Once it has been determined that laboratory support is needed for an incident, the first step to securing that support is identifying qualified laboratories. Some resources for identifying laboratories to provide support may include:
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Identifying Qualified Laboratories
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Once it has been determined that laboratory support is needed for an incident, the first step to securing that support is identifying qualified laboratories. Some resources for identifying laboratories to provide support may include:
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Accessing ERLN/WLA Laboratories
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How does the ASR or EU representative secure support once they identify potential qualified ERLN or WLA-RP laboratories?
Local or State Level Incidents
If an incident is at the local or state level the EU/ASR is responsible for working directly with laboratories to secure their services. The requesting party would be responsible for paying for the laboratory's services.
Federal Incidents
If an incident is at the federal level or requires specialized analyses such as for chemical warfare agents, the requesting party (EU) can work with their EPA regional laboratory or work directly with the ERLN contact at EPA Headquarters to secure support from ERLN/WLA laboratories.
The EU or the regional laboratory will work with the EPA Headquarters ERLN project officer and contract officer to send out a request for services and a quote to the identified ERLN/WLA laboratories based on the number and type of samples.
Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA)
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If an ERLN/WLA member laboratory is asked to support an analytical need in a federal level incident, they can be reimbursed for their services by the use of a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA). A BOA is a written instrument of understanding between EPA and an ERLN/WLA member laboratory. An established BOA with EPA means that the laboratory has been vetted and has proven that it is capable of providing certain services that meet the standards of EPA's ERLN.
The BOA contains the following:
A BOA is not a contract, but rather, a pre-arranged agreement. There is no obligation to provide services. This agreement provides a mechanism for EPA to quickly task a laboratory to provide supplies or services during national emergencies or other EPA-defined specific incidents (defined on a case-by-case basis).
Reimbursement
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If the cost of laboratory support cannot be reimbursed through a purchase order set up based on a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA), then other mechanisms for reimbursement may be used. The best time to discuss reimbursement is at the beginning of an incident. The WLA-RP does not establish mechanisms for laboratory reimbursement, but the following resources outside of the WLA-RP may be used for assistance with cost reimbursement:
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Avoiding Reimbursement Delays
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Knowledge Review
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A _____ is a written instrument of understanding between EPA and an ERLN/WLA Member laboratory.
Knowledge Review
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A _____ is a written instrument of understanding between EPA and an ERLN/WLA Member laboratory.
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