Date Issued: January 15, 2025
Proposal Due Date: February 7, 2025
1. Overview
GASP is seeking a consultant to develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and provide guidance on utilizing air monitoring data to study air pollution effectively. This initiative aims to empower residents by equipping them with accurate and accessible air quality data, enabling informed advocacy for cleaner air. The consultant will ensure the QAPP meets EPA standards while also supporting the organization and community in interpreting and applying the data to promote public health and environmental justice.
2. Background
GASP is committed to advancing environmental justice and addressing air pollution disparities affecting vulnerable communities. Through grassroots air quality monitoring, GASP seeks to capture localized pollution data, raise awareness, and drive systemic change. This initiative will provide residents with tools to monitor air quality, understand health implications, and advocate for solutions.
As part of this effort, we will collect particle pollution data using PurpleAir (or comparable) low-cost digital air sensors and sample for toxic pollutants using sorbent tubes and/or summa canisters. We will also develop strategies to utilize the collected data for advocacy, public health awareness, and policy development.
3. Scope of Work
QAPP Development
- Project and Community Engagement Planning: Develop a plan specifying roles, timelines, and training frameworks for community involvement.
- Community-Centered Data Quality Objectives: Define objectives that balance scientific rigor with accessibility for non-technical users.
- Community-Driven Measurement and Data Acquisition: Recommend methods and equipment tailored to community concerns and local pollution sources.
- Quality Control and Assurance: Establish QA/QC protocols for reliable community data collection.
- Data Accessibility and Reporting: Develop guidelines for validating and interpreting data, ensuring community members can use it effectively.
Data Utilization Consulting
- Air Pollution Study Guidance: Provide strategies for leveraging data to study air quality and pollution trends.
- Community Health Impact Analysis: Consult on using data to assess health risks and raise awareness about air quality impacts.
- Advocacy Support: Offer recommendations on integrating data into advocacy efforts to influence policy and regulatory actions.
- Comparative Analysis Expertise: Assist in using existing resources like EPA AirData and AirTrends websites to evaluate and contextualize local findings.
- Siting and Sampling Strategies: Guide the deployment of PurpleAir sensors and sampling methods, including collocation at regulatory sites for precision assessments.
- Laboratory Air Sampling and Analysis The consultant will provide guidance on or direct services/assistance related to laboratory air sampling methodologies, including the use of sorbent tubes and summa canisters, to analyze toxic pollutants effectively. This includes ensuring that sampling strategies align with project objectives and adhere to EPA standards.
4. Deliverables
- Final QAPP Document: A finalized QAPP incorporating community and organizational feedback, suitable for EPA submission.
- Community Presentation: Accessible presentations explaining the QAPP and data usage strategies.
- Training Materials: Tailored materials for community members on monitoring, data interpretation, and advocacy.
- Data Utilization Plan: A detailed plan outlining how GASP and the community can apply collected data for research, health assessments, and advocacy efforts.
5. Consultant Qualifications
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Experience in QAPP development and community-based air quality projects.
- Expertise in utilizing air quality data for health, advocacy, and policy purposes.
- Knowledge of EPA standards and participatory environmental monitoring.
- Sensitivity to the needs of environmental justice communities.
- Strong communication skills to translate technical concepts into accessible formats.
- Selected consultants must successfully pass a conflicts of interest check to ensure alignment with the goals of the organization.
- 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 15, 2025
- Consultant Selection: By February 7, 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.
