HHS IHS - Cross Connection Controls Training Services - MRAS

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Indian Health Service (IHS), is conducting market research to identify capable vendors for providing specialized training services. The primary objective is to facilitate hands-on cross connection control trainings for tribal utility staff and IHS personnel across the lower 48 states and Alaska. This initiative aligns with IHS's responsibility to manage water, sewer, and solid waste facilities for Native American communities, as authorized by Public Law 86-121. The Environmental Health Support Center (EHSC) will coordinate these training efforts, serving as a national hub for instructional activities in collaboration with various Indian Health Service Areas.

The scope of work involves offering both off-the-shelf and customized training programs designed to enhance the skills of those involved in managing tribal utility systems. These systems encompass a wide range of wastewater management solutions such as gravity sewers, low-pressure sewers, lift stations, treatment plants including lagoons and membrane bioreactors, as well as traditional water systems like groundwater wells and surface water treatment facilities. Additionally, solid waste management practices such as transfer stations and curbside pickup programs are included in the training curriculum.

Instructor qualifications are critical to vendor selection. Prospective instructors must have at least five years of experience in water operations serving communities with 15 to 2,500 connections. While not mandatory, certifications at level 2 or higher in relevant fields like water distribution or wastewater treatment are advantageous. Experience in providing cross control training specifically tailored to tribal utility departments or small rural communities is preferred. Instructors should also demonstrate competencies in adult education through relevant coursework or teaching experience.

Vendors responding to this solicitation will be required to submit detailed proposals outlining their course offerings when a specific training need is identified by IHS. Proposals must include information on course names, delivery methods, objectives, preliminary agendas with module topics, instructor details along with resumes if not previously provided, cost breakdowns for courses including travel expenses adhering to GSA rates, and any additional material or development costs if applicable. Accepted proposals will be executed via BPA Calls under a single unit price structure covering course execution costs.