SOURCES SOUGHT
B -- Dredged Material Management and Sediment Quality Evaluations
- Notice Date
- 11/21/2016
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE District, Portland, Attn: CECT-NWP, PO Box 2946, Portland, Oregon, 97208-2946, United States
- ZIP Code
- 97208-2946
- Solicitation Number
- W9127N-17-R-0024
- Archive Date
- 6/30/2017
- Point of Contact
- Eric Oldenkamp,
- E-Mail Address
-
Eric.J.Oldenkamp@usace.army.mil
(Eric.J.Oldenkamp@usace.army.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Dredged Material Management and Sediment Quality Evaluations Solicitation: W9127N-17-R-0024 Point of Contact: Eric Oldenkamp, Contract Specialist, eric.j.oldenkamp@usace.army.mil or (503)808-4617 NO RESPONSES ARE NECESSARY This announcement is a Sources Sought Notice to gather information for planning purposes only and is not a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The purpose of this sources sought is to determine market interest and the socioeconomic status, availability and capabilities of interested parties. The Government intends to use responses to this sources sought notice to make an appropriate acquisition decision for this project. This is not a solicitation. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Portland District (NWP) is conducting market research for an up-coming indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a pool of 3-4 contractors, with a maximum capacity of $6 million. The IDIQ will have a base period of three years and no option periods. The type of set-aside depends upon the response to this Sources Sought announcement and associated market research. The North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS) is 541712 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology); the Small Business Size Standard is 1,000 Employees; the Federal Service Code is B532 - Soil Studies. This Sources Sought is to ascertain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of Small Businesses (SB), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), Service-Disable Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), and all Woman-Owned SB (WOSB) categories. The Government must determine whether there is adequate competition among the potential pools of responsible contractors to utilize a small business and/or socio-economic program set-aside. All categories are highly encouraged to respond. Project Description: The Sediment Evaluation Team provides all dredged material characterization and disposal site monitoring and management for the Portland District. Project Locations include the following: a) Columbia Federal Navigation Channels (FNCs): Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR), Lower Columbia River and side channels, Willamette River b) Coast FNCs: Tillamook, Depoe Bay, Yaquina, Siuslaw, Umpqua, Coos Bay, Coquille, Port Orford, Rogue, Chetco c) Ocean Dredge Material Disposal Sites (ODMDSs): MCR, Siuslaw, Umpqua, Coos Bay, Coquille, Rogue, Chetco d) CWA disposal sites: MCR, Tillamook, Depoe Bay, Umpqua, Coos Bay, Coquille, Port Orford, Rogue, Chetco The Contractor (KTR) shall be capable of performing a wide range of dredged material evaluations and related services work. Examples of some of the work that will be contracted out on the awarded IDIQ are described below. 1. Sediment Quality Characterization: The KTR shall be capable of collecting sediment grab samples using the Corps' Gray O'Hara modified box core or ponar at various water depths. The KTR shall also be capable of collecting sediment core samples utilizing a vibracore sampler and gravity core sampler. At each sampling station, the Contracted crew shall hold station, record the water depth and geographic location of the sample. Multiple deployments may be needed to collect the quantity of material needed to run the required analyses. The KTR will ship coolers containing the sediment samples to the contract laboratory(ies). The KTR shall provide laboratory coordination services and facilitate the delivery of appropriate sample jars and lids, labels, blanks, coolers, custody seals, and chain-of-custody forms prior to the sampling event. The KTR will also ensure that laboratory-generated data meet applicable quality assurance/quality control guidelines and standards. Contracted laboratories shall maintain accreditation under the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference/Program (bioassays are not included in NELAC). Contract laboratories must meet the minimum laboratory Quality Assurance/Quality Control, technical, and management requirements provided in the Department of Defense Quality Systems Manual for Environmental Laboratories, Version 5.0 (or most recent). The KTR shall be capable of preparing Sediment Sampling and Analysis Plans and Sediment Quality Evaluation reports. 