Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Research Site, Det 1 AFRL/PK, Bldg 167 Area B, 2310 8th Street, WPAFB, OH 45433-7801

A -- NOVEL POLYMERIC MATERIALS SOL Reference No. SS-NPM-MLKN POC LIZ SHINN, PROJECT ENGINEER, AFRL/MLBC, 937-255-9062 or PAMELA COVEY, CONTRACT NEGOTIATOR, AFRL/MLKN, 937-255-5459 E-MAIL: click here to contact the project engineer regarding, Elizabeth.Shinn@wpafb.af.mil. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Nonmetallic Materials Division, Wright Patterson AFB, OH, AFRL/MLBP, is seeking sources for a team of highly qualified personnel to conduct an on-site research and development program on novel polymeric materials. Sources interested in this program must have available an interdisciplinary team consisting of: polymer chemists, Physicists, chemists, Materials scientists, and associated technicians. The program will investigate the synthesis, processing, characterization, morphology and optoelectronic and mechanical properties of novel polymers of interest to the Air Force. Responses must clearly demonstrate that the responder has (1) extensive experience in the synthesis and characterization of high performance polymers including high molecular weight rigid -- rod polymers and nanostructured polymers, and synthesis capability that must extend to the requisite monomers and intermediates, (2) expertise in the synthesis of chromophores with nonlinear optical activity, (3) demonstrated capability in techniques for the processing of polymers into useful fiber, film, and bulk forms, (4) demonstrated experience in the processing of polymers into high-quality fibers and films for optoelectronic applications, (5) expertise in morphological characterization of such polymers by imaging and scattering techniques, (6) capability to conduct preliminary evaluation of mechanical properties including tensile, toughness, and compressive strengths, (7) a background in the the optoelectronic properties of polymers including electrical conductivity, electro-luminescence and nonlinear optical properties; experience must include optical thin film characterization, wave guiding in appropriate fiber, film and bulk polymer samples and electronic as well as ionic polymer conductivity measurements and (8) expertise in molecular modeling/computational chemistry and familiarity with sate-of-the-art modeling software and work stations. The program duration is estimated at sixty months for technical effort, plus four months for final report preparation. Technical progress, financial status and annual reports will be required. This program will be conducted on-site at AFRL/MLBP, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH in order to reduce cost and utilize available specialized research equipment. Prospective offerors must demonstrate the capability to provide a quick reaction response to tasking requirements in order to accomplish the requirements in a timely manner, and will be required to maintain a full technical staff at AFRL/MLBP consisting of approximately 4 technicians and 1 full-time professional with potential growth to 6 technicians and 4 full-time professionals. Responses to this sources sought synopsis must include specific information related to capabilities in the above areas that indicate the organization's background, understanding of the problem and personnel. Responses must include the identity and resume of personnel. Organizational brochures and letters of interest are unacceptable. Firms responding should indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, a woman-owned business, a historically black college or university, or minority institution. For this item, the general definition to be used to determine whether your firm is small is as follows: "A small business concern is a concern that is independently owned and operated, is not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on government contracts and with its affiliates, and the number of employees does not exceed 500 persons." SIC Code 8731 applies. "Concern means any business entity organization for profit, with a place of business in the United States, its possessions, Puerto Rico, or the trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, including but not limited to an individual, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association or corporation." The Air Force reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses hereto.Small business respondents should provide a statement of capabilities to assist the Air Force in making a set-aside decision. Large businesses are only required to submit a statement of interest in the effort. All respondents shall include in any response their assigned commercial and Government entity code (Federal Supply Code for Mfgrs, a five digit code assigned by the Comdr Def Logistics Service center, Attn: DESC-CGD, Federal Center, Battle Creek MI, (616) 961-4381, Ref DOD 5000.129M). Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a foreign-owned firm/foreign-controlled firm, and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort. Foreign firms should be aware that restrictions might apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition. Small businesses interested in this effort must respond with a complete capability/qualification package describing the company's technical expertise and experience, personnel, and facilities to accomplish the work described above. Responses submitted should be in one copy only. Each response shall reference Sources Sought #00-02-MLK. Responses should be sent to the Attn: PAMELA J. COVEY, Contract Negotiator, AFRL/MLKN, BLDG 167, 2310 8TH ST., WPAFB OH 45433-7801. Responses shall not be submitted via facsimile or email. Closing date for submission of responses is within Fifteen (15) calendar days from the publication of this notice. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from potential offerors during this sources sought phase. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the program director or Contracting Officer, but to communicate Contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. Interested parties are invited to contact Lt Col Sam A. Lopez, Det 1 AFRL/PK, telephone (937) 255-4813, e-mail Sam.Lopez@ws.wpafb.af.mil. All routine communication concerning this announcement, that is non-technical, should be directed to PAMELA J. COVEY, Contract Negotiator, AFRL/MLKN, BLDG 167, 2310 8TH ST., WPAFB OH 45433-7801, telephone 937-255-5459. All technical related issues should be directed to LIZ SHINN at 937-255-9062. Request for Proposal (RFP) release for this program is projected in AUGUST 2000 timeframe. A notice will be issued in the Commerce Business Daily advising that the Request for Proposal is available on the Electronic Posting System (EPS), web site, http://www.eps.gov/. This is the official notice of this acquisition and no other notice will be issued prior to issuance of the solicitation. See numbered Note(s): 26. Posted 04/04/00 (W-SN440925). (0095)

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