DHS RFI-BioFlash Technology

The Sources Sought is hereby amended to address the following: Questions shall be submitted via email by 05 March 2009, 5:00 PM EST. Question: I was wondering if you could tell me what types of modifications are required? Answer: The existing equipment is used to detect aerosolized agents. It is desired that this equipment be modified to be able to detect non-aerosol powders so the equipment can be operationally used by First Responders. This would include a feasibility study and the development of an engineering design for the required modifications. Development of a BioFlash assay for powdered biological agent that minimizes inferences from commonly occurring powder materials is also required. Question: And what evaluation tests need to be performed? Answer: Initially, the response of the equipment when exposed to selected non-agent powders will be evaluated using one B-cell line. This testing will be performed both with and without target agents present. If prototype equipment is manufactured based on the engineering design that was submitted, additional interferent powder testing of additional B-cell lines would also required to be performed. Question: Aerosol and non-aerosol releases were mentioned. Does the testing require live agent aerosols or simulants? Answer: Live agent testing of powdered biological material is required. It is estimated that this testing would be conducted in collaboration with an appropriate BL-3 or BL-4 certified Government laboratory. Question: I see that the response date is listed as March 8, which is a Sunday. I'd like to confirm that this in fact the due date. Answer: Due date is 08 March 2009. Question: Your RFI notice quotes from FAR 35.017-3. In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.017-3 - Using an FFRDC, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is seeking sources for a potential requirement to make modifications to the current BioFlash biological detection system that is manufactured and marketed by Innovative Biosensors Incorporated (IBI). Is it the intent to only have FFRDC's perform this work? Answer: Per FAR 17.504(e) Ordering Procedures, - Nonsponsoring Federal agencies may use a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) only if the terms of the FFRDC's sponsoring agreement permit work from other than a sponsoring agency. Work placed with the FFRDC is subject to the acceptance by the sponsor and must fall within the purpose, mission, general scope of effort, or special competency of the FFRDC. (See 35.017; see also 6.302 for procedures to follow where using other than full and open competition.) The nonsponsoring agency shall provide to the sponsoring agency necessary documentation that the requested work would not place the FFRDC in direct competition with domestic private industry." As a result, DHS is conducting due diligence, via Sources Sought/Request for Information, before utilizing United States Air Force (USAF) FFRDC Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory.