Notice of Intent Smart-Cab filtration System
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Acquisition Services (OAS) on behalf of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division (PMRD) intend to award a contract to Sy-Klone International (Sy-Klone) operating in Jacksonville, Florida to develop a “Smart-Cab” filtration system and install it on an active piece of equipment to be field tested.
Current filtration systems include basic functional elements (pressurizers, intake and recirculation filters, associated ductworks, vents and plenums, door seals, etc.). PMRD’s requirement goes well above those functional (basic) components and adds (smart) components along with a microprocessor capable of controlling the system and reporting its performance remotely. The System is required to:
(1) Demonstrate the ability to Monitor, Adjust and Maintain (MAM) airflow levels in the enclosed cab, intake, recirculation and final filter ducts in response to system diagnostics.
(2) Demonstrate the ability to quantify respirable dust levels inside the enclosed cab and make various system changes to achieve a targeted level and alert the operator and mine management of needed possible needed maintenance.
(3) Demonstrate the ability to MAM differential pressure levels in the cab and across filters and alert the operator and mine management of needed maintenance.
(4) Demonstrate the ability to MAM levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) below a targeted level which will be established below the required ACGIH STEL standard.
(5) Demonstrate the ability to incorporate all the components listed above into and interactive (SMART) system to MAM all aspects of the Air Quality (AQ) in an enclosed cab of a piece of mobile mining equipment. This requires SMART system adjustments to the airflow quantity through the intake and recirculation components to maintain acceptable air quality from the standpoint of respirable dust, CO2 and maintenance of positive pressure.
(6) Demonstrate the ability to transmit and record continuous AQ data to the equipment operator and mine management and signal an alert at a predetermined action levels.
(7) Demonstrate the ability to prevent machine startup at beginning of shift based on a history of unacceptable levels of cab air quality (respirable dust and CO2).
(8) Demonstrate the ability to estimate the filter life (time) before requiring maintenance.
Sy-Klone International is a small company operating under NAICS 333413. Sy-Klone exists as the only manufacturer with the experience, products, industry penetration and technology uniquely positioned to fulfill the requirements of this effort. While other filter, filtration system, and aftermarket filtration services companies exist, from our experience of working in this area over the past twenty years, we do not believe there are any other companies that even approach the technology readiness level of Sy-Klone International to produce such a system within the timeframe required of our research project. Sy-Klone has been utilizing NIOSH evidence-based research for nearly 17 years, holds 60 patents for filtration system technology and has 35,000 systems installed globally which enables them to continually research and develop new technologies in mobile equipment filtration such as the one we are pursuing. Beyond their technical capability, Sy-Klone International also has extensive expertise in the constraints and challenges of installing filtration systems on mobile mining equipment with experience in this area from around the world. One of Sy-Klone International’s technical experts is the committee chairman for an International Standards Committee to establish a world standard for air quality and testing in enclosed cab of mobile equipment. This committee, which is composed of technical experts in this area from around the world, has recently completed the formulation of ISO 23875 entitled: “Mining-Operator Enclosures – Air Quality Control Systems and Air Quality Performance Testing.” This standard is currently in review and is anticipated to be established as an official ISO world standard within the next 6-8 months. In addition, this same Sy-Klone International technical expert was the founder of the International Society of Environmental Enclosure Engineers (ISE3), http://www.ise3.com. ISE3 is an organization that is working with inventors, scientists, and business people from around the world who have worked tirelessly to discover and invent new methods to reduce exposure to respirable dust in environmental enclosures. This individual, and the expertise of Sy-Klone International, is un-matched and places them on the forefront of new technology and innovation and the reason we believe they should be granted as the sole source provider of this effort.
This contract action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all responses received within fifteen (15) calendar days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the government. A determination by the government whether or not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive acquisition should be undertaken. Any response should be emailed to Contracting Officer, Abbie Jemmott at ygf3@cdc.gov by 11:00 AM EST, Tuesday MAY 19, 2020. No telephonic quotes or inquiries will be accepted.
Notice_71742 Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
5/4/20, 6:08 PM