2. Sediment Analysis: All sediment samples shall be analyzed per the 2009 Sediment Evaluation Framework for the Pacific Northwest (SEF) for physical and chemical parameters. Table 6-1 of the SEF provides the sediment preparation and analysis methods and sample quantitation limits (aka method reporting limits) that are required for each task order. For undetected chemicals, the laboratory must achieve method detection limits (MDLs) or limits of detection (LODs) below the SEF 2009 marine screening levels. If the contract laboratory is unable to achieve sufficiently low MDLs for particular analytes, the KTR must provide the reason(s) for the elevated MDL(s) prior to submitting the final data report. Upon completion of analyses, the contract laboratory shall prepare a quality control report that includes the precision and accuracy of data generated on the analyzed samples. All laboratory Electronic Data Deliverables shall be reviewed by the KTR's QA/QC Officer before delivery to the Corps. In addition, the KTR shall use the field and laboratory data collected for each project and enter the data into the Washington Department of Ecology Environmental Information Management (EIM) Database. Sediment samples are typically analyzed for the following parameters: a) Physical Analysis, including: US Soil Classification, Particle size, Hydrometer, Particle shape, Void ratio, Dry bulk density, Volatile Solids, Moisture Content and Resuspended Density (calculated) b) ASTM Dredge Analysis, including Atterburg limits and settling rates c) Conventionals, including: total solids, total organic carbon, total sulfides, ammonia d) Total Metals: Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Silver (Ag), and Zinc (Zn) e) Semi-volatile organic compounds, including Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (low-molecular weight and high-molecular weight), Chlorinated Hydrocarbons, Phthalates, Phenols, and Miscellaneous Extractable Compounds f) Hydrocarbon Identification (NWTPH-HCID with follow-up) g) Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)-Diesel h) TPH-Residual i) Organophosphorus Pesticides and PCBs j) Butyltin (including Tributyltin (TBT) and breakdown products; bulk and pore-water analysis) k) Dioxin/Furans 3. Marine and Freshwater Bioassay Analysis: The KTR will collect material using a grab sampler and select a laboratory to conduct solid phase toxicity testing using test species. Marine bioassay includes: a) 10-day amphipod Ampelisca or Eohaustorius estuarius survival b) 20-day polychaete Neanthes survival and growth c) Sediment Larval Test (Mytilus) d) SEF related chemical analyses, including elutriate testing e) Freshwater bioassay includes: f) 10-day Chironomus survival and growth g) 10-day Hyalella survival h) 20-day Chironomus survival and growth i) 28-day Hyalella survival and growth 4. Bioaccumulation Analysis: The KTR shall estimate the bioaccumulation potential assays of the solid phase of dredged materials tissue analysis of filter and deposit feeders and burrowing benthic organisms. Test procedures shall be in accordance with the SEF. 5. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter: The measurement of waves, current, and water level shall be collected using a bottom-mounted platform marked by surface buoys. An acoustic release buoy and acoustic beacon shall be added to the instrument platform and deployed, if needed to aid in platform retrieval. Data collection shall occur continuously for a period of time. Data sampling intervals at the station shall be every one hour. Currents through the water column and direction waves shall be measured with a Nortek Audio Waveform Amplifier and Converter (AWAC) Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), or equivalent, that has a burst sampling frequency of 2-hertz (Hz), burst duration of 22 minutes, with burst occurrence every hour. The bottom current regime shall be measured using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) with data sampling based on serial correspondence to longwave energy as expressed in observations of water surface elevation (WSE). The WSE shall be measured using a precision pressure transducer (PAROS or similar). The concentration of suspended sediments shall be measured using an Optical Backscatter Sensor (OBS) for one month. Bottom current regime, WSE, and OBS shall be measured at a sampling frequency of 4-Hz and burst duration of 22 minutes, with burst occurrence every 30 minutes. 6. Intertidal and Subtidal Biota Characterization: The KTR shall determine the distribution of intertidal and subtidal biota based on visual observations during high and low tide, analysis of aerial photographs, and/or underwater photography. Using this information, the KTR shall document the presence and range of dominant species within the impact area of dredged material disposal. The KTR shall conduct site visits before and after disposal at the breakwater placement area, documenting intertidal and subtidal biota within the placement area and changes in composition after disposal to draw conclusions on the effects of dredged material placement on the habitat. A pre-disposal site visit shall be conducted prior to disposal at the breakwater site. A post-disposal site visit shall be conducted during the following spring or summer. In addition, the KTR shall note any wildlife use of the area surrounding the disposal site, including the breakwater and adjacent native habitats. The KTR shall conduct a bathymetric survey of the disposal area, surveying as close to shore and to the outfall location as possible, and extending out a distance of 1,000 feet in all directions from the discharge point. An interferometric/swatch bathymetry sidescan or conventional dual-frequency side scan sonar may be used to collect acoustic imagery. Using this data, the KTR shall identify significant debris and/or features on the bottom within the survey area. This information, in conjunction with bottom elevation data, shall be used to infer the depth of dredged material deposition. The KTR shall observe the placement of material and the direct impacts of the placement. The KTR shall note the area of impact, the presence of any visible plume, and the direction of flow of slurry in the water. The KTR shall consider other factors, such as wave action, that may contribute to the effects and define the area of maximum impact. In addition, the KTR shall document the location and position of the discharge pipe along the breakwater and over the water, taking photographs and collecting coordinates along the length of pipe and at the outfall. 