B--NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE - In accordance with FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to award a purchase order on a sole source basis Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment Water Quality Laboratory, 3195 Main St., Barnstable, MA 02630 to collect and analyze influent and effluent nutrient concentrations for newly installed innovative septic systems located in the Cape Cod area for on a monthly basis for a base period of one (1) year plus for two (2) additional option years. This is considered a sole source to the EPA because, to the best of the EPA's knowledge based on market research conducted, this service is only available from the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment (BCDHE) Water Quality Laboratory because they are a recognized expert for innovative septic system inspection and water quality analysis. They are also located in the same town as the innovative septic systems - reducing travel time and cost of sample collection. Their proximity has added value during this time period of Covid-19 as their ability to collect, transport, and analyze these samples will be more robust than any off Cape or distant vendor. Additionally, their expertise in innovative septic system design at the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) will help to inform the appropriate installation of sampling ports during the installation of the innovative septic systems. The technical expertise of MASSTC is an important factor for the successful completion of this research effort. The BCDHE Water Quality Laboratory and MASSTC have vast experience in the planning, design, maintenance and performance evaluation of enhanced innovative and alternative septic systems. The BCDHE monitors and manages the innovative septic system data for the communities on Cape Cod. To maintain data integrity and consistency and quality control and comparability to other data, it is important that we use the same entity to collect and analyze the data. Therefore, it is imperative that EPA award the BCDHE Water Quality Laboratory a contract to conduct these services and enable ORD to successfully conduct this Neighborhood-Scale Enhanced Innovative Alternative Septic System Pilot Study. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to conduct competitive procurement. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this effort is 924110, Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs. All current and potential contractors shall use FedConnect which is available at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/default.htm. There is no charge to use FedConnect. FedConnect is hosted by Compusearch, all related questions from vendors/contractors will be answered by Compusearch. If having issues with FedConnect or not registered in FedConnect at this time an exception is extended and alternate responses may be received by e-mail: contact@example.gov. This announcement constitutes the only synopsis for this requirement; and is issued for notification purposes only. No known potential alternate sources exist which could satisfy EPA's requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for quote/proposal. Any interested party that believes it is capable of meeting EPA's requirement described herein may identify themselves and must provide evidence of their capability to fulfill this requirement being requested by 11:59 PM CT on August 28, 2020. Responses must be submitted in writing to contact@example.gov no later than the time and date noted above. Telephone responses and requests will not be accepted.