A -- IN VITRO GENOTOXICITY ANALYSES OF RESPIRABLE EXHAUST FROM DIESEL ENGINES

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ALOSH, Morgantown, WV has a project entitled - Collection and in vitro genotoxicity analyses of respirable particulate exhaust materials from commercial mobile diesel engines: activities of solvent extracts or surfactant-solubilized particles versus engine operation parameters. - The objective is to collect and determine the in vitro genotoxicity, including salmonella mutagenicity, eucaryotic cell chromosomal and DNA damage, and cell transformation of diesel engine exhaust respirable particulate samples. Engines shall be representative of those involved in occupational exposures, and shall be sampled by the contractor in a range of operating parameters including torque, rpm, and injection timing. The collected exhaust materials will be assayed as solvent extracts and as dispersions into models of pulmonary alveolar lining surfactant.The surfactant-solubilization method of respirable particulate preparation for in vitro genotoxicity assay is a unique method invented by NIOSH research. It is developmental in its applications to specific samples. Only NIOSH researchers and researchers from this West Virginia University laboratory have experience in the use of this method, therefore, we intend to make a non-competitive award to the WVU Research Corporation. The location of the West Virginia University adjacent to the NIOSH facility uniquely permits immediate and ongoing review and evaluation of the research by NIOSH researchers for consequent prompt redirection as needed of the genotoxicity assays, of the sample collection and sample preparation procedures, and of the review, discussion and selection engine operational parameters for exhaust sample generation. Organizations that believe they can provide the required services are encouraged to identify themselves to the Contracting Officer within 10 days from the posting date of this notice. Interested parties shall provide documentation which demonstrates that they have the expertise and capabilities necessary to meet the stated requirements. Please forward capabilities and supporting information to: Brenda L. Goodwin., Reference: #HELD03E0048, DHHS, PHS, CDC, NIOSH, ALOSH, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will solely be used for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no affirmative responses are received within 10 days, award will be made to West Virginia University Research Corporation under the authority of FAR 6.302-3. All information received will be considered by the Government.