Research Partnership: Health, UOGD & Other Tech.

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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Pre-Solicitation Notice of Intent to Award Sole Source to Health Effects Institute (HEI) For the Requirement Titled “Support for Partnership Research on the Public Health Impacts of Unconventional Oil and Gas Development (UOGD) and Other Energy Production Technologies” under Solicitation (SOL) 68HERC25R0070

The U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement (OSAPE) intends to negotiate a contract, on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source, 41 U.S. Code 3304(a)(1), with Health Effects Institute (HEI).

HEI is a unique institution, jointly supported by both EPA and industry, established in 1980 to conduct and evaluate research on the health effects of air pollution emissions from motor vehicles. Under this contract HEI will plan and implement a national research program on the potential public health impacts of unconventional oil and gas development and other energy production technologies by: (1) performing critical reviews of scientific literature; (2) planning and conducting representative population exposure studies; (3) planning and conducting health studies, as warranted and feasible; and (4) performing program management, quality assurance, data management, regulatory compliance, human subject research compliance, reporting production, health and safety compliance, and public communications in support of the above tasks.

Pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, Congress outlined a series of criteria that EPA should meet in pursing the above requirements. These criteria include that the requirements should: (1) be managed by a non-for-profit institution; (2) continue existing partnerships between EPA, industry, and stakeholders; (3) leverage funding from industry; and (4) produce independent and credible science. Each of these criteria are discussed below.

(1) Not for profit status: HEI is a not-for-profit institution established and funded jointly by the EPA and industry for the explicit purpose of conducting credible research to inform environmental policy decisions.

(2) Continuing partnerships with EPA, industry, and stakeholders: HEI has successfully managed the joint funding of environmental health research between EPA and the automobile industry since 1980. As HEI’s work has expanded beyond a focus on automotive emissions in the United States to other sources and other regions, they have brought in additional funding partners from other industries, philanthropic foundations, and other governments. The multi-contributor, long-term funding relationships and long-term, continuing research programs established by HEI are unique in the environmental health sciences field. Furthermore, HEI has established relationships not only with the affected oil and gas industry, but also with governments, affected communities, and environmental advocacy groups interested in the impacts of UOGD and other energy production technologies.

(3) Leveraged funding: HEI’s ongoing energy research has been supported by multiple entities in the oil and gas industry through both direct financial and in-kind donations of resources. No other non-profit organization has such relationships or funding commitments in place.

(4) Independence and credibility: HEI’s unique organizational structure and research management process was designed specifically to produce independent and credible research in often adversarial contexts. For more than 40 years, it has maintained a reputation for producing the highest quality research and serving as an unbiased arbiter of scientific controversies. The fact that HEI has not only maintained its relationship with EPA and the automobile industry, but expanded its relationships to other industries, governments, and stakeholders is evidence of the credibility of the organization and its work. HEI has always received balanced funding from industry and Government and carefully guarded against bias, so their credibility is not compromised by past activities.

HEI is the only known source that meets the criteria above and has the existing structure, processes, expertise, and relationships necessary to initiate the design and selection of exposure and health studies required by EPA as soon as funding is available. No other organization could initiate the required studies in such a timely fashion, thus delaying the research findings and insights required by EPA.

This notice of use of noncompetitive procedures and the intent to award to HEI constitutes a synopsis for the requirement titled “Support for Partnership Research on the Public Health Impacts of Unconventional Oil and Gas Development (UOGD) and Other Energy Production Technologies”. This notice satisfies the requirement at FAR 5.101(a)(1) for publicizing the proposed contract action.

An Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) type contract, issuing Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Task Orders (TOs) is anticipated with a maximum value of $15,000,000.00. The ordering period is anticipated to be a single, five (5) year term. The anticipated award date is the second half of 2025.

The acquisition of these professional services will be processed in accordance with FAR Part 15. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (expect nanotechnology and biotechnology), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

Responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, would not be cost or time prohibitive and would not hinder the mission objective of this requirement. The determination not to compete this proposed contract action is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. This is NOT a request for quotes or proposals.

All documentation MUST be submitted in writing via email to the point of contact for this requirement within fifteen (15) calendar days from electronic positing of this Notice. The point of contact for this requirement is Ross Gillingham with email address at gillingham.ross@epa.gov.

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