US Env. Protection Agency, CMD-RTP MD-33 (NCCM-TW), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

A -- EVALUATION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF DATA TO CERTIFY REFORMULATED GASOLINE ON THE BASIS OF OZONE FORMING POTENTIAL SOL D600518M1 POC Teresa A. Ward, Contract Specialist, (919) 541-2311/Barbara Stearrett, Contracting Officer, (919) 541-3113. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a requirement to evaluate and peer-review whether the existing body of scientific and technical data is sufficient to permit certification of motor fuel blends containing ethanol (or MTBE, ETBE, or other oxygenates) according to the reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirements based on reactivity without adversely affecting the air quality benefits (VOC, NOx, and air toxics emissions reductions, reductions in ozone formulation) of the reformulated gasoline program. The proposed evaluation study requires extensive knowledge of environmental risk assessments and the highest degree of demonstrated scientific proficiency, independence, unbiased judgement and honesty. As the contractor reviews the existing literature and conducts its assessment, it shall also identify any gaps in existing data and provide recommendations for how such gaps may be filled to make a complete evaluation and/or improve our level of understanding. This effort will be procured on a sole source basis from the National Academy of Science (NAS). The circumstance permitting Other than Full and Open Competition Justification is FAR 6.302-1, ''Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy Agency requirements.'' EPA believes that the NAS is the only source capable of satisfying the requirements as stated above free from conflicts of interest. The proposed evaluation study requires extensive knowledge of environmental risk assessments which requires the expertise and qualifications which have been demonstrated by the NAS. Interested parties who believe they can provide the required services should fully explain their capabilities and qualifications in writing within 15 days from publication of this announcement. The intent of this synopsis is to determine if any source(s) exist and, therefore, no RFP is available. Consequently, any response(s) failing to provide the aforementioned data but instead choosing to merely submit a routine letter requesting a copy of the RFP will be ignored. Submit responses to the U.S. EPA, Attention: Teresa A. Ward (MD-33), Contracts Management Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. A completion type contract is contemplated with a eighteen month period of performance. EPA does not intend to conduct this acquisition in accordance with FAR Part 12. See Numbered Note(s): 22 & 26. No telephonic or faxed requests will be honored (0173)

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