NR-ARD-271 Improve Ion Analysis RFP

Background
The National Park Service (NPS) Air Resources Division supports the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program, which is a long-term national aerosol monitoring network. This program is used to assess visibility and regional haze trends while supporting responsibilities under the Clean Air Act. The IMPROVE program collects 24-hour aerosol samples on a one-in-three-day schedule utilizing a multi-channel sampler, specifically using nylon filters to collect inorganic ions (anions).

Work Details
Under this Task Order, the Contractor shall perform routine anion analysis (Task 1 – Standard Analysis) for IMPROVE Module B nylon filters. The validated results must be delivered to the IMPROVE Operations Contractor for integration into the IMPROVE dataset, adhering to the IMPROVE Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the IMPROVE Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

The estimated annual workload includes approximately 17,300 Module B nylon filters per year, along with associated laboratory blanks, field blanks, and QA replicate filters shipped with routine batches. Coordination with the IMPROVE Operations Contractor (currently UC Davis) is required for purchasing Module B nylon filters and shipping exposed and blank filters for analysis.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031, with one base year and five one-year ordering periods.

Place of Performance
Primary performance shall occur at the Contractor’s laboratory facility. Any work at Government facilities must be coordinated in advance with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), subject to final approval by the Contracting Officer (CO).

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract with Davis University of California under 140P2121D0004 (NR-ARD-17), valued at $21,205,169 (01/29/21–07/28/26), which included IMPROVE operations improvement and filter analysis tasks. Additional closely related work is reflected in 140P2121D0004-140P2125F0158 (NR-ARD-312 IMPROVE OPS & FILTER ANALYSIS), valued at $1,854,473 (09/09/25–04/30/26). The current requirement for routine anion analysis of IMPROVE Module B nylon filters and delivery of validated results to the IMPROVE Operations Contractor aligns with the prior filter analysis and IMPROVE operations support described in these awards.