EPA - R10 Se (organic and inorganic) sample analysis - MRAS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to identify potential vendors capable of performing detailed chemical analyses. The primary goal of this initiative is to support the EPA's ongoing efforts in monitoring and understanding environmental selenium (Se) speciation in various matrices. This project will focus on the analysis of both inorganic and organic selenium species in water, sediment, and plant tissues, which is crucial for assessing environmental health, particularly in regions like Southeast Idaho where selenium levels can significantly impact local ecosystems.

The work requested involves comprehensive chemical analysis of environmental samples to determine selenium speciation. Specifically, the vendor will be tasked with analyzing 30 unfiltered aqueous samples, 144 filtered aqueous samples, 80 plant tissue samples, and 40 sediment/soil samples. The chemical analysis in water must encompass a range of Se species including selenite (Se(IV)), selenate (Se(VI)), selenocyanate (SeCN), selenomethionine (SeMet), methylseleninic acid [MeSe(IV)], methaneselenonic acid [MeSe(VI)], dimethylselenoxide (DMSeO), selenosulfate [SeSO32-], and any unidentified Se species. For solid samples such as tissue and sediment, the analysis should include SeMet, methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), selenocystine (SeCys2), trimethylselenonium (TMSe), Se(IV), and Se(VI).

Vendors must demonstrate the capability to meet or exceed stringent Quality Assurance and Quality Control requirements while providing timely results within 30 days of sample receipt. They are also expected to deliver comprehensive QA/QC data alongside their findings, including blanks, spike recoveries, reference materials data, as well as detailed documentation on standard operating procedures used for both sample preparation and instrumental analysis. Furthermore, vendors should provide evidence of prior experience with similar analytical work involving low concentration environmental matrixes pertinent to regions like Southeast Idaho rivers.

The contract's period of performance spans from September 2026 through January 2028. During this time frame, selected vendors will be responsible for delivering validated Level II data reports that include all relevant QA/QC information collected during analyses. This initiative not only aims at acquiring precise analytical data but also seeks to enhance understanding of selenium dynamics within critical ecosystems impacted by varying levels of organic and inorganic selenium compounds.