National Institute of Standards and Technology, Acquisition and Assistance Division, Bldg. 301, Room B117, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

A -- STUDY ON DUCTILE CLADDING CONNECTION SYSTEMS FOR SEISMIC DESIGN SOL 52SBNB5C8781 POC Joan Smith (301) 975-6458, Pauline Mallgrave (301) 975-6330 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Building and Fire Research Laboratory has a requirement for a study on Ductile Cladding Connection systems for Seismic Design. The Contractor is required to catalog and evaluate the performance of heavy cladding systems in past earthquakes, and measure the behavior of advanced cladding attachment systems with improved ductility and energy dissipation properties in a program of laboratory testing. During Phase I, the Contractor shall provide results of first-hand field surveys following three recent destructive earthquakes. Data from secondary sources shall also be collected and summarized so that the lessons learned from observed damage can be utilized in the design of improved cladding connection systems. During Phase II. the Contractor shall initiate a research and development program to evaluate practical ''advanced'' cladding connection subsystems. ''Advanced'' connectors are engineered cladding connectors that are capable of significant seismic energy dissipation that is achieved through interaction between the cladding system and the supporting building structure. Such connectors shall exhibit high levels of energy dissipation and ductility while maintaining the structural integrity of the connection. The primary focus of this research is on the experimental testing of a selection of these cladding connectors using a unique and specially constructed laboratory facility currently available at Georgia Institute of Technology. -- Period of Performance is from the date of Award through eighteen (18) months thereafter. -- See Numbered Note 22 -- It is the Government's intent to negotiate with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, the only responsible source that can satisfy the agency's requirements. (0177)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0005 19950627\A-0005.SOL)