Questions and Answers - NM Water Quality Testing 0001

Questions & Answers for 140RR027Q0021 – New Melones Water Quality Testing How frequently will Reclamation deliver samples to the Angels Camp drop box, and what is the expected number of pickup events per year?
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The samples will be delivered monthly
Therefore, there are twelve (12) such events per year

Are deliveries scheduled or on demand, and how much advance notice will the contractor receive? •
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The laboratory notifies us when they are delivering empty bottles to the drop box and we usually collect the samples the following day.
The lab checks the box daily.
We are also willing to let the lab know when we are dropping off the samples if daily checking is too onerous.

What pickup timing, temperature control, and weekend/holiday arrangements are required to meet sample holding times?
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Colder than 60 degrees Celsius when received that the laboratory, as shall be documented on the chain of custody.
Analyze within 8 hours of receipt at lab.
Holding time 5 hours.
No samples on weekends or holidays.
Contractor picks up samples at approximately 10 am.

We understand from PWS Section 4.1 that Reclamation supplies and delivers the samples, while the contractor provides the locked drop box and transportation. Please confirm. •
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The contractor provides the empty sample bottles and the drop box. The lab then provides transportation of the samples from the drop box to the laboratory to the laboratory.

Laboratory Subcontracting: May a small-business prime contractor partner with a qualified ELAPcertified laboratory to perform the required analyses, provided all applicable subcontracting requirements are satisfied?
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This is a laboratory contract, so the prime contractor is the sole contractor, which shall be the laboratory.

Sample Drop-Off: May the prime contractor arrange for its laboratory partner to provide and manage the required secure drop box at 584 S. Main Street, Angels Camp, CA 95222? •

The laboratory is the sole contractor and shall provide and manage the drop box.

Certification: If a prime contractor proposes an accredited laboratory subcontractor, may the subcontractor's ELAP certification satisfy the solicitation's laboratory certification requirement? •

The laboratory is the contractor and shall be ELAP certified.

How often (frequently) is the Contractor (the lab) required to pick up samples at the 584 S. Main St. Angels Camp location?
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The laboratory shall retrieve and transport samples one (1) time per month.