**DRAFT**

**PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT**

# Technical/Laboratory Support for Quality Assurance Programs of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division and the National Homeland Security Research Center

**1.0 BACKGROUND**

Monitoring and measurement data acquired by EPA must be reliable, valid,
and of known quality. In April 1984, EPA Order 5360.1 first established
an EPA policy on data quality (the current version is EPA Order CIO
2105.0, May 5, 2000, http://epa.gov/quality/qs-docs/5360-1.pdf).
Evolving EPA quality assurance (QA) policy and program specifications
now require participation in a centrally managed Quality System by all
organizational units supporting environmental programs and by
organizations performing work in behalf of EPA.

The primary goal of the EPA Quality System is to ensure that all
environmental programs produce results that are of the type and quality
needed and expected for their intended use. Responsibility for
implementing the EPA Quality System rests in each Program Office,
Regional Office, Research Laboratory, National Laboratory, and State or
other organizations where the preparation of a quality management plan
(QMP) is required to cover all environmentally related measurement
activities. Among EPA\'s organizational units that are required to have
a QMP are the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division (APPCD) and
the National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC).

APPCD researches air pollution prevention and control technologies for
industries, electric power plants, incinerators, indoor environments,
and sources of greenhouse gases. APPCD characterizes major sources of
air pollution and verifies the performance of innovative technologies.
APPCD has six main program areas: air toxins; fine particles; indoor air
quality; ozone, and global climate change.

NHSRC provides expertise and products that are widely used to prevent,
prepare for, and recover from public health and environmental
emergencies arising from terrorist threats and incidents. It has five
main program areas: decontamination and consequence management; water
infrastructure protection; threat consequence and assessment research;
technical assistance for emergency response; and testing and evaluation
efforts.

QA support in APPCD and NHSRC is conducted and/or directed by a QA
expert (i.e., member of the APPCD or NHSRC QA support staff). The QA
activities may also require additional expertise from another EPA
laboratory or office. With QA requirements encompassing such a wide
range of technical areas, EPA has a need for contractor support to
provide specialized QA expertise in the technical fields for which EPA
conducts research and where there is no one available within EPA.

In addition, QA support is required for all environmentally-related
measurement activities which include, but are not limited to:

\- Temperature and humidity measurement;

\- Pollutant mass balance;

\- On-line analysis of temperature and gases;

\- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs);

\- Moisture dynamics, heat production;

\- Monitoring and measurement of treatment technology effectiveness in
field testing of hazardous waste materials;

\- Chemical simulation and measurement;

\- Microbiological contaminant sampling and characterization;

\- Gaseous and particulate emissions sampling;

\- Determination of composition of liquid mixtures;

\- Calibration of weight standards;

\- Determination of liquid and gas volumetric flow rate;

\- Evaluation and determination of gas dilution and mixing systems;

\- Evaluation and determination of use of continuous emission monitors;
and

\- Determination and evaluation of metals and metal concentrations.

# 2.0 OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this procurement is to provide APPCD and NHSRC, on a
continuing, quick-turnaround basis, with technical and laboratory
services related to QA/quality control (QC) support to ensure the
quality of scientific research conducted by APPCD and NHSRC. The
contractor shall perform contract activities as described in written
work assignments issued by the Contracting Officer (CO) or in written
technical directives issued by a Contracting Officer\'s Representative
(COR) in the following 4 task areas: (1) QA specialist and technical
expert reviews of research documents such as QA project plans (QAPPs),
research publications (reports, articles, and presentations), quality
management plans (QMPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs),
environmental data collection (environmental, microbiological, chemical,
and process), and research computer models and software (environmental,
microbiological, chemical, process, technological, and economic); (2) QA
specialist and technical expert assessments of quality systems,
technical audits, and related assessments for laboratory and field
research projects involving environmental data collection; (3)
laboratory support including preparing, acquiring, and/or evaluating
samples (environmental, chemical, and process), assessing analytical
methods, conducting special studies and investigations on QA/QC
procedures; (4) technical support for quality system development
including writing quality procedures, manuals, sampling and analytical
methods, and editing technical publications and preparing technical
information for oral presentations.

# 3.0 TASKS

## 3.1 QA and Technical Reviews of Research Documents

QA specialists and technical experts (as appropriate for the document at
hand) shall review any of the following documents including:

\- QAPPs;

\- Research results (e.g., draft reports, final reports, journal
articles, presentations)

\- QMPs;

\- SOPs;

\- Research computer models and software (environmental,
microbiological, chemical, process, geospatial, technological, and
economic)

\- Data (environmental, microbiological, chemical, and process) and
supporting documents; and

\- Sampling or analysis plans.

The contractor shall collect and report information related to these
documents as required by the CO or COR. Review activities may be
directed toward determining if the activity conforms to one or more of
the standards or specifications listed in Appendix A. Reviews within a
48-hour period may be required.

