Source emission characterization

The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b), with the University of Dayton Research Institute ((UDRI) to provide support in source emission characterization efforts by applying novel instrumentation toward the sampling, monitoring, and analysis of emission sources. These sources include laboratory combustion facilities at EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory located at 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC as well as other source locations in the field. Field locations depend on opportunistic access to prescribed fires and installations and may include locations such as Kansas, Oklahoma, and Oregon, among others. This effort includes instrument preparation, maintenance, revisions, and shipment. Sampling includes interfacing instrumentation with fixed or mobile platforms to gain access to the source emissions. Conduct of the sampling includes setting up monitors, calibrations, quality control checks, securing and shipping samples, and providing sample chain of custody forms. Analysis includes data retrieval, storage, unit conversion, analysis, and interpretation. Documentation of results includes reports, presentations, and journal papers. The EPA has identified the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), as the only contractor able to meet the requirements of this procurement. The University of Dayton Research Institute, has developed unique instrumentation and methods for employing sensors and samplers to characterize emissions from difficult-to-measure, open area pollution sources. These sources have included open fires, deflagrations, detonations, and gun firing and have required both ground and aerial based sampling. These sources share common characteristics of being hazardous and minimally characterized for pollutants, if at all. The instrumentation developed and operated by UDRI over the last eight years is unique, elaborate, and complicated, allowing for swapping in and out of components to customize for the pollutant source. UDRI's operation of the instrument is complex and the analyses are complicated. Nonetheless, their instrumentation and methods have been successful, resulting in ten peer reviewed publications and, perhaps in greater recognition of the intrinsic value of their system and work. Additionally: - UDRI has been the principal behind a multiyear effort to develop advanced instrumentation for aerial and ground based sampling of hazardous emission. - This work has produced unique, first of its kind measurements. No other entity is making these measurements. The type of measurements successfully demonstrated by UDRI are unique and cannot be duplicated by others without significant development, field experimentation, and cost - this characteristic is intrinsic to the nature of Department of Defense-funded Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) Exploratory Development (SEED) projects and the field campaigns under which a significant portion of this work has been funded. Repetition of this system and sampling methods will be excessive from a cost and delay of work basis. - These methods of sampling development and pollution assessment are critical to EPA evaluation of exposure and health effects from many other source types which have similar sampling challenges and exposure concerns. - The data from follow-on work needs to be consistent with and comparable to the original efforts to have any value in confirming the sampling methods developed and the valid use of the data in assessments. Additionally, the follow-on work needs to be consistent with the methods of the original SEED project funded by the Department of Defense. 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 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. It is our intent to award a single fixed price purchase order consisting of a 12-month base period and one 12-month option period. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE 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.