A--Aerosol Systems Testing of chemical/biological (CB) ensembles.

Under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Kansas Street, Natick, MA intends to negotiate and award a contract on a sole source basis with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, Research Triangle Park, NC, for testing and evaluation of protective chemical/biological (CB) garments against an aerosol challenge. This is a Test & Evaluation (T&E) effort in support of two separate projects for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)/Joint Science & Technology Officer (JSTO). The primary objective of the first project, the Closures Effort is to improve aerosol protection by addressing leakage at the closures and interfaces of CB ensembles. The primary objective of the second effort, the Chemical/Biological and Ground Soldier System Combined Technology Demonstration is to demonstrate the reduced thermal burden of current industry and government CB material technologies. The overall purpose of this T&E effort is to determine the aerosol protection of the CB ensembles to be tested. Two separate series of Aerosol System Tests (AST) are required for the two separate projects. The only way to perform a complete assessment of how an ensemble protects against aerosols is through AST analysis, thus this test is a critical milestone for both projects. RTI is the only company known to conduct AST as described by Test Operations Procedure (TOP 10-2-022): Chemical Vapor and Aerosol System Level Testing of Chemical/Biological Protective Suites. RTI was involved with developing this test back in the 1980s. RTI is listed as an author of TOP 10-2-022 and is intimately familiar with the details of this test. Since the inception of this test, RTI has conducted numerous AST of CB ensembles for the military and for the first responder community. The estimated cost of this acquisition is $304,796.00. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Any firm that believes it can meet this requirement may give written notification to the Contracting Officer within 5 business days from the date of publication of this announcment. Supporting evidence must be in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirements, yet must be limited to 2 pages. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government to compete the proposed procurement based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Nothing herein should be misconstrued as a request for proposal. No solicitation document is available. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541380. Any inquiries about this announcement may be addressed to the above address, Attention Michelle Miller or by email to: submitted in writing to Ms. Michelle Miller at contact@example.gov. Inquiries shall be made no later than 12:00pm, 11 June 2010.