Plasma Vacuum System

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Respiratory Hazards Control Branch, Pittsburgh, PA, hereby announces its intent to issue a purchase order to Anatech USA for a Plasma Vacuum System. BACKGROUND The Respiratory Hazards Control Branch of PRL has a research program involving the measurement of crystalline silica (quartz) dust. Quartz dust is known to cause or contribute to respiratory illness of exposed workers, including those in the mining industry. Airborne mine dust is collected onto filters and analysis by a specific protocol occurs afterward. The accurate and convenient (quick) analysis of quartz collected on a new type of filter is a goal of our research. This new type of filter comes from a recently developed real-time dust measurement instrument, currently being adopted across the U.S. The instrument's filters have much greater mass than previously used filters. To achieve a careful reproduction of the MSHA ashing method, the same asher manufacturer must be utilized. Through the overall design of the asher and also it's electronically programmable operation, the same ashing conditions can be accomplished. By selection of an asher model that allows high radiofrequency (RF) energy for the smallest available sample chamber volume, more intense ashing is possible, while still having compatibility with less aggressive operation. Method harmonization and flexibility are simultaneously and optimally achieved by selection of an Anatech USA plasma asher, with high RF output and small sample chamber volume. Further, prospects for success are improved because of established on-site interagency expertise with Anatech instruments. The Anatech USA model SCE-104 RF is a specialized instrument that addresses our specific requirements. Its features and operation highly reflect those of ashers used by MSHA, so that MSHA ashing methods can be closely reproduced. Also as required, it has a minimum size sample chamber and enhanced RF energy output, needed to accomplish more aggressive ashing of high-mass samples. Because the cited instrument is uniquely suited for the requirements of our research, it is considered solely for acquisition, the expedient and best fulfillment of our instrumentation needs. Responsible sources that believe they possess the expertise and capabilities identified above are encouraged to submit to the Contracting Officer within 15 days from the posting date of this notice, their written item description/item characteristics and pricing information in the format they choose, not to exceed 10 pages. Please forward the item description and pricing information to Margaret Mooney, Reference 2009-Q-11571, CDC, NIOSH, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. All vendors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) prior to an award of a federal contract. The website is: www.ccr.gov. The Government will review any/all item descriptions and pricing information submitted and determine if other qualified sources do exist that could provide this requirement. Information received in response will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no affirmative responses are received within 15 days, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), negotiations will be conducted with Anatech USA, 2947 Whipple Road, Union, CA 94587 as the only source and a purchase order will be issued without any additional notices being posted.