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

B -- NVLAP ASBESTOS PROFICIENCY TESTING SOL 52SBNB6C9047 POC Joan Smith (301) 975-6458, Pauline E. Mallgrave (301) 975-6330 The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), has a requirement for the review, evaluation, and development of proficiency testing materials for the accreditation program for asbestos analysis. Technical support is specifically required in four areas: 1. Acquisition, manufacture and characterization of Proficiency Testing Materials (PTM) for Polarized Light Microscope (PLM) under NVLAP guidance; 2. Conduct proficiency testing of PLM laboratories participating in the Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) under NVLAP guidance; 3. Acquisition, preparation and characterization of PTM for Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) under NVLAP guidance; and 4. Conduct proficiency testing of TEM laboratories participating in the LAP under NVLAP guidance. In order to perform the requirement an organization is required to possess, or have the ability to obtain, the following: 1. have conducted national proficiency testing programs for asbestos analysis using PLM and TEM; 2. possess an extensive repository of real world samples of asbestos containing building materials, materials containing asbestos look-alikes, and mine grade or ''pure'' asbestos, and possess a network for securing additional sample materials, if necessary; and 3. knowledge of PLM analysis used in accrediting NVLAP laboratories. Research Triangle Institute (RTI) is the only organization known to NIST, that possesses all of the above abilities. Additionally, RTI does not provide asbestos analysis services commercially which eliminates any conflict of interest with NVLAP programs. -- Period of Performance is from the Date of Award through twelve months thereafter, with three twelve month options to renew. -- See Numbered Note 22 -- It is the Government's intent to negotiate with the Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, the only responsible source that can satisfy the agency's requirements. (0334)

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