45CONS, 1201 Minuteman St, MS 7200, Patrick AFB, FL 32925-3237

A -- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT POC R.J. Griffin, Contract Specialist (407) 494-4666/John T. Moore Contracting Officer (407) 494-4666 The US Air Force is seeking biologically related research and development (R&D) describing: 1) forensic laboratory analyses; 2) laboratory information management systems (LIMS); 3) advanced R&D in generic/functional detection of trace quantities of pathogens and toxins; 4) R&D in automated laboratory analyses; 5) advanced R&D in high volume filter and pre-filter materials to augment or replace current cotton-fiber filters; 6) re-engineer current filter-based high volume sampler to optimize performance for biological particulate collection. The laboratory forensic analyses effort involves routine production analyses and protocol R&D to ensure the production of high quality, repeatable analytical results from biological organisms, related volatile organic compounds, and toxins. Laboratory techniques will include live culture, metabolic identification, immunochemical assay, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) probe assays, and Gas Chromatography (GC) and/or Liquid Chromatography (LC) mass spectrometry. Biosafety Level 3 (BL-3) laboratory space must be available. In addition, field test support may be required for on-site analyses. The LIMS is a software development effort to assist in the automation and standardization of routine sample and analysis tracking, capturing, processing, transmitting, reporting, and archiving. Compatible versions, residing on standard platforms with functions tailored to the needs of both the laboratory and the US Air Force, will be required. The generic or functional detection effort involves leveraging advanced research to develop screening methods to detect trace amounts of pathogenic organisms and toxins. Automated laboratory analyses involves the investigation of instruments and techniques that can be adapted for performing automated or semi-automated multi-dimensional (multiple technologies using multiple principles) bioanalysis of samples to reduce manpower and total cost of production analyses while increasing sample throughput. The filter effort should focus on the research and development of advanced inorganic high volume filter materials to replace the current cotton-fiber filter or augment the current primary filter as a pre-filter. The re-engineering effort involves optimizing a filter-based high volume sampler for the collection of biological particulates by maximizing air flow rate while minimizing size, weight, and power. In all areas, samples are defined as high volume air collected through either a filter material or a liquid matrix. High volume filter sampling is in excess of 8000 liters per minute while liquid matrix sampling is in excess of 2000 liters per minute. This program is anticipated to be a multiple award. Firms can respond to one or more of the items described above. Firms should indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially or economically disadvantaged business, a woman owned business, a historically black college or university, or minority institution. For small businesses, the general definition used to determine whether your firm is small is as follows: "A small business concern is a concern that is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on government contracts and with its affiliates, the number of employees does not exceed 500 persons." SIC Code 8731 applies. "Concern means any business entity organization for profit with a place of business in the Unites States, including but not limited to an individual, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association or cooperative. The Air Force reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon the responses hereto. All respondents shall include their assigned Commercial and Government Entity Code. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a Foreign-owned/Foreign controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort. Due to the nature of this potential effort, "NO foreign country sources will be considered". This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. The Air Force requests two copies of a ten (10) page white paper which briefly discusses the following items: technical approach, company background, experience (DOD and non-DOD), company facilities, and general vitae on key personnel to include experience. This announcement will remain open for 30 days. Any costs incurred as a result of response to this announcement shall be borne by the company and will not be charged to the Government for reimbursement. No written or telephone requests for further information will be accepted nor responses made. However, the government may seek clarification by telephone. (0050)

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