The Environmental Protection Agency contemplates awarding approximately 5 fixed price contracts under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, Special I for Safe Buildings and Water Security, during Fiscal Year 2003. The SBIR Program is a phased process uniform through the Federal Government of soliciting proposals and awarding funding agreements for research (R) or research and development (R&D) to meet stated agency needs or missions. During Special SBIR Phase I (covered by this solicitation) contractors shall conduct feasibility-related experimental research or R&D efforts on the described agency topics listed below. The Special SBIR Phase I awards are expected to be made by February 27, 2004. The Special SBIR Phase I for Safe Buildings and Water Security contracts will have a period of performance of 6 months and the contractors will be invited to submit Phase II proposals for competitive evaluation. During Special SBIR Phase II, contractors shall perform the principal research or R&D effort. Funding for Special SBIR Phase II shall be based upon the results of Special SBIR Phase I and the quality and soundness of the Special SBIR Phase II workplan and commercial potential of the Phase II technology. Proposals submitted in response to the solicitation must directly pertain to EPA's environmental mission and must be responsive to EPA program interests included in the topic descriptions identified in the solicitation. The topics for the FY 2003 Special SBIR Phase I solicitation are as follows: A. Improved Detection Technologies for Biological and Chemical Agents; B. Early Warning Security Systems; C. Alternative Water Treatment Technologies; and D. Building Decontamination Systems. This procurement is a total small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 541710 and the Small Business Size Standard is 500 employees. The solicitation will be available on or about March 27, 2003, with proposals due on May 23, 2003. The solicitation will be available on the Internet at the following Internet address: www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/. Firms are encouraged to download the solicitation from the Internet. The solicitation document is approximately 45 pages in length, and includes all the requirements, instructions, and forms needed for proper proposal submission. Firms may obtain a facsimile of the solicitation when it becomes available by calling 1-800-490-9194. Questions arising in response to the solicitation shall be directed to Marsha B. Johnson, Contract Specialist, on Internet:
[email protected] or by leaving a voice mail at (919)541-5293 for a return call. Firms that download the solicitation from the Internet should check periodically for any amendments, information, or status postings. The EPA does not intend to award this procurement in accordance with FAR Part 12, Commercial Items. See Note #1.