Electrostatic Classifier Upgrade

The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b), with TSI Incorporated, to provide an upgraded electrostatic classifier and a demo (from inventory between 9 months and 2 years of age) condensation particle counter which is compatible with existing charge neutralizing equipment owned by the EPA. EPA has identified TSI Incorporated, as the only contractor able to meet the requirements of this procurement. The nature of the acquisition requires an instrument capable of measuring fine particulate matter mobility size distributions that is compatible with existing equipment owned by NRMRL. Particulate matter is one of the primary pollutants from a variety of combustion systems and is a major contributor to adverse health and environmental effects. EPA needs measurements of particulate matter concentrations and size distributions to accurately determine the impact of varying combustion systems and air pollution control technology. The upgraded Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer must meet the minimal technical specifications as follows: - The electrostatic classifier must be compatible with a TSI model 3088 Advanced Aerosol Neutralizer. - The electrostatic classifier must classify particles in the range of 8 nm to 1150 nm. - The electrostatic classifier must operate at aerosol flow rates of 0.2 to 5 lpm, with sheath air flow rates of 2 to 30 lpm. - The classifier must have a maximum inlet concentration of at least 107 particles/cm3. - The classifier must come with the 3938 Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer Spectrometer Aerosol Instrument Manager software. - The condensation particle counter must have a butanol working fluid. - The condensation particle counter must have an internal pump. - The condensation particle counter must be capable of measuring concentrations up to 300,000 particles/cm3. - The condensation particle counter must have a response time of at least 3 seconds at all flow rates. - The condensation particle counter must be compatible with a TSI model 3082 classifier. These capabilities are essential to support research on the air quality impacts of combustion systems. Fast responding instrumentation with the ability to detect high concentrations of hydrophobic particles emitted from combustion systems are needed to accurately characterize emissions. Additionally, upgraded equipment must be compatible with existing charge neutralizing equipment, which is necessary for particle size distribution measurement. TSI Incorporated is the only known source able to satisfy the Government's requirements because they are the only manufacturer capable of upgrading the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer currently owned by NRMRL, to the latest measurement technology while maintaining compatibility with existing neutralizing equipment. To ensure continued operability and compatibility with existing operational charge neutralizers an upgrade of the instrument is required. The acquisition of these commercial services will be processed in accordance with FAR Parts 12 and 13. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. It is our intent to award a single fixed price purchase order. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETATIVE 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 in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 7 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Submit your request in writing to Tammy Adams via email at adams.tammy@epa.gov. Telephone requests will not be honored.