Department of the Treasury, DY, U.S. Customs Service, Procurement Division, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 4.2-E, Washington, DC 20229

63 -- ASSESSMENT OF TRACE NARCOTICS DETECTION EQUIPMENT POC David Hoglund, 202-927-1989 The U.S. Customs Service in cooperation with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is continuing to assess the performance of vapor/particle trace narcotics detection systems for the detection of cocaine and heroin. This assessment is the fifth in an ongoing series of performance assessments under the Narcotics Detection Technology Assessment (NDTA) program, which began in the fall of 1994. Three of the previous assessments were limited to particle detection systems and one prior assessment was dedicated to vapor systems. This next round of tests is intended to assess the performance of particle detection systems that were not available for testing in previous rounds as well as systems that have undergone significant improvements/modifications over previously tested versions. Tentatively, these tests are scheduled to be conducted in the spring of 1999 followed by another round of tests to assess vapor detection systems in mid-to-late 1999. As in previous rounds, only commercially available and self-contained prototype detection systems will be considered for this assessment. All detection systems must include a sample processor, a detector, a signal processor, and a definitive response indicator. The assessment of detection systems includes: verification of performance specifications, cocaine/heroin response test, and quasi-field operational tests. Application to participate must be in writing on company letterhead. Please indicate whether you are interested in submitting a commercially available or self-contained prototype system. Responses to this notice should be directed to the point-of-contact (POC) in this notice, referencing "The NDTA Program" and must be received no later than 30 days following the publication of this notice. Respondents will be provided with detailed information on the assessment program from the POC and are encouraged to submit any comments in writing to the POC. Posted 12/03/98 (W-SN276633). (0337)

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