USACE, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) intends to solicit on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 to Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC for Radio-Labeled and Unlabeled Single-Walled Nanotubes Preparation, Characterization and delivery. US Army ERDC requires technical expertise for the synthesis and characterization of 14C-carbon nanomaterials for the research program focusing on environmental risk of nanomaterials. In addition to the synthesis, ERDC also needs additional material science expertise in the characterization of these materials for experimental and descriptive-publication purposes. The collaboration is described below in two phases.

Phase 1. 14C-single wall carbon nanotubes will be synthesized using established processes that have been developed at RTI. A total of gram of tubes with around 100 Ci activity will be synthesized and shipped in a suspension. As part of the synthesis and clean up, RTI will purify the tubes using an acid-base treatment to remove major metal catalyst contaminants. Due to the clean up procedures, it is anticipated these tubes will have an aspect of 2 nm by around 100 nm. As part of the synthesis, RTI will also produce an additional gram of non-labeled single wall carbon nanotubes.

Phase 2. Using a recently developed method, single wall carbon nanotubes will be obtained from a process traditionally used for the production of multi-wall carbon nanotubes. For this process, four main labeled products will be synthesized: carbon black, fullerenes (C60-C70 mix), single wall carbon nanotubes, and multi wall carbon nanotubes. This process is an innovative technique for the production of these materials that does not use catalysts

This procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) only one responsible source and no other supplies will satisfy agency requirements. Research Triangle Institute is the only known source capable of meeting the Governments requirement. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 2:00 PM, April 28, 2008. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. No RFQ will be issued based upon this Notice of Intent. Interested parties may submit any information for consideration by the Government to Trudy H. James at 601-634-4686

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