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

B -- MOBILE AUDIOMETRY SERVICES SOL 02SS DUE 071100 POC Phyllis J. Schweickart, 513/533-8185 E-MAIL: pjs2@cdc.gov, pjs2@cdc.gov. Sources Sought: Preliminary data indicates that construction workers, specifically sheet metal workers and carpenters develop occupational hearing loss early in their careers, and by age 50 are substantially hearing impaired. Cirrently, most of OSHA's hearing conservation requirements for the manufacturing sector (as specified in 29 CFR 1910.95) do not apply to the construction industry. Consequently, the construction industry is not required to provide periodic noise monitoring, conduct audiometric testing, or provide worker training/education regarding hearing loss prevention. NIOSH is studying methods for preventing occupational hearing loss among construction workers. NIOSH is planning on conducting a two-year field evaluation of a pilot hearing oss prevention program for construction workers. The initial effort will be focused on carpenters. NIOSH is seeking a source that can provide mobile audiometry for approximately 300 workers over a two year period. Two hundred workers should be located at a carpenter apprentice training center in or near Cincinnati, Ohio. One hundred carpenters should be located at a carpenter apprentice training center in or near Indianapolis, Indiana. Baseline audiometric testing should start during the 2nd quarter of FY 01. Thereafter, follow-up audiometry will be accomplished annually for two years. In order to coordinate audiometric monitoring/audiometric counseling with the other elements of the project, a successful bidder will review the NIOSH program plans documenting the project under which the audiometry will be provided. In particular, it will be necessary for the successful bidder to demonstrate an abilty to provide the worker with immediate counseling and feedback regarding audiometric test results and counseling regarding the selection, care and fit of personal hearing protection devices. This announcement is not a commitment to fund development of the document, nor is it a request for proposals or quotations. If your company is interested in providing the types of services NIOSH requires, you may request that your company be listed as a potential source. When and if funds become available for this project, your company will be contacted, asked to submit an outline of the proposed work, a timetable for completion of the work, and provide a quote for providing the work in the formats discussed above. The NIOSH point of contact, Phyllis Schweickart, may be reached at 513/533-8185 or e-mailed at the following. Posted 06/12/00 (W-SN463825). (0164)

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