Presolicitation Notice – A– Investigating the Interaction of Microbial Biofilms and Biomacromolecules and To

Notice Type: Presolicitation Notice

Posted Date: 03-DEC-13

Office Address: Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Acquisition Management; EPA/Ohio; CPODUS 26 West Martin Luther King DriveMail Code: NWDCincinnatiOH45268USA

Subject: A-- Investigating the Interaction of Microbial Biofilms and Biomacromolecules and To

Classification Code: A - Research & Development

Solicitation Number: RFQ-OH-14-00015

Contact: Renita Tyus mailto:Tyus.Renita@epa.gov

Description: Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Acquisition Management

EPA/Ohio

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the University of Cincinnati because of its unique ability to study the fate and transport of nanoparticles in aquatic and soil systems. The research focuses on comparing nanoparticles that occur naturally with engineered ones based on their mobility in soil systems, aggregation and dissolution to increase the understanding on the fate of nanoparticles. Mobility of nanoparticles could affect the effectiveness of water treatment technology such as filtration and physical interactions between the particles themselves and the environment.The University of Cincinnati s (UC) Environmental Engineering Program at Department of Biomedical, Chemical and Environmental Engineering has the expertise in conducting studies on the fate and transport of nanoparticles in aquatic and soil systems. UC researchers have been conducting experimental and computational studies on the mobility, interaction with biomaterials, and aggregation and dissolution of nanoparticle and have published multiple research papers. UC has the capacity of conducting studies at different scales for understanding the interaction of nanoscale materials with natural and man-made surfaces and biological media. UC also has the expertise in the measuring and quantifying the effects of nanoparticles on bacterial biofilm using state-of-the art techniques.

The University of Cincinnati s (UC) Environmental Engineering Laboratories are well equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to carry out a variety of environmental analyses that are necessary for conducting this research. In addition to well-equipped analytical laboratories UC has several bench-scale and pilot-scale laboratory facilities to perform air, water, and wastewater treatment studies, a one-of-a-kind microelectrode laboratory for biofilm analysis, an aerosol and air quality laboratory, a gas pollution control laboratory, and a state-of-the-art computational laboratory with an integrated computer data acquisition system. The nature of this acquisition requires that the contractor possess unique system capabilities to conduct bench-scale and pilot-scale studies. These unique capabilities are essential for the contract performance in order to assure that the reactor parts are made according to the specifications and achieve the expected chemical and mechanical prope rties of the catalyst. This study includes molecular and physical characterizations with state-of-the-art techniques.

The principal investigator for this research is Professor George Sorial. Professor Sorial Group has been working on unique studies similar to those conducted in the United Kingdom and other European countries for nanoparticals. Professor Sorial is a nationally recognized expert on micropollutant removal from drinking water, adsorption of micropollutants by activated carbon and alternative adsorbents, air biofiltration, electrochemical processes for destruction of contaminants, use of integrated technologies for effective remediation of contaminants, and the remediation of contaminated soils. The Sorial group also consists of 4 graduate students, one of which is a PhD student that has been working on similar research for the last two years. US EPA has had an established collaboration with UC and an ongoing work relationship with the Sorial Group since October, 2008. This purchase order is intended to continue supporting this work. It is therefore, to EPA s advantage to keep the current research going with the same people to have continuity of service and minimize disruption of the work.

This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 12 Commercial Procedures. It is our intent to award a single fixed price purchase order. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETATIVE 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 7 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. Submit your request in writing to Renita Tyus at the address shown above or email at tyus.renita@epa.gov. Telephone requests will not be honored.

Link/URL: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/OH/RFQ-OH-14-00015/listing.html