EPA - California Underground Storage Tank Program Support - MRAS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to gather insights and capabilities for supporting the California Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program. The initiative is part of the EPA's broader efforts under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to manage underground storage tanks that store petroleum products and hazardous substances. The primary objectives of this program are to prevent leaks, spills, and overfills from UST systems, which can pose significant risks to human health and the environment due to their hazardous chemical content.

This market research effort seeks to identify potential contractors who can provide comprehensive support services for the California UST Program. The scope of work includes tasks related to project tracking and reporting, support for stalled leaking underground storage tank (LUST) cases, funding application assistance, site-specific LUST support, and abandoned UST leak prevention measures. Specific tasks involve initiatives like improving data management within the LUST program, providing application assistance for cleanup funds such as the UST Cleanup Fund (USTCF) and Orphan Site Cleanup Fund (OSCF), and offering technical support for state program analysis.

The contract will be overseen by EPA Region 9's UST Section within the Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division. This section works closely with California's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) as well as regional water quality control boards across the state. Through a Cooperative Agreement, grant funds are allocated for LUST cleanup and prevention efforts in California. These funds are supplemented by "in-kind" services provided through this Performance Work Statement (PWS), allowing California to leverage federal resources effectively while addressing its approximately 1,450 open LUST cases out of a total of around 44,700 incidents recorded so far.

Potential contractors interested in participating must demonstrate their ability to meet performance standards outlined in RCRA Subtitle I regulations while fostering collaboration with federal and state partners. They will also need to adhere to quality assurance guidelines specified in a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This ensures that all activities under this contract maintain high levels of service quality while contributing positively towards achieving EPA's environmental protection goals.