National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, PO Box 6495, Cincinnati, OH 45206

66 -- THERMAL-OPTICAL ANALYZER SOL 98091 DUE 092198 POC Phyllis Schweickart, 513/533-8185 Furnish Thermal-optical Analyzer of organic, and elemental carbon. (OC & EC, respectively) in filter samples of carbonaceous particulate. OC & EC are speciated through temperature and atmosphere control and filter transmittance measurements. Temperature (maximum of 940 degrees C) and atmosphere (helium or oxygen-hemlium mix) of the sample oven are programmable. Gas flows are monitored with flow sensors. Pressure sensor monitors ambient pressure. Thermally evolved sample carbon is quantified as methane (CH4) with a flame ionization detector after its oxidation to carbon dioxide (co2) and subsequent reduction to CH4. Conversion to CO2 occurs in an oxidizing oven (MN02 heated to 850 degrees C or higher) and CO2 is catalytically reduced to CH4 in a methanator. Optical components (pulsed diode laser and photodetector) correct for sample charring. Filter transmittance is continuously monitored. Instrument calibration with methane is performed automatically at end of each analysis. Data calculation software allows integration of carbonate peak as an estimate of carbonate-source carbon; software also allows override of transmittance-based, OC-EC split in cases of heavy EC loadings. Instrument performance data (i.e., precision and accuracy) should meet that specifed in NMAM method 5040. Interested vendors are invited to submit a response, within fifteen (15) calendar days after publication of this notice, which must include prices and technical data sufficent to determine capability to meet the above requirements. No solicitation document exists, however, all responses from vendors demonstrating their capabilities will be fully considered. Simplified Acquisition Procedures will be utilized for this purchase. FAX responses are acceptable FAX 513-533-8283. All offerors are requested to respond with their written offered pricing and provide all data as requested not later than 4:30 p.m. (EDT), September 21, 1998. Posted 08/28/98 (W-SN243071). (0240)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0293 19980901\66-0001.SOL)