**Deliverables**

\- A written report, listing major and minor QA findings and technical
observations, and

\- An electronic file of the review in Agency-specified format and
software.

## 3.2 Assessments of Quality Systems, Technical Audits, and Related Assessments

QA specialists and technical experts (as appropriate for the assessment
at hand) shall assess the following:

\- field sample collection and measurement activities (technical systems
audits, surveillance, audits of data quality, data assessments and
performance evaluations);

\- analytical laboratory activities (technical systems audits,
surveillances, audits of data quality, data assessments, and performance
evaluations)

\- environmental program quality systems; and

\- design, construction, and operation of environmental technologies.

The contractor shall collect and report information related to these
activities, technologies, and techniques as required by the Project
Officer (PO) or Work Assignment Manager (WAM). Audits may be directed
toward determining if the activities conform to one or more of the
standards or specifications listed in Appendix A. Activities under the
audits task may include:

\- supplying technical experts for assessments,

\- conducting assessments at field sites and laboratories,

\- supporting EPA personnel in assessments at field sites and
laboratories,

\- preparing assessment checklists,

\- preparing or validating audit materials including performance
evaluation samples,

\- preparing assessment plans,

\- participating in assessment de-briefings, and/or

\- preparing assessment reports.

Assessments within a 48-hour period may be required.

**Deliverables**

\- A briefing of major assessment findings (usually required on the
first workday after completion of the off-site portion of the
assessment)

\- A written report of assessment findings (usually required within two
weeks after completion of the assessment) describing major and minor
findings and technical observations.

\- An electronic file of the assessment findings in Agency-specified
format and software

## 3.3 Laboratory Support and Method Evaluations

QA specialists and technical experts (as appropriate for the support at
hand) shall provide support for assessments and methods evaluation
studies, including the following laboratory-based activities:

\- Prepare, acquire, and/or evaluate environmental samples, performance
evaluation samples or other materials for use in assessments. Uniquely
formulated matrix-specific spiked materials may be required. Evaluation
of environmental samples within a 24-hour period may be required;

\- Assess analytical methods and determine the compatibility of
available procedures or proposed modifications of procedures for
analyzing multimedia samples;

\- Conduct special studies and investigations on QA/QC procedures for
various measurement activities applicable to APPCD and NHSRC technical
programs; and

\- Analytical equipment shall be available to conduct analyses of
environmental samples, but shall not be limited to:

> \+ gas chromatographs (and various detectors)
>
> \+ mass spectrometers
>
> \+ high-pressure liquid chromatographs (HPLCs)
>
> \+ analytical balances and mass reference standards
>
> \+ gas flow measurement devices and reference standards
>
> \+ temperature measurement devices and reference standards
>
> \+ humidity measurement devices and reference standards
>
> \+ gas dilution and mixing systems
>
> \+ continuous emission monitors for air pollutants
>
> \+ ion chromatographs
>
> \+ atomic absorption spectrometers with graphite furnace and mercury
>
> adaptions

Laboratory support and evaluations within a 24-hour period may be
required.

### Deliverables

\- A written report on laboratory analysis, including
methods/instruments used and relevant QC information (blank values,
bias, precision), and

\- An electronic file of the report in Agency-specified format and
software.

## 3.4 Technical Quality System Development and Support

QA specialists and technical experts (as appropriate for the support at
hand) shall provide technical support in the implementation of the EPA
Quality System as specified in each work assignment and/or by technical
directive, but not necessarily be limited to, the following activities:

\- Develop and/or document program-specific written quality procedures
and manuals;

\- Develop and/or document sampling and analytical methods;

\- Participate, in the presence of an authorized EPA official, in
meetings and conference calls to transfer technical information or
clarify information reports developed by the contractor; and

\- Edit technical project reports and other publications and prepare
technical information for oral presentations.

### Deliverables

\- A written report of findings, and

\- An electronic file of the report in Agency-specified format and
software.

# 4.0 MEETING AND CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE

Contractor personnel shall attend meetings, conferences, etc., as
specified in written work assignments issued by the CO. The
contractor\'s attendance shall only be for portions in which the
contractor is actively involved in data gathering, technical reporting,
or status reporting. Contractor personnel shall identify themselves and
the company for which they work before any meetings, conferences, etc.
Contractor employees shall wear badges prominently identifying
themselves and the company for which they work. The PO and/or TOM will
be present at all meetings, conference, etc., conducted by the
contractor.

