99 -- Upgrade to Horiba Instruments Corporation PSS/HF47 Particulate Sampling Systems

In accordance with FAR subpart 13.106-1(b), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks to award a contract on a Sole Source basis to Horiba Instruments Corporation, to obtain the parts and services required to upgrade Horiba Instruments Corporation PSS/HF47 Particulate Sampling Systems in Heavy-Duty Test Cell 5 (HD5) of the National Fuels and Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) located in Ann Arbor, MI. The NAICS is 334513. Horiba Instruments Corporation is the only known source having the capability of not only providing the necessary supplies required to perform the upgrade of the PSS/HF47 Particulate Sampling Systems in Heavy-Duty Test Cell 5, but also the technical capability and expertise to complete the programming of Horibas Proprietary Micro-host Controller for the Particulate Sampling Systems (PSUs). The use of parts, other than those designed to be installed on the PSU, would void the warranty of the PSUs. As part of the Clean Air Act and its Amendments, a variety of emissions regulations have been implemented for vehicles and engines. The U.S. EPA National Vehicle and Fuels Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) has the responsibility for testing vehicles and engines to ensure compliance with regulations. This Horiba PSU utilizes smooth approach orifices (SAO) for measurement and control of total sample flow and secondary dilution air flow. The SAOs delivered with the system were sized to achieve a pressure drop of 10 inches water column (WC) at a flow of 150 standard liters per minute (SLPM). Current regulations, and best particulate matter, sampling practices, require that the air velocity at the filter face be no more than 100 cm/sec2. The HF47 units were delivered with 47 mm Teflon membrane filter holders, and this size filter requires a maximum of about 62 SLPM total flow to achieve the maximum 100 cm/sec2 filter face velocity. In order to achieve the best measurement resolution possible with these systems, the EPA requires the following upgrade for the HD5 system: A) Replace seven SAOs in each PSU with SAOs sized to achieve a 10 inch WC pressure drop at approximately 85 SLPM. B) Make changes and adjustments to the systems computerized control system. C) After reassembling all components, leak check the system and verify proper performance of all measurement and flow control functions. D) Verify all flow measurements with clean filters. In addition, verify total sample flow measurements with filters with typical particulate loadings. E) The calibration of the SAOs and the final flow verifications shall be reported in a manner consistent with the requirements of ISO 17025 Sections 5.10.2 and 5.10.4. F) All modifications and repairs of the PSU/HF47 systems required to achieve the stated performance objectives are the responsibility of the contractor. In addition, there is a potential requirement for the same type of upgrade for 3 additional PSUs as follows: Option 1, PSU located in LD Room 329 requires the SAO hardware/software upgrade and the coupling upgrade. Option 2, PSU located in HD Cell 2 requires the SAO hardware/software upgrade and the coupling upgrade. Option 3, PSU located in HD Cell 1 requires the SAO hardware/software upgrade. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability and respond to the requirement by submitting documentation to the office identified above. Documentation must be received by COB January 26, 2006 in order to be considered by the EPA. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon assessment of 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. Telephone responses will not be honored.