Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service, Procurement Division, Room 4210, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229

63 -- ASSESSMENT OF NARCOTICS DETECTION EQUIPMENT POC Maria Fitzgerald, POC, 202-927-2593/fax 202-927-1190 The U.S. Customs Service, in cooperation with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is continuing to assess the performance of vapor/particle systems for the detection of cocaine and heroin. This assessment is the fourth in an ongoing series of performance assessments undr the Narcotics Detection Technology Assessment (NDTA) program, which began in the fall of 1994(Round 1). Similar assessments have since been conducted in the winter of 1995 (Round 2) and the fall of 1996 (Round 3). The previous three assessments have accommodated only particle detection systems. This fourth round of tests is intended to assess the performance of vapor detection systems. Tentatively, these tests are scheduled to be conducted this fall followed by another round of tests to assess particle detection systems in late 1997 or early 1998. The rationale for these continuing assessments is to assess new systems not available for testing in previous rounds as well as to assess systems that have undergone significant improvements/modifications over previously tested versions. 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 and/or heroin response tests, 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 a self-contained prototype system. Responses to this notice should be directed to the point of contact (POC) listed in this notice and reference "The NDTA Program." Responses 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. (0218)

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