7. Disposal Site Surveys: The KTR shall be capable of planning and executing disposal site surveys for site monitoring and trend assessments at ocean dredged material disposal sites. The KTR shall be capable of evaluating the environmental impacts of dredging and placement of dredged material and relay this information in detailed technical reports and Site Management and Monitoring Plans. Typical surveys conducted at Portland District Disposal Sites are described below. 8. Crab Pot Deployment and Retrieval: The KTR shall obtain commercial crab pots (0.91 meter diameter by 0.36 meter deep) and modify the pots so that all portions of the pot, except the entry doors, are covered in ¾ inch diagonal, non-toxic, non-corrosive plastic mesh. The purpose of the mesh is to retain any smaller crabs that enter the traps but would otherwise be absent from the catch record due to the escape ports, or the standard large mesh of commercial pots. The KTR shall then deploy the crab pots at locations within ODMDSs. Each crab pot shall be retrieved after a 24-hour soak time. Upon retrieval of each pot, the contents shall be emptied for identification and enumeration of all organisms. The crab pots shall then be re-baited and re-deployed for a second 24-hour period. Dungeness crabs in each pot shall be sexed, measured, examined for shell condition, and carefully returned to the water. If more than 50 crabs are present in a single pot, the remaining crabs shall be counted and returned to the water. Crab measurements shall consist of carapace width taken immediately anterior to the tenth anterolateral spine, to the nearest millimeter using Vernier calipers. Appearance and pliability of the smaller legs shall be used to determined shell condition and strength. The crab bait shall consist of a commercial stainless steel baiter filled with squid and herring placed in each crab pot. The depth, geographic location, and time of post set and retrieval shall be recorded for each sampling station. 9. Benthic Sampling and Analysis: The KTR shall collect benthic grab samples using the Corps' Gray-O'Hara modified box core, or equivalent, at various water depths within and outside the ODMDSs. The KTR shall filter the samples through a 0.5 millimeter (mm) sieve and preserve the retained material. The samples shall be sorted under microscope into four groups: polychaetes, mollusks, crustaceans, and miscellaneous. The groups shall be identified to the lowest practical taxa and counted. The KTR shall determine species density, diversity, richness, and equitability within the ODMDS and outside the ODMDS. The KTR shall provide a written report of the methods used for sample collection, the results of the data analysis, and discussion of the meaning of the results with regards to potential effects to the benthic infaunal community from disposal of dredged material. 10. Epibenthic Invertebrate and Fish Monitoring: The KTR shall perform 10-minute beam trawls inside and outside of ODMDSs ensuring the trawls occur along the same bathymetric contour within and outside the site. The KTR shall sort the epibenthic fauna collected, identify individuals to the lowest practical taxa, and record fish length. The KTR shall provide a written report of the methods used for sample collection, the results of the sampling, and discussion of any differences between the benthic invertebrate and fish species found within and outside the ODMDS. 11. Sediment Profile Imaging: A sediment profile imaging (SPI) or equivalent system shall be used by a KTR to determine thickness variation and areal distribution of dredged material deposition on the seabed at stations within ODMDSs. The vertical thickness of deposited dredged material at a given location shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between upper-most interface of ambient seabed sediment (pre-disposal condition) and the upper-most interface of deposited dredged material. Images collected in locations where dredged material has not been deposited shall be identified as ambient seabed, and the conditions shall be noted. 12. Multibeam Surveys: A high resolution multibeam hydroacoustic survey and comprehensive side scan sonar survey shall be conducted within the ODMDS to determine the aerial extent of disposal. The KTR shall supply memorandum documenting survey methodology, calibration procedures, data processing, quality assurance procedures, and statement of survey accuracy. The KTR shall also submit the following: a) XYZ comma-delimited ASCII data sorted at 1-foot grid spacing. b) Contact database of significant side scan sonar objects. c) Mosaic sidescan sonar images. d) FGDC compliant metadata file for each dataset e) Two (2) copies of CD containing ASCII data, contact database, mosaic images, metadata files, and electronic copy of report. 