F--JOFOC - CHEMICAL SPECIATION OF PM FILTER SAMPLES

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, seeks contractors to provide comprehensive analytical laboratory support for the chemical speciation of PM2.5 filter samples. This involves handling multiple types of filter media and using standardized instrumental methods to support State and Local Agencies operating PM2.5 Chemical Speciation Monitoring Networks. The scope includes two main activities: Part 1 entails filter handling, shipment, and gravimetric mass measurement, while Part 2 covers laboratory analysis involving elements, ions, and carbon fractions. Contractors must be capable of analyzing filters for gravimetric mass, elemental composition, organic and elemental carbon, ions such as ammonium, sodium, potassium, sulfate, and nitrate, as well as conducting light absorption measurements using a transmissometer and optionally performing optical and electron microscopic analyses, which may be coupled with elemental particle analyses. In addition to analytical services, contractors are responsible for the preparation and refurbishment of MgO denuders used in sampling, filter pretreatment, storage of filters and extract solutions, shipment and receipt logistics, and quality assurance and control activities including data validation and reporting results into EPA's Air Quality System. The contract will be awarded via full and open competition under FAR Part 15 using a best value, trade-off source selection process based on past performance, technical merit, and price. Awardees will receive fixed price, requirements-type contracts with an anticipated performance period of five years. Interested contractors must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and monitor electronic platforms such as FedBizOpps and FedConnect for solicitation documents and updates, as no hard copies will be distributed. The relevant NAICS code for this procurement is 541380, encompassing environmental testing laboratory services.