R -- TESTING 27 DIESEL EXHAUST SOOTS SAMPLES USING AMES ASSAYS DESC: The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC), Pittsburgh, PA intends to award a fixed price purchase order to West Virginia University (WVU) for work that will involve testing of FETC supplied particulate matter using Ames Salmonella Histidine Mutagenicity assays (Ames assays) on approximately 27 samples of diesel exhaust soots and on three diesel fuels. FETC will supply the exhaust soots from testing in the FETC Diesel Research Laboratory with input from WVU. WVU will supply the personnel to conduct the assays while the WVU subcontractor NIOSH-Morgantown will provide the facilities and equipment. This purchase order is being awarded to WVU because the seminal stage of research and testing in this area of study requires frequent interaction at the Morgantown facilities, thus making proximity or frequent travel a necessity for successful scope accomplishment. Although, it is possible that other researchers could possibly perform this effort, it would not be without considerable additional expense to the government required to 1) develop the background knowledge required of the FETC facility and 2) provide close face-to-face contact during the test phase, both of which are already available through the recommended source. This request is considered to be sole sourced to West Virginia University. Therefore, no solicitation will result from this announcement. This award shall be made using simplified acquisition procedures. Requests for information should be directed to Mr. Robert L. Mohn FAX 412-892-6216. E-MAIL: mohn@fetc.doe.gov, mohn@fetc.doe.gov. Posted 07/06/98.

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0768 19980708\SP-0005.MSC)