Date Issued: December 11, 2024
Proposal Due Date: January 10, 2025
- Overview
GASP is seeking a consultant to develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) specifically designed for a community-based air quality monitoring project in an environmental justice area. This project aims to empower residents by equipping them with accurate and accessible air quality data, enabling informed community advocacy for cleaner air. The consultant will ensure that the QAPP meets EPA standards while centering community engagement, cultural relevance, and accessibility in the project. - Background
GASP is committed to advancing environmental justice and addressing air pollution disparities affecting vulnerable communities. Working with local residents and community leaders, we are launching a grassroots air quality monitoring initiative to capture localized pollution data, raise awareness, and drive policy change. This initiative will provide community members with tools and resources to monitor their own air, understand health implications, and advocate for solutions. - Scope of Work
The consultant will work closely with GASP, community members, and local stakeholders to develop a QAPP that integrates scientific rigor with community-oriented methodologies. Specific tasks include:
- Project and Community Engagement Planning: Develop a plan that specifies roles and responsibilities, timelines, and a framework for engaging and training community members in air monitoring protocols.
- Community-Centered Data Quality Objectives: Define data quality objectives that balance scientific requirements with the practical needs of community members, focusing on accessible and actionable data.
- Community-Driven Measurement and Data Acquisition: Recommend monitoring locations, sampling methods, and equipment that account for community concerns, local pollution sources, and ease of use for non-technical users.
- Quality Control and Assurance for Community Use: Outline simplified yet rigorous QA/QC protocols to ensure data reliability, including equipment calibration, maintenance, and validation procedures tailored for community use.
- Data Accessibility and Interpretation: Establish clear guidelines for data validation, interpretation, and communication that allow residents to use the data effectively in advocacy and public health efforts.
- Documentation and Reporting: Create a reporting and documentation process that is accessible to community members, ensuring findings are transparent, understandable, and can support local advocacy efforts.
- Deliverables
The consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:
- Final QAPP Document: A finalized QAPP incorporating all community and organizational feedback, suitable for submission to the EPA within 2 months from the start date.
- Community Presentation: A presentation for community members that explains the QAPP, its purpose, and its application, using accessible language and visuals.
- Training Materials: Development of training materials on QAPP protocols, equipment usage, data collection, and reporting, tailored for non-technical community members.
- Consultant Qualifications
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Experience developing QAPPs for community-based environmental monitoring, particularly in air quality.
- Knowledge of EPA standards and community-oriented data collection practices.
- Experience working directly with environmental justice communities, including a sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, and accessibility needs.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into user-friendly formats for community use.
- A commitment to environmental justice and participatory approaches in environmental monitoring.
- Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals should include:
- Cover Letter: Introduction to the consultant or firm, qualifications, and understanding of the project’s community focus.
- Project Approach: A description of how the consultant will engage with community members and integrate their input into the QAPP. Include a timeline and work plan.
- Relevant Experience and References: Examples of similar projects and references from community-based clients.
- Budget Estimate: Detailed budget, including hourly rates, estimated hours, and any other associated costs.
- Resumes: Key personnel who would be assigned to the project.
- Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevant experience in community-based environmental monitoring and QAPP development (40%)
- Quality and feasibility of the proposed community engagement approach (30%)
- Cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget (20%)
- Commitment to environmental justice principles and community-centered methodologies (10%)
- Submission Details
Please submit your proposal by January 10, 2025 to:
Contact Name: Jilisa Milton
Title: Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: 2320 Highland Ave #270, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Project Timeline
- Proposal Due: January 10, 2025
- Consultant Selection: By January 31, 2025
- Project Start Date: The contract is expected to begin promptly upon the selection of the awarded applicant and finalization of any required agreements.
- Additional Information
GASP is committed to building community capacity in environmental monitoring and promoting health equity through data-driven advocacy. We strongly encourage proposals from consultants with a demonstrated commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and environmental equity.
Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to support cleaner air and healthier communities. We look forward to reviewing your proposal.
