In accordance with FAR Parts 12 and 13, Acquisition of Commercial Items and Simplified Acquisition Procedures, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with ASI Applied Systems Inc., a Mettler Toledo company, for a MultiMaxIR Automatic Multiple Reactor System. This reactor system will be used to support the Green Chemistry and Engineering Program of the Agency's National Risk Management Research Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio. Said research program is directed towards the development of pollution prevention strategies for use within the chemical synthesis industry. To date, the research program has been focused on the development and design of green catalysts for the oxidation of hydrocarbons. There is currently a need to identify and understand the true mechanism of the catalytic reaction. Since the reaction occurs at elevated temperatures and pressures, the ability to perform in situ analysis would allow the researchers to identify the key mechanism(s) under real-time and real-environment conditions. This necessitates infrared sensor technology that can withstand a wide variety of chemistries (acidic, basic, corrosive, toxic, etc.) and physical conditions (temperatures, pressures, etc.). Sampling technology is a critical parameter for successful in situ reaction analysis. The Mettler Toledo MultiMaxIR Automatic Multiple Reactor System uniquely meets the analytical and research needs of EPA's Green Chemistry and Engineering Program. The system must be able to independently control and monitor multiple pressure reactions in situ and in real-time without the need to open the reaction vessels. It is also critical that a single vendor be responsible for support of the entire reaction analysis system (hardware, software, support and service). Because the sampling technology is fundamentally linked to the operation of the FTIR interferometer, all components of the optical system must be supplied by one vendor. In addition, the FTIR portion must be fundamentally linked to the operation of the parallel automated laboratory reactor system comprising either ambient pressure or pressure vessels. The referenced Mettler Toledo system is the only known system which can meet these requirements. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability and respond to the office identified above. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Documentation must be received not later than 15 calendar days after the posting date of this notice in order to be considered by the EPA. The documentation must establish that the company can meet the requirements identified above. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition based upon assessment of responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Written responses shall be submitted to Garry Plear at the above address or by fax to (513)487-2107 or by e-mail to
[email protected] to receive consideration for this acquisition. Telephone responses will not be accepted.