Opportunity: Notice of Intent for Sole Source - Horiba Aqualog

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Durham, North Carolina intends to negotiate on a sole source basis to Horiba Scientific in accordance with 13.106-1(b)(1) ¿soliciting from a single source¿ to purchase a Horiba Aqualog UV-800-C Compact, Fluorescence/Absorbance Spectrometer System. This procurement is recommended to be processed without full and open competition. EPA¿s National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), Exposure Methods & Measurements Division, Air Quality Branch (AQB) is needing a Horiba Aqualog UV-800-C Compact, Fluorescence/Absorbance Spectrometer System to be used in connection with studies on the release of single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from CNT-plastic composites. The system will be used in connection with studies on the release of single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from CNT-plastic composites. Two key parameters for characterizing and quantifying CNTs are their absorbance and fluorescence spectra. The Horiba Aqualog is the only unit on the market that has dual-capability for measuring absorbance and fluorescence simultaneously. Another key feature is their PARAFAC analysis software which has the capability of processing raw data into Excitation-Emission Matrices. A market survey indicates that these combined features are only available on the Horiba Aqualog system. In addition to supporting EMMD¿s NanoRelease efforts, the instrument will be made available, when possible, to other EMMD studies involving irradiation of nanomaterials, as well as photoinactivation of microorganisms. Data and relationships derived from these nanomaterial studies will be used to develop protocols for evaluation of the release of nanomaterials from solid materials such as polymers and coatings. The results will also be used in the development of mathematical models that evaluate photoinactivation of pathogens and their microbial indicators as well as the transformations and persistence of nanomaterials and their commercial formulations. This Notice of Intent is not a request for proposals. This notice of intent is for information purposes only; therefore, no solicitation will result from this announcement. All capability statements received within 7 days after publication of this notice will be considered by the Government. Responses must be supported with clear and convincing evidence to clearly be able to provide the services outlined and itemized pricing that is sufficient to make a determination that competition is feasible. A request for documentation will not be considered as an affirmative response. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Submit capability statements via email (using PDF, MS Word, Excel attachments) to Contract Specialist, Harold Day, at Day.Harold@epa.gov. No telephone calls will be accepted. The NAICS code for this procurement is: 334516 ¿ Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing