EPA wants contractor to build smarter compliance tools

EPA has issued a draft solicitation for a contract to build a mobile system for its inspectors to collect, upload and share data electronically rather than the current paper-based system.

The agency intends to use an enterprise-architected approach to support and manage its compliance monitoring program, including administration, management, inspection, reporting and resolution, according to the draft.

The contract is being developed by EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, known as OCEA.

EPA is planning a full-and-open competition to create what it calls Smart Tools. The system will integrate business process management, field data collection, evidence management, data management and reporting tools that support EPA’s compliance monitoring.

According to the statement of objectives, EPA wants inspectors to prepare reports on mobile devices such as ruggedized laptops or tablets, rather than the current “record book” for note taking.

The contract will be competed using best-value criteria.

EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance manages compliance monitoring and oversight for enforcement of national environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

EPA wants to move toward a national electronic field inspection tool. The Smart Tool will feature enterprise integration, workflow processes, notification and document management, geospatial capabilities, reference library and reporting.

Comments on the draft are due June 30.

While the work will first only focus on federal inspectors, EPA said that it might expand the use of Smart Tools to state and local environmental agencies, which enforce the bulk of federal environmental laws.