EPA - Analytical Laboratory Support - MRAS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to identify capable sources for providing comprehensive analytical laboratory support. This initiative falls under the purview of the Office of Water, specifically the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW), and aims to ensure that drinking water quality meets public health standards as mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Technical Support Branch (TSB) at the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, spearheads this effort by developing and refining drinking water methods for both regulated and emerging contaminants.

The contractor's responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks crucial to method development and validation for drinking water analysis. This includes providing expertise in statistical and experimental project planning, conducting chemical and microbiological analyses, monitoring proficiency tests, and supporting laboratory certification efforts. The contractor will also operate an on-site chemical and microbiological laboratory using state-of-the-art equipment to develop analytical methods for EPA-identified analytes. Additionally, they will be tasked with maintaining government-owned laboratory equipment, ensuring it remains operational and effective.

Further duties involve supporting EPA occurrence surveys such as the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) Program by providing necessary analytical method expertise. The contractor will engage in various activities including developing measurement methods for water quality assessment, performing analyte preservation studies, collecting field samples, and presenting data at technical meetings. Statistical support is also required to evaluate chemical and microbiological data effectively. Communication with external entities like states or local municipalities may be necessary to discuss technical aspects related to drinking water analytical methods.

Overall, this solicitation seeks a contractor capable of delivering high-level scientific support that aligns with EPA's mission to protect public health through safe drinking water practices. The selected entity must demonstrate proficiency in advanced analytical techniques while adhering to safety requirements at the research center.