# APPENDIX A

**Additional Background and Organizational Information for
Technical/Laboratory Support for Quality Assurance Programs of the Air
Pollution Prevention and Control Division and the National Homeland
Security Research Center**

[Quality Assurance Program Background]{.underline}

The EPA Quality System embraces many functions including: establishing
quality assurance (QA) policy guidelines for organizations, which are
documented as quality management plans (QMPs), and project-specific
quality assurance project plans (QAPPs); establishing criteria and
guidelines for assessing data quality; providing an information focal
point on QA/Quality Control (QC) tools and new QA/QC developments;
performing quality and technical assessments to ascertain effectiveness
of QA/QC implementation; and identifying and developing and conducting
QA training programs.

In order to provide a basis for the planning, implementation, and
assessment of the EPA

Quality System, the EPA invokes American National Standard, ANSI/ASQC
E4, *Specifications and Guidelines for Quality Systems for Environmental
Data Collection and Environmental Technology Programs*, which is a
national consensus standard authorized by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) and developed by the American Society for
Quality Control (ASQC). Requirements and guidance for implementing
ANSI/ASQC E4 and EPA Order CIO 2105.0 (May 2000) are available from
EPA\'s Quality Staff (<http://www.epa.gov/quality/>). Example documents
include:

\- *Guidance for Developing Quality Systems for Environmental Programs
(EPA QA/G-1)*, EPA Publication No. EPA/240/B-02/008, November 2002

\- EPA *Requirements for Quality Management Plans (EPA QA/R-2)*, EPA
Publication No. EPA/240/B-01/002, March 2001

\- *EPA Requirements for QA Project Plans (EPA QA/R-5)*, EPA Publication
No. EPA/240/B-01/003, March 2001

\- *Guidance on Assessing Quality Systems (EPA QA/G-3)*, EPA Publication
No. EPA/240/R-03/002, March 2003

\- *Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans (EPA QA/G-5)*, EPA
Publication No. EPA/240/R-02/009, December 2002

\- *Guidance on Technical Audits and Related Assessments for
Environmental Data Operations (EPA QA/G-7)*, EPA Publication No.
EPA/600/R-99/080, January 2000

\- *Data Quality Assessment: A Reviewer's Guide (EPA QA/G-9R)*, EPA
Publication No. EPA/240/B-06/002, February 2006.

\- *Data Quality Assessment: Statistical Methods for Practitioners (EPA
QA/G-9S)*, EPA Publication No. EPA/240/B-06/003, February 2006.

\- *Guidance on Quality Assurance for Environmental Technology Design,
Construction, and Operation (QA/G-11)*, EPA Publication No.
EPA/240/B-05/001, January 2005.

The Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division (APPCD) conducts
research, develops and demonstrates air pollution prevention and control
technologies for key industries, electric power plants, incinerators,
indoor environments, and sources of greenhouse gases. Research includes
characterization of major sources of air pollution and verification of
the performance of innovative technologies. APPCD maintains a close
working relationship with trade and professional organizations,
industry, and academia to design and develop innovative pollution
management methodologies. APPCD is also involved in international clean
technology development projects. The division concentrates its efforts
in six main program areas: air toxins, fine particles, indoor air
quality, ozone, and global climate change. The research, which is
conducted and managed by engineers, scientists, and administrative
professionals, is accomplished through a variety of mechanisms
including: in-house research, cooperative agreements with academia and
non-profit organizations; interagency agreements with other federal
entities; and contracts with environmental consultants and for-profit
companies.

APPCD\'s quality system is documented in the National Risk Management
Research Laboratory (NRMRL) QMP. Information on NRMRL\'s QA program is
available from the NRMRL Director of Quality Assurance, Lauren Drees:
(513) 569-7087 (voice); (513) 569-7787 (fax); or drees.lauren \@ega.gov
(e-mail).

The National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) develops and
delivers reliable, responsive expertise and products based on scientific
research and evaluations of technology. Our expertise and products are
widely used to prevent, prepare for, and recover from public health and
environmental emergencies arising from terrorist threats and incidents.
Research and development efforts focus on five primary areas:

\- Threat and Consequence Assessment investigates human exposure to
chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants to define dangerous
levels of these contaminants and establish protective cleanup goals.

\- Decontamination and Consequence Management focuses on decontamination
of buildings and outdoor environments and the safe disposal of
contaminated materials.

\- Water Infrastructure Protection is charged with protecting the
nation's drinking water sources and distribution systems and ensuring
the safety of wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal procedures.

\- Response Capability Enhancement works directly with emergency
responders and local governments to provide tools and information needed
to make informed decisions in the event of an attack.

\- Technology Testing and Evaluation evaluates technologies that show
potential for use in homeland security applications. These evaluations
are used by water utility operators, building owners, emergency
responders, and others to make informed decisions when purchasing
security technology.

NHSRC\'s quality system is documented in its QMP. Information on
NHSRC\'s QA program is available from the NHSRD Director of Quality
Assurance, Eletha Brady-Roberts: (513) 569-7762 (voice); (513) 569-2555
(fax); or roberts.eletha \@ega.gov (e-mail).