External Validation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Models under REACH

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Exposure Assessment Branch (EAB) under the Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD) intends to award a sole source contract to : Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Research Avenue North, Riccarton Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, United Kingdom to perform coding of exposure situation scenarios provided by the Government, evaluate the initial tool estimates for Tier 1 and Tier 2 models, perform data analyses, and interpret the results in terms of the suitability of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 models. The contractor is currently conducting a project, entitled "Validation of models for the initial estimation of occupational exposure (Tier 1) in the chemical safety assessment under REACH," sponsored by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) in Germany (Project leaders: Martin Tischer at BAuA and Martie van Tongeren at 10M). NIOSH is participating in this study by providing exposure measurements collected in the US, contributing comments/advice in determining the variability of the model results, and developing criteria for the model applicability. Since the NIOSH project is similar but extended to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 models and the IOM was a key-agency in developing a Tier 2 model, it would be beneficial to have access to the same database from the same contractor that BAuA is currently using. The statutory authority for this sole source acquisition is FAR 8.405-6(B) "Limiting Sources" which states that, "Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized. The NAICS code for this procurement is 541712 -- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). The period of performance for this procurement is 10 months. As a result of this synopsis, no competitive solicitation will be posted on FedBizOpps. We will issue only one solicitation to Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM). However, all responsible sources that believe they can meet these requirements may submit their capabilities/qualifications statement to provide the services to LaShanda Washington via email at LNWashington@cdc.gov with the solicitation number 2015-Q-17014 referenced in the subject line NO LATER THAN 5 PM EST, April 3, 2015. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed action will be based on responses to this notice and are solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.