Large-scale Layered Test Explosions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) contemplates award of a firm-fixed-price sole source Contract to Central Mining Institute, Miko?w, Poland for the acquisition of large-scale layered test explosions. The process of deploying rock dust in an underground mine frequently results in layers of float coal dust and rock dust. This is particularly evident in belt entries where a fine layer of coal dust is deposited on surfaces as the belt operates. It has been experimentally demonstrated that ~100 g/m3 (nominal dispersed concentration) of float coal dust lying on top of dry rock dust will propagate an explosion. The results of the proposed experiments will reveal if treated rock dust is at least as effective as untreated rock dust when topped with the same nominal concentration of float coal dust. For these tests, a thin layer of less than 75-m coal dust will be distributed on top of a layer of either treated or untreated rock dust. Testing will compare relative flame propagation distances, flame velocity, and explosion intensity (impulse) for coal dust layer on top of dry untreated rock dust to those obtained with that same layer of coal dust on top of dry treated rock dust. Testing will also compare results for a coal dust layer on top of damp untreated rock dust to those obtained with the same layer of coal dust on top of treated rock dust after exposure to equivalent amounts of added moisture. Central Mining Institute's Experimental Mine Barbara near Miko?w, Poland consists of 200- and 400-m long underground entries with interconnected workings capable of conducting very strong dust/gas explosions, up to detonation. The cross section of the 400-m long entry is 7.5 m2 and the 200-m long entry is 5 m2 but contains an 11 m2 section for the testing of full-scale ventilation control structures. The Experimental Mine Barbara has panels containing explosion-monitoring instrumentation along the entry walls. The Experimental Mine Barbara has a long history of explosion testing. There is no other experimental mine that meets the requirements: A. Preparation of the experimental mine test site which is needs to have a 400 m horizontal length, B. Provide < 75-m coal dust having similar volatility and ash content as the Pittsburgh coal seam. C. Provide two limestone rock dusts: non-treated dust (NTRD) and anti-caking treated dust (TRD); D. To acquire, prepare, and place the coal dust/rock dust layers, E. The methane gas, ignitors, and other miscellaneous materials required for initiating float coal dust explosions, F. The labor to set up each test, G. The labor to conduct each test, H. The calibrated instrumentation to collect data such as static pressure, flame travel, flame velocity, etc. at high speeds (all instrumentation are to be calibrated as per manufacturers' specifications), flame sensors and pressure sensors extended at least beyond 300 m from the closed end, I. Provide experienced personnel to assess the data for inconsistencies or instrumentation failure, J. The labor to clean the experimental mine entry after each test, K. The disposal of waste material generated during each test, and L. Provide mine flat car and locomotive to slowly move it along gallery while mining technicians distribute dust along the floor. No other vendor has been identified that can adequately meet the CDC's needs within the required timeframe. The North American Industrial Classification Standards (NAICS) Code is 541380. This acquisition will be negotiated under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 as only one responsible source will satisfy agency requirements. CDC is not requesting competitive proposals and no solicitation is available. Interested parties who believe they possess the capabilities to satisfy this requirement should indicate their interest in writing and submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to meet this requirement no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, on April 14, 2018. Determination not to compete this proposed action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Respondents will assume all financial costs for preparing a response to this notice. The U.S. Government assumes no financial obligation for the preparation and distribution of prepared responses. Inquiries may be sent to Patrick Winders via email at vxx6@cdc.gov