 |
| Resource Library > chemistry |
|
What's New
 Performance Evaluation Program
Analytical chemistry results provide the basis for multiple actions in the Environmental Restoration program, including a start of remedial action, optimizing clean-up progress, and closing out a site. The soundness of these decisions directly relates to the defensibility of the data coming from the laboratory. One way of confirming a laboratory's competence and reinforcing data defensibility is the implementation of a laboratory performance evaluation (PE) program. AFCEE has successfully implemented a PE program for the ACC 4-Base Performance Based Contract (PBC) that has work being completed at Ellsworth, Mountain Home, Nellis, and Offutt AFBs. AFCEE is now making this PE program available to other PBCs. This AFCEE-managed program meets the contract requirement that the Contractor "administer a performance evaluation program." For more information, AFCEE has prepared a factsheet to describe the program.
Data Quality Presentations
Recently, AFCEE/TDV Chemistry hosted a data quality seminar for AFCEE/EXE/ER/TDV and 772 ESS/PK that focused on essential data quality elements of the AFCEE chemistry program, including discussions of both programmatic and project-specific quality. Additionally, new contracting language for the WERC09 contract vehicle was highlighted, especially as it supports the focused performance based remediation efforts. Lastly, representatives of Analytical Quality Associates, a company specializing in data validation, gave a presentation on ensuring the prime contractor selects the right laboratory and why it's important. Slide sets are available for download here:
UFP-QAPP Review Checklist
AFCEE/TDV Chemistry has developed a checklist to assist in reviewing QAPPs in the UFP format. The checklist incorporates EPA R5 and UFP-QAPP Manual requirements, and common errors/best practices seen in previous DoD UFP-QAPPs. In the near future, the checklist will become part of DoD guidance for conducting project-specific reviews. Currently, the checklist can be downloaded here.
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials Endorses UFP-QAPP
On November 16th, 2009, the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) issued a letter from ASTSWMO President Gary Baughman to DoD and EPA officials indicating that ASTSWMO endorses the use of the UFP-QAPP. In the letter, ASTSWMO requests that States and Territories have full partnership with DoD and EPA during the implementation of the UFP-QAPP and that all parties fully embrace all concepts of the tool during its use. The full letter can be read here.
UFP-QAPP Implementation
AFCEE has officially started transitioning from the AFCEE legacy guidance documents (e.g., Model Work Plan, FSP, QAPP) to the UFP-QAPP. On July 9, 2009 the AFCEE Restoration Program Management Office issued a memorandum on the implementation of UFP-QAPP for Air Force restoration projects. A fact sheet was also published on August 2009 to provide additional guidance on the UFP-QAPP implementation for new and ongoing Air Force restoration projects. A preliminary set of FAQs is available to address known and anticipated general, contracting, and analytical laboratory concerns on UFP-QAPP implementation.
DoD ELAP
Effective October 1, 2009, laboratories that are seeking to support the DoD environmental restoration program need to be accredited in accordance with DoD ELAP. This applies to all laboratories, including permanent, temporary, or mobile facilities that generate definitive data, regardless of their size, volume of business, or field of accreditation. A DoD ELAP fact sheet is available on the Web.
To assist in locating accredited labs, the Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW) has posted a searchable list of accredited laboratories on their DENIX webpage. This list can be accessed by clicking on the "Search DoD ELAP Accredited Labs" link at DENIX site.
For more information and a list of sites pertaining to accredited labs see our DoD ELAP page.
|
|
|
|
|
