U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Contracts Management Division (MD-33), Attention: OARSC, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711

B -- SUPPORT TO COATINGS AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS CROSS-CUTTING ISSUE TEAM SOL CCC081 POC Karen Cox, Contract Specialist, (919) 541-3114/Sue Miller, Contracting Officer, (919) 541-3114 WEB: Click here to visit the site that has information about this soliciation., http://www.epa.gov/oam/rtp_cmd. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the Contract Specialist via E-Mail., cox.karen@epamail.epa.gov. EPA intends to award a sole source purchase order to Harding Lawson Associates of Morrisville, NC, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) -- Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. EPA requires a firm that has (1) extensive technical and policy expertise in the area of industrial surface coating and air pollution control, and (2) is not currently providing technical support to the Emission Standards Division of EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standard for the development of coatings standards (in order to provide an unbiased position). Harding Lawson is the only known firm that meets all requirements. The contractor will be required to identify major issues for coating rules currently under development under Sections 112 and 183(e) of the Clean Air Act. The contractor will required to recommend priorities of those issues and select the top 5 for resolution. The Contractor shall gather information (existing data and literature including EPA documents, conduct telephone and in-person interviews) to support the resolution of the 5 issues. The Contractor shall perform analyses to resolve the 5 issues, including identifying criteria to evaluate options, identifying options, and performing analyses, including documentation of the analyses results. The period of performance shall be one year from award. All responsible sources may respond by submitting a written narrative statement of capability within 15 days of this notice to Karen Cox at the above address which shall be considered by the Agency. Responses must include detailed technical information and other technical literature demonstrating the ability to meet the requirement. Responses shall also include information concerning current or anticipated coating standards work being performed for other parties/companies. Responses shall also include itemized pricing that is sufficient to make a determination that competition is feasible. If no affirmative responses are received within 15 days of this notice to determine whether a qualified source is more advantageous to the Government, an order will be placed with Harding Lawson Associates. See Note 26. (0056)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0009 19980227\B-0001.SOL)