In accordance with FAR Part 13 and FAR Part 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with TSI Incorporated, 500 Cardigan RD, Shoreview, MN to purchase an aerosol time of flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) for the U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development/National Risk Management Research Laboratory/Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division located in Research Triangle Park, NC. The purpose of which is to conduct research to determine the size and composition of individual particles generated by combustion processes. EPA's current research effort is focused on particles that are in the size range smaller than 300 nm in diameter. The required instrument must have the capability of simultaneously determining size and composition of individual particles in real time such that the resulting information will identify potential differences (and variability) in particle composition as a function of particle size over the size range of interest. The instrument will be used to examine organic and inorganic particles formed by the combustion of pulverized coal, residual oil, or other fuels in external combustion systems such as boilers and experimental flames, or generated by spark- or compression-ignition internal combustion engines fueled with diesel fuel, gasoline, biodiesel, or other mobile source fuels. The contractor shall provide all hardware and software needed to simultaneously measure in real time the size and composition of combustion-generated particles, including a particle classifier and a long differential mobility analyzer (DMA) with neutralizer to enable accurate classification of particles by size. Specifications: A. The ATOFMS shall be able to simultaneously measure the size and composition of particle samples ranging in size between 30 and 300 nm in diameter, and of individual particles as small as 100 nm in diameter. B. The instrument shall include all hardware and software needed to simultaneously measure the size and composition of particles, including a particle classifier and a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) with neutralizer to enable accurate classification of particles by size within the range of particle sizes 10 to 1000 nm in aerodynamic diameter. C. The ATOFMS and the electrostatic particle classifier shall be able to analyze airborne solid and condensed non-volatile liquid aerosols. D. The ATOFMS shall provide for particle size distribution resolution of at least 32 channels per decade of particle size. E. The ATOFMS shall have a particle transmission efficiency of at least 70% for particles between 60 and 300 nm in diameter, and of at least 20% for particles between 30 and 60 nm in diameter. F. The ATOFMS shall have a mass spectral detection efficiency of at least 3x10E-6 for particles of 30 nm in mobility diameter, and at least 1x10E-5 for particles of 300 nm in mobility diameter. G. The ATOFMS shall have mass spectra resolution of at least 500 m/delta-m. H. The ATOFMS shall have a nominal inlet flow rate of 0.1 liter/min. I. The electrostatic particle classifier shall be capable of accepting aerosol flow rates of 0.2 to 2.0 liter/min J. The electrostatic particle classifier shall be capable of measuring aerosol concentrations of up to 10E8 particles/cm3 (based on 10 nm particles). K. The ATOFMS shall be able to analyze particles in carrier gas with between 0 and 75% relative humidity in non-condensing conditions. L. The standard warranty clause for acquiring equipment using simplified acquisition procedures is acceptable. M. Installation Requirements - None N. Training Requirements - None O. The equipment shall be electrically certified by Underwriter's Laboratory or equivalent. P. Required delivery to the APPCD laboratories in Research Triangle Park, NC is within 160 days of receipt of award of a purchase order. The NAICS is 334512, size standard 500. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT is not a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document is available. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability of meeting EPA requirements to respond to the requirement by submitting technical documentation to Linda Merryman, Contract Specialist, at the office identified above, by fax (513) 487-2107 or by e-mail
[email protected]. The technical documentation must establish that the instrument to be provided meets all requirements. Anticipated award date is July 12, 2007. Documentation must be submitted to Linda Merryman by 2:00 PM, June 28, 2007 in order to be considered by EPA. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement or to proceed on a sole source basis. Point of Contact for this requirement is Linda Merryman, Contract Specialist, at (513) 487-2037, or via e-mail at
[email protected]. Questions must be submitted in writing to Linda Merryman via Fax (513) 487-2107 or via e-mail. Telephone queries will not be honored. See Note 22.