B--IDIQ FOR LABORATORY ANALYSIS

This government solicitation, 140G0226Q0039, is a Request for Quote (RFQ) for a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for laboratory microplastics analysis services. The acquisition is set aside for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB), with a NAICS code of 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) and a size standard of $19 million. The BPA has an estimated period of performance from May 22, 2026, to May 21, 2031, with a 'Not to Exceed Value' of $100,000.00. The services include environmental sample processing, extraction, and LDIR analysis. Payments will be made via Government Purchase Card for orders under $10,000 or through the U.S. Treasury's Internet Payment Platform (IPP) for orders over $10,000 but not exceeding $100,000. The award will be based on a best-value comparative evaluation, considering microplastic experience, technical performance, and past performance.

This government file outlines the requirements for microplastics (MP) analyses, specifying the use of an Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System for detecting, sizing, and chemically characterizing MPs between 10 μm and 500 μm. It details stringent quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, including the necessity of a software MP library to address non-plastic interferences, and the collection and analysis of field and procedural blanks. Data reporting requirements include methodology descriptions, QA/QC summaries, total MP counts, size distribution charts, and sample summaries. The document also provides comprehensive guidelines for sample handling, emphasizing storage in cool, dark conditions to prevent degradation and structural damage, with a preferred holding time of 7-14 days. These non-personal services require the contractor to provide all necessary facilities, labor, and materials.

Attachment B, titled "PRICE SCHEDULE," details the financial breakdown for environmental sample processing, extraction, and LDIR analysis over a five-year period. The document specifies that the cost for these services across Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5 is $0. This attachment is likely part of a federal government RFP, federal grant, or state/local RFP, indicating that the outlined environmental analysis services are either provided at no cost, or the pricing information is to be submitted separately or negotiated. The services include the processing, extraction, and LDIR analysis of various environmental samples such as water, soil/sediment, and air dust.

This amendment to solicitation 140G0226Q0039 addresses vendor questions and extends the closing date for offers to May 13, 2026. The document specifies methods for acknowledging the amendment, including completing items 8 and 15, acknowledging on each offer copy, or sending a separate communication referencing the solicitation and amendment numbers. Failure to acknowledge timely may result in offer rejection. The amendment also clarifies that proposals for microplastics analysis using RAMAN or micro-FTIR methods will not be accepted as they do not meet study objectives. The period of performance for the resulting Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is May 22, 2026, to May 21, 2031. It emphasizes that a BPA is not a contract and does not obligate either party until a BPA Call order is placed and accepted.