SAM #SS_OPERATOR_CERT_TRAINING_OEHE

Tribal Operator Certification Exam Preparation Training and Program Management Services

The Indian Health Service (IHS), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking qualified providers for tribal operator certification exam preparation training and program management services. - Government Buyer: - Indian Health Service (IHS), Albuquerque Area - OEMs and Vendors: - Water Professionals International - Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona - Services Requested: - Tribal operator certification exam preparation training for water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collections, wastewater treatment, utility management, lagoon operation, federal regulations, operator math, and Safe Drinking Water Act topics - Training formats: blended, in-person, and virtual - Certification exams included - Support for 100-200 applications annually - Up to 30 operators per class - 8-15 training sessions per year - Operator certification program management - Application processing (up to 125 annually) - Exam scheduling and proctoring - Certification database maintenance and reporting - Coordination of annual tribal operator workgroup and advisory committee meetings - Contract coordination and communication with IHS - Operation and maintenance of a Section 508-compliant public website for training access, applications, and resources - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Provider must be an EPA-recognized certification body - Training and exams must be accessible to rural locations throughout the Continental US and Alaska - All labor, materials, equipment, venue, and incidentals (including COVID-19 prevention supplies) must be provided - Website must be Section 508 compliant for accessibility

Description

This Sources Sought Notice is being posted as outlined in FAR 15.201(c)(3) and is intended only as a request for information to determine if an “Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) Set-Aside (specific to Department of Interior and Indian Health Service) or a “Total Small Business Set-Aside” can fulfill the requirements set forth below. This is not a solicitation and no reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice.

Pursuant to 48 CFR Part 326, Subpart 326.603-3 and IHM 5.5-6, Indian Health Service must use the negotiation authority of the Buy Indian Act, 25 U.S.C. 47, to give preference to Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE), when authorized and practicable. 

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The Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service is conducting a market research survey, pursuant to FAR 10.001, to identify businesses capable of performing the services listed below:

1. NAICS Code: 611430- Professional and Management Development Training

a. If a different NAICS code is suggested, please include the proposed NAICS code and rationale.

2. Description: Tribal operator certification exam preparation training services from an EPA recognized certification body.

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Responses to this notice should include the following:

1.) Company name and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to confirm company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov, in accordance with FAR 4.1102(a).

2.) Company’s business size for the NAICS code listed above, including Historically Underutilized Business (HUBZone); Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE); Small Business; Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB); and/or Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB).

3.) Attached form titled "IHS IEE Representation Form", and check “does” or “does not” meet the definition of an IEE. This information is utilized to collect data.

4.) Capability statement and/or product brochure and/or any applicable past performance information that demonstrates that the supplies, equipment, or services can be provided by your company.

5.) Market Research Questions

Does your company have an existing EPA authorized operator certification program currently providing in-person and computer-based testing options using current ABC and ITCA Fed Reg exams as well as issuing and maintaining water, wastewater, and utility management certifications (operator-in-training, new, renewal, and reciprocal)? Estimate that this contract will support 100-200 applications annually. Is your company able to provide operator certification preparation trainings for water distribution (levels I-IV), water treatment (levels 1-IV), wastewater collections (level I-IV), wastewater treatment (level I-IV), and utility management? Estimate that this contract will average 8-15 virtual, blended, and/or in-person trainings with exam sessions (supporting 25-30 operators each) annually at primarily rural locations throughout the Continental United States and Alaska and using virtual platforms when requested. Is your company able to provide the operation and maintenance of a 508 compliant public website to access operator certification trainings, applications, and resources?

Please submit all requested information to Stephanie Begay via e-mail: Stephanie.Begay3@ihs.gov  by October 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm MD.

Automated responses or other responses that do not provide the requested information specified in this Sources Sought Notice will be noted as non-responsive and not considered in this Market Research.

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