A -- AMENDED PHASE 2 EFFORT FOR CONTRACT 68-C-01-170: PERFORMANCE OF A 2.5 m CUT PRE-CLASSIFIER FOR THE VEHICLE EXHAUST PARTICULATE MASS MEASUREMENT MODULE

Under authority granted in FAR 6.302-1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to modify and extend contract 68-C-01-170 with the Particle Technology Laboratory of the University of Minnesota (UMN-PTL) on a SOLE SOURCE BASIS. This modification action involves the integration and characterization of a PM sample probe, pre-classifier, and secondary diluter as a sample path for two prototype diesel exhaust Particulate Mass Measurement Module (PM3) systems. These PM3 systems are to be integrated into EPA's Simple Portable On-board Test system (SPOT) being developed for the collection of real-world PM exhaust emission data. This requirement represents a modification to phase 2 of an effort with UMN-PTL for the PM3 system development. Under phase 1, currently being performed by UMN-PTL, a proof-of-concept sample pre-classifier for a prototype PM3 is being developed and calibrated. During phase two of the effort the contractor will finalize the design of the pre-classifier, fabricate two units, integrate these pre-classifiers with exhaust PM sample probes and a secondary dilution fixtures form a sample path system for two PM3s, and provide aerosol characterization for the resulting integrated sample probe/pre-classifier/diluter sample paths. The aerosol characterization will consist of generating monodisperse liquid particles tagged with a fluorescent dye using a vibrating orifice aerosol generator followed by fluorometric analysis to determine the system 50% cut size, the shape of the penetration efficiency curve and internal particle losses. UMN-PTL has on-point experience with virtual impactor technology and virtual impactor pre-classifier development giving them the unique ability to provide the design and evaluation of the required pre-classifier for use by EPA in calendar year 2003. The Government's requirements for this acquisition are as follows: Specifications: Performance and Environmental Specification for the PM3 preclassifier. Performance Specification Standard Pre-classification Specification 2.5 ? 0.1 m and a g =1.2 Measurement Units Mass g, Mass Concentration, g/m3 Measurement Range 0.5 to 2.0 g/m3 Expected Sample Flow Rate Accuracy 5.0 Lpm ?25% of reading with 95% confidence Overload Tolerance 100 mg/m3 for 10 seconds 25 mg/m3 for 30 seconds 10 mg/m3 for 120 seconds Measurement Period Integral Operation Continuous Operation 10 minutes, TWA for shift length: 8, 10, or 12 hours. 1 to 3 seconds Sample Flow Accuracy/Stability ? 0.05 LPM Maintenance Cycle 8 hours unattended, data storage for a minimum of 7 shifts Electro-magnetic Interference Emissions Immunity/Susceptibility CENELEC-EN 55011 and CFR 47, Part 15 CENELEC-EN 550082-1 and ANSI C95.1-1982 RFPG# Temperature Range -40 to250 C, typically 20 to 250 C Thermal Shock Range 40 to250 C Temperature Excursion Rate 10 C/min Operational Altitude/Pressure Equivalent Range sea level ?10,000 feet Humidity 0 - 100 % (typical operation range 30 - 95%) Mechanical Shock (shipping) 1 meter drop equivalent, Mechanical Shock (operating) 11 millisecond period sawtooth impulse shock of 40 g Vibration (Tracked Vehicle) Sine Vibration, 5 - 2000 Hz, 1.5 g Vibration (Rubber Tired Vehicle) Sine Vibration, 5 - 92 Hz, 2.5 g Sine Vibration, 92 - 500 Hz, 3.5 g Power Fluctuation ?25% # RFPG - Radio Frequency protective Guidelines. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered must submit documentation to the office identified above. Documentation must be submitted within 15 days of the date of publication of this notice. Submit your request in writing to Matthew J. Growney at the above address or by fax +1 (555) 000-0000. Telephone request will not be honored.