B--Laboratory Analysis, Pesticides, AR 2232, for Meat and Poultry Industry

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water seeks to procure, on an other than full and open competition, analytical support services for a single sampling episode for the Meat and Poultry Products Industry from a single source. The single source is Pacific Analytical, Inc. (PAI), 6056 Corte del Cedro, Carlsbad, CA 92009. PAI is the only laboratory currently with the demonstrated capability and experience in analyzing samples by the required methods (and associated method modifications that are specified in the SOW) and reporting data electronically in accordance with the EPA-specified format. EPA requires analysis of approximately 13 industrial wastewater samples, 2 matrix spikes, and 2 matrix spike duplicates for pesticides/herbicides by various EPA methods to include 632 and 1660. EPA will use the analytical data provided under this purchase order to develop industrial effluent discharge regulations that govern the disposal of pollutants from Meat and Poultry Products Industry sources; therefore, data produced under this purchase order must be of highest possible quality. Laboratories will be required to employ a comprehensive quality assurance program, meet facilities and equipment requirements, and provide personnel that demonstrate technical expertise in analytical chemistry techniques. The sampling episode for the Meat and Poultry Products Industry, Episode 6485, is scheduled to be collected during the week of October 28, 2002. It is anticipated that samples will arrive at the laboratory each day from Tuesday, October 29, 2002 through Saturday, November 2, 2002. The laboratory is required to meet a 30 day data turnaround from receipt of the last sample associated with Episode 6485 at the laboratory, unless dilutions and/or reanalyses are required. If dilutions and/or reanalyses are required, the data turnaround time for the entire data package will remain at 30 days. The laboratory must adhere to extraction and analytical holding times as stated in the methods. PAI has a minimum of five years of experience analyzing for pesticides/herbicides parameters using the required EPA methods, and has Method Detection Limit (MDL) and Initial Precision and Recovery (IPR) data on-file at EPA. Start-up tests requiring significant time and effort would be required from other labs. Analytical conditions of the instrument must be adjusted so that undistorted spectra are produced. Further, other laboratories would need to invest significant time and effort in developing the necessary data delivery software to submit data electronically in the format required by EPA. The process of new laboratory start up would also involve a significant expenditure of EPA resources (at least 80 hours) to bring the laboratories up to speed. This expenditure is not justified by a one-time purchase order for these services and this cost to EPA would more than counter any potential analysis cost savings that another laboratory could offer. In addition, EPA requires these services within four weeks' time. This time would be insufficient to bring any other laboratories "up to speed" and ensure that EPA would receive the high quality data needed to support effluent guidelines regulatory development for the Metal and Poultry Products Industry. This procurement is being conducted under the simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and other than full and open competition in accordance with (41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1)) and FAR 6.302-1 . This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement by submitting documentation to Linda Merryman at the office identified above, by fax +1 (555) 000-0000 or by e-mail (contact@example.gov) which establishes that their technical qualifications meet the EPA's requirement. Anticipated award date is October 4, 2002, therefore documentation must be received September 26, 2002. A determination by the EPA not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. See note 22.