Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180

A -- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT -- FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOTYPE DUE 091097 POC Elizabeth Garrett, Purchasing Agent, (601) 634-2462 WEB: Contract Division Homepage, http://www.wes.army.mil/contract..htm. E-MAIL: Elizabeth Garrett W81EWF72067967, garrett@exl.wes.army.mil. The USAE Waterways Experiment Station proposes to award on a sole source basis, a contract to Biomarks, Inc, Boise, ID under authority 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Large diameter, low frequency PIT detectors are required to support Corps of Engineers, North West Division programs in the Columbia River Basin that have tight time lines. Biomark, Inc is the only company with research, development, manufacturing, and implementation experience with large diameter, low frequency PIT detectors within the Columbia River Basin. No other manufacturer of low frequency, large diameter detectors suitable for deployment in the high velocity, open channel environments WES requires. Biomark, Inc. has set a precedent for PIT detectors of this type within the Columbia River. Procurement from Biomark will assure the Government of installation of large diameter. low frequency PIT detectors consistent with others within the Columbia River system. Specifications for the feasibility study and prototype development are as follows: 1. The diameter of the detection coil is to be a minimum of 4 ft. A larger coil, up to 5 feet in diameter would be acceptable if deemed feasible and could be pursued at a cost no greater than that expected for a 4-ft coil. 2. The coil is to operate at approximately 134kHz. 3. The prototype coil will be tested initially under laboratory conditions. The testing conditions must produce data that can be analyzed to predict the performance of the coil under anticipated operating conditions which are total submergence in fresh water flowing at velocities up to 10 ft/sec. The probability of "detection" and the probability of transponder "read" will be determined for the coil. It is expected that the probability of transponder "detection" will be higher than the probability of transponder "read". Here "detection" means that the passage of the transponder through the coil is detected but the code of the transponder may or may not be determined. A "read" would be successful determination of a transponder code in addition to "detection" of the passage of the transponder through the coil. Sufficient testing need be conducted so that the probability of detection a randomly oriented/randomly positioned transponder passing through the coil can be estimated. At this time there are no specific targets for "detection" and "read" probabilities, however, it is expected that for such a PIT coil to be useful the "detection" probability will need be on the order 0.9 and the "read" probability on the order of 0.4. Initial testing may determine that more that one coil in series is required to meet minimum performance objectives; 4. The environment in which the coil will eventually be deployed, if it is found to be feasible and meets minimum performance objectives, include the Dalles Dam sluiceway. Water velocities in the Dalles Dam sluiceway are on the order of 10 ft/sec. Laboratory tests should include the effects on "detection" and "read" probabilities of transponder velocity through the coil. 5. The CE will purchase the prototype coil and those elements of the associated electronics that are unique to the large diameter coil. However, the CE does not want to commit to purchase of any prototype PIT detector elements that are not unique to the large diameter coil until such time as the coil is found feasible for CE sampling objectives. No other sources will be sought. There is no solicitation document. Any inquiries should be received within fifteen days from the date of publication. (0237)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0007 19970827\A-0007.SOL)