RFI/Sources Sought Notice, Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) Waterline Testing Services, Biloxi, MS, Pensacola, FL and Panama City Beach, FL

1. PURPOSE The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting market research to identify qualified and interested firms capable of providing routine and surge Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) testing of potable waterlines at VA facilities along the Gulf Coast. The Government seeks capability statements from Small Businesses (including SDVOSB/VOSB) and other than small businesses, and from GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) holders under SIN 541380 (Testing Laboratory Services). This RFI/Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. 2. BACKGROUND & REGULATORY CONTEXT HPC (Standard Methods 9215) estimates live culturable heterotrophic microorganisms in water and is used to monitor premise plumbing microbiological condition; consistent method/media selection is essential to preserve trend comparability. Short, strict hold times for HPC samples require reliable local logistics (cooling/transport and initiation of analysis within program limits�commonly ?24 hours, and in some jurisdictions ?8 hours for compliance). In healthcare settings, CDC expects facilities to operate comprehensive water management programs; EPA notes HPC can indicate general distribution-system water quality status, and ?500 CFU/mL is used for disinfectant-residual equivalency under SWTR. 3. DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK (SUMMARY) 3.1 Methods Contractor shall perform HPC under Standard Methods (SM) 9215 using acceptable variants (e.g., 9215B, 9215D/R2A, 9215E). Contractor shall document media, incubation temperature, and duration for each sample; the selected method/media shall remain consistent throughout the period of performance for comparability of trends. 3.2 Certifications & Accreditation Contractor shall hold current state certification/accreditation explicitly listing HPC under SM 9215 for the place(s) of performance (e.g., MSDH Drinking Water Laboratory Certification in Mississippi; Florida DOH/NELAP in...