Experimental Study on Confinement-Dependent and Residual Strength of Coal

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, Spokane Research Laboratory, Spokane, WA intends to award a firm-fixed price sole source purchase order to Montana Tech Geomechanics Lab for rock testing for the NIOSH project "Experimental Study on the Confinement Dependent and Residual Strength of Coal Consider Anisotropy of Cleat." Montana Tech has both the required equipment and expertise to conduct triaxial compressive tests in which the amount of applied load is very small. These very small changes can only be facilitated by a machine using a closed loop digital servo controlling loading ram, operated by an experienced research or technician. Additionally, both the preparation and testing of samples must be overseen by NIOSH researchers, to ensure that experiment needs are being met, the tests to be performed are non-traditional and experimental in nature. Therefore, the laboratory where the tests are to be performed must be easily accessible to NIOSH researchers. Only Montana Tech has the required capability and is within reasonable driving distance of the Spokane Laboratory. This acquisition will use sole source simplified procedures in accordance with FAR 13.106(b)(1) and 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1). CDC is not requesting competitive proposals and no solicitation is available. Interested parties who believe they possess the capabilities to satisfy this requirement and should indicate their interest in writing and submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to meet this requirement no later than 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, February 27, 2017. Reference 2017-06800 in any correspondence. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any response should be emailed to Denise L. Rains @ drains@cdc.gov.