USDA - Laboratory Support - MRAS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to support the National Technology & Development Program (NTDP) under the U.S. Forest Service. The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure quality control and field support for wildland fire chemical systems. Since its inception in 1962, the NTDP's Wildland Fire Chemicals Systems (WFCS) Lab has been instrumental in evaluating fire chemical products, ensuring they meet specified standards before being added to the Qualified Products List (QPL). This effort aims to procure personnel services for evaluating these chemicals and maintain ongoing quality assurance testing.

The contract seeks to engage one laboratory scientist with options to include up to two laboratory technicians. The laboratory scientist will be responsible for designing and developing experiments that evaluate wildland fire chemicals' properties and characteristics. This role includes developing new quality assurance protocols, recommending testing procedures, and providing technical input on project planning. The scientist will oversee complex scientific experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot results, and compile comprehensive reports.

On the other hand, the laboratory technicians will carry out routine lab procedures such as preparing test equipment and samples, maintaining lab equipment, conducting experiments on fire chemicals, and adhering to established protocols. Their responsibilities include identifying acceptable outcomes from test results using various analytical tools for data collection and report writing.

Both roles require strong attention to detail and effective communication skills while adhering strictly to safety practices within the lab environment. Deliverables from these positions encompass experimental design plans, testing protocols, scientific reports for scientists; while technicians focus on generating data sets for foam and retardant specifications testing among other key tasks.