--Technical support services to research & develop a blast protective system for the individual warfighter to support Enhanced Blast Countermeasures for Military Personnel Protection.

NA The US Army Robert Morris Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, in support of the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (USA SBCCOM), intends to conduct negotiations and award a purchase order to Tech Med, Inc. on the basis of other than full and open competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation part 6.302-3. The NAICS Code is 541330. This procurement is for an estimated 200 hours of technical support to research and develop a blast protective system for the individ ual warfighter to support Enhanced Blast Countermeasures for Personnel Protection. The Blast Metrics Working Group (BMWG) is being formed to develop a baseline set of metrics for conventional blast injury and to determine how to extend these metrics to th e enhanced blast case. Specifically, the contractor shall provide technical support to the BMWG by performing the following four tasks: Task I: Assist in the analysis of existing blast injury research literature and data to include a) Prepare a synops is of the pertinent aspects a portion of the literature and data and providing these results to the Blast Metrics Working Group (BMWG), as required; and b) Discuss and integrate the results with those obtained by other members with respect to their portio n of the literature and data. Task II: Together with the other members of the BMWG, develop a baseline 'Blast Injury Matrix' consisting of metrics for lung injury due to conventional blast that allows one to assess the impact of protective clothing and r oom geometry Task III: Based upon the results of the BMWG, assist in the development of a 'Blast Injury Matrix' with metrics to assess the impact of protective clothing and room geometry for enhanced blast. Travel within the United States, on a case-by-c ase basis not to exceed $1,000.00, may be required to Fort Bragg, NC; Washington, DC; Natick, MA; and Santa Fe, NM. Work on this program will consist of that level of effort required for the contractor to apply his expert knowledge and experience to achi eve the goals of the working group. Tech Med, Inc. has a Professor of Surgery, Senior Advisor in Trauma, and also a Professor of Military and Emergency Medicine who is internationally recognized as an expert in the effects of military trauma and possesses a unique combination of knowledge, training and experience in the field of military and civilian thoracic injury that is indispensable to this group. Tech Med's participation will ensure that the correct assumptions are made regarding the complex blast e vent and injury to the individual in a military environment. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. However, the Government will consider all quotations received within eight (8) days after date of publication of this announcement. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed purchase order based upon responses is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In terested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U. S. Army Robert Morris Acquisition Center, Natick Contracting Division, ATTN: AMSSB-ACC-NS/Peggy Dube, Natick, MA 01760-5011 no later than 5:00 p.m. EST o n 30 May 2003. Inquiries may be made via e-mail to contact@example.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. See FBO Note 22.