimentation variables such as preparation of extraction solutions and solid mass to liquid ratios, extraction times and conditions, and analytical procedures. The written procedures shall include presentation of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) requirements and applicable QA/QC criteria for all analytical measurements and procedures. The written description of procedures shall be provided to US EPA for review prior to proceeding to the following tasks. 2) The contractor shall conduct batch tests on rock samples from the Garfield site to assess the Cr(VI) reduction capacity of the bedrock matrix (up to 50 samples). 3) The contractor shall determine Cr(VI) porewater concentrations in archived bedrock matrix samples (up to 100 samples). 4) The contractor may, but is not required, to correlate results with measurements of solid-phase chromium speciation determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The contractor shall provide all core materials to US EPA required for these spectroscopic measurements. Applicable QA/QC requirements for these data will be handled by US EPA and are not the responsibility of the contractor. 5) The contractor may investigate potential to obtain analyses of chromium isotope ratios in groundwater. 6) The contractor shall prepare a final written report. EPA has identified the University of New Brunswick as being uniquely qualified to provide these services to the U.S. EPA based upon the following: Hexavalent chromium is the primary contaminant at the Garfield site (http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/removal/garfield/) in New Jersey. A matrix diffusion study was conducted as part of the remedial investigation to assess the Cr(VI) distribution in the bedrock matrix using methodologies developed by Dr. Beth Parker and team (University of Guelph and University of New Brunswick). The Guelph/New Brunswick team collected continuous cores in April 2012 at a mid-plume location from 70 to 355 feet below ground surface and a total of 400 rock core samples were collected, vacuum sealed and shipped to the University of New Brunswick for storage and analysis. A multilevel well was installed in the same borehole allowing comparison of discrete-depth groundwater samples with the matrix porewater data. In addition, analysis of chromium speciation in the rock samples required laboratory development of new methods for extraction and analysis of Cr(VI) in bedrock because detection limit s were too high with existing techniques (e.g., EPA 3060A). This method development was conducted by Dr. Tom Al and a post-doctoral fellow (Dr. Jiujiang Zhao) in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Brunswick. Access to the core samples and to the new methods developed by Dr. Tom Al is not possible without collaboration. This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered by the agency MUST submit documentation to the office identified in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Submit your request in writing to Samantha Fuchs at the address shown above or email at contact@example.gov. Telephone requests will not be honored.