These documents were developed by the Forum on Environmental Measurements (FEM) in consultation with the Office of Acquisition Management and the Office of General Counsel and have cleared intra-agency review under the auspices of the FEM. The purpose of these documents is to convey EPA policy requiring that organizations (e.g.. laboratories, field sampling and measurement) generating environmental data under Agency-funded acquisitions submit documentation of their competency, which may include participation in applicable certification and/or accreditation programs. All organizations performing environmental analysis for the Agency shall demonstrate their qualifications in the field(s) of analyses to be conducted, prior to performing such analyses.

• Forum on Environmental Measurement (FEM)

• Policy to Assure Competency of Laboratories, Field Sampling, and Other Organizations Generating Environmental Measurement Data under Agency-Funded Acquisitions (PDF)(2 pp, 175 K)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Acquisitions.pdf (PDF)(9 pp, 162 K, 02/21/2011)