The goal of this project is to acquire and analyze real-time water quality and quantity data and weather data at four sites in the following areas of the Middle East region, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan.

Amendment 6 - contractor questions and government respose are posted at AQD website http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/ (and select Business Community, Solicitations, Open Market Solicitations) or copy and paste the following link:http://www.aqd.nbc.gov/Business/openmarket.aspx 1) For import of the equipment to the locations in the middle east would it be possible to use a diplomatic pouch if necessary? Response: U.S. Government will assist with logistics for equipment shipments and handling. 2) Security - will we need to hire guards or will we have local assistance at all times? Response: U.S. Government will work with Embassies and Consulates to determine and provide guidance on security requirements at time of travel. 3) Will the surface water monitoring stations be at an existing station or at a new site? Response: Existing Stations. 4) What are the conditions at the sites of the surface water monitoring stations? Response: Two stations: 1) Concrete reservoir at developed site; 2) Concrete bridge/platform over small stream. Existing monitoring system to be adapted and retrofit for new system. 5) Which constituents are you looking to sample automatically from groundwater, or are you only looking to measure groundwater level automatically? Response: automatically (real-time) from groundwater" water depth " temperature " dissolved oxygen " conductivity" pH" Oxidation reduction potential (ORP)" turbidity" ammonium/ammonia*" phosphate*" nitrate* *USDA may be open to monitoring these parameters with hand-held units if real-time collection is deemed cost prohibitive. Please include in quote. 6) Are the surface water monitoring stations existing (e.g. is there a metal box) or are we expected to provide a quote that includes constructing the station in addition to supplying and setting up the equipment? Response: Please provide quote that includes an equipment station set-up that would be self sufficient. One site has an existing system that may or may not be usable. 7) While the RFQ seems to encourage purchase of American goods, is it acceptable to purchase equipment from a local distributor if the equipment is manufactured in the US? Response: Bulk of equipment is recommended American made. Additional supplies and materials (i.e. piping, small parts, etc.) can be procured locally if available and/or accessible.