Opportunity: Supply Chain Design Material-to-Energy Systems Res

SYNOPSIS The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i), with University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) to conduct research in areas topical to the subject of designing sustainable supply chains for the recovery of renewable energy and nutrients from post-livestock organic material by (1) applying multi-product network models; (2) developing decision-making framework for multiple stakeholders on conflicting objectives; (3) establishing consensus evaluation indicators and compromise solutions; and (4) providing a computerized application platform and case study demonstration of sustainable supply chains. The EPA has identified The University of Wisconsin-Madison as the only contractor able to meet the requirements of this procurement. University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) is the only known source able to satisfy the Government¿s requirement(s) since it has the necessary unique process systems engineering capabilities, including, but not limited to numerical solution and high-performance computing facilities (http://zavalab.engr.wisc.edu/computing), multi-product supply chain network models, risk-averse optimization techniques (conditional value at risk, CVaR), mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) tools, real time simulation and optimization tools for supply chains, superstructures, and other state-of-the-art facilities to conduct this research. UW has a first-tier process systems engineering group with strong emphasis and capabilities in the areas of mathematical optimization model formulation for optimal control, supply-chain design, multi-criteria decision making, and systems design. The Scalable System Laboratory (SSL) housed at UW is being leveraged for performing several unique research projects in the areas of i) the interplay between economic and physical behavior of complex systems and ii) developing decision-making strategies to manage multiple conflicting objectives, multiple time and location scales, and uncertainty. In addition, other areas of interest include chemical production facilities, biogas supply chains, nutrient recovery, electrical power networks, natural gas networks, and buildings. This will result in a firm-fixed price contract. We anticipate issuing a solicitation on or about November 15, 2017. The acquisition of these commercial services will be processed in accordance with FAR Parts 12 and 13. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 Research and Development in the Physical Engineering and Life Sciences, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. It is our intent to award a single fixed price purchase order to procure the required items. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered MUST submit documentation to the office identified in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Submit your capability statement in writing to Sean Young via email at young.sean@epa.gov. Telephone requests will not be honored.