13. Sand Tracer Studies: The KTR shall design a sediment tracer study to track sediment movement and transport pathways in the littoral zone of the ocean to maximize nearshore placement of dredged material. The KTR is responsible for manufacturing, deploying, and measuring the tracer after deployment to determine the fate of the deployed tracer. The KTR shall collect, process, and interpret all data. The KTR shall produce an appropriate amount and type sediment tracer for this study that is environmentally benign and inert. The following properties of the sediment tracer must be comparable with the dredged sediment which is to be placed at each release site to be investigated under a task order: grain-size distribution at ¼ phi size intervals, density associated with modal grain sizes, modal grain size settling velocity, and mobility on the seabed after placement. The tracing characteristics of the particles must be sufficient to permit tracing for up to 48 months (i.e. the tracer cannot wear away or be dissolved). Additional sampling for tracer released under a task order may be conducted at later dates within the 48 month period. A sufficient volume of tracer must be produced to meet the objectives of the study. The tracer material is to be placed on the seabed, with the understanding that the initial dispersion and transport of the sediment tracers is likely to be conservative since mixing, entrainment, and dispersion would be greater if released from a dredge hopper. The intent of tracer deployment is to track dredged material (via a sediment tracer surrogate) after it has deposited ON the seabed. Each task order is not to address the fate of sediment as it falls through the water column during dredged material disposal operations. The sediment tracer study should be designed to assess movement and fate as a result of transport along the seabed or become suspended by waves and currents, in a similar manner as material typically dredged from Federal projects. The KTR shall conduct "background" sampling within the local area, to determine the extent of background florescence of sediment within the study area and formulate methods for dealing with this background effect when detecting the deployed sediment tracer. Immediately following tracer deployment (within 1-2 days), the KTR shall conduct limited sampling to determine the deployed tracer "footprint" on the seabed to establish initial conditions for the deployed tracer. A Shipek grab sampler, or similar, shall be used to collect samples from each release site. The study shall include the collection of up to 140 sediment grab samples approximately 3 months after the tracer releases (Round 2). The KTR shall also record velocity and bathymetry measurements. The KTR shall map coordinates of all samples to demonstrate the transport and deposition of both sand tracers, and measurements must be recorded and provided as a digital file. 14. Water Quality Measurements: The KTR shall take in-situ hydrographic measurements to include water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductivity, and depth. These measurements will be made at intervals between the surface and bottom at disposal sites. In addition, observations of tidal cycle and height (recorded from local tide tables for that location, date, and time), weather conditions (approximate wind speed and direction), and sea state shall be made and recorded. 15. Equipment: The KTR will be responsible for providing all materials, supplies, personnel, and equipment needed (unless specified) for the work described in this document. Boats utilized for sampling shall be of sufficient size and deck space to assemble and deploy a 0.096 meter squared modified Gray O'Hara box-core surface sampler with a 4-foot stand, and a KTR-supplied vibracore sampler (up to 14-foot penetration capability) with sufficient hydraulic lift capability (up to 600 pounds) for clearance to deploy and retrieve the sampling equipment. The KTR shall provide a vibra-core sampler, sampling tubes and personnel with knowledge to operate the equipment. SUBMISSION CONTENT: Your firm's response to this market research request shall be limited to 10 (ten) pages, and shall include the following information. 1. Firm's name, address, current point of contact, phone number, and e-mail address. 2. Include your CAGE and DUNS numbers. 3. Firm's interest in responding to the solicitation when it is issued. 4. Provide any information on your Firm's technical abilities/experience as they pertain to the services listed above, along with number of years of experience specific to what we are looking for. (Include past contracts with USACE, if applicable.) 5. Any past performance information that demonstrate technical experience. Minimum of 2 and no more than 5 projects. 6. Please identify your firm's business size. If you are a small business, include your socioeconomic classification (e.g. 8(a), HUBZone, Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), or Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) if applicable. Responses should be received by 2:00 pm PDT Friday, December 16, 2016. All questions and responses should be sent via e-mail to Eric.J.Oldenkamp@usace.army.mil. It is the potential Offeror's responsibility to monitor FedBizOps (FBO.gov) for release of any future solicitation that may result from this Sources Sought Notice. You must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) Database to receive a Government contract award. You may register for SAM at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/. The Government reserves the right to use only the internet as notification of any amendments to this solicitation. Point of Contact for small business questions or assistance is the Portland District Deputy for Small Business, Carol McIntyre at 503-808-4602 or Carol.A.Mcintyre@usace.army.mil.
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- Address: Oregon, United States
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