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Sample and Data Management

Task Objectives

The primary purpose of this task is to perform all the necessary functions relating to the receipt, preparation, shipment, data tracking, quality control, and archiving of samples for chemical analyses. These functions are performed for both in-house and contract laboratory analyses.

Specific task objectives are as follows:

1. Perform physical preparation of samples (crushing, grinding, pulverizing, seiving, etc.) prior to submission to the laboratory for chemical analysis.
2. Send samples out to contract or in-house laboratories.
3. Perform QA/QC function for all chemical analyses.
4. Operate and maintain a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to track workflow through various laboratoires and pass the final results to the National Geochemical Database.
5. Maintain, operate, and enhance samples archive of solid phase materials for retrieval purposes.

Statement of Work

This task has five primary functions:

1. Contract out routine analytical chemistry functions to private laboratories that are cost effective at the required quality limits.
2. Maintain a QA/QC database for both contract and in-house chemistry that is adequate for Environmental Protection Agency, Water Resources Discipline, and Chain-of-Custody protocols.
3. Maintain a computerized laboratory information management system (LIMS)to track contract and in-house analytical efforts and present the final data in a format consistent with other databases such as the National Geochemical Database.
4. Prepare samples by crushing, grinding, sieving, etc. for analysis via either or both contract and/or in-house laboratories.
5. Provide for the warehouse storage, inventory, and retrieval of previously analyzed samples.

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