NIOSH BAA 75D30124R72910 Concept Paper QA1 03.22.2024.pdf

NIOSH BAA RFP# 75D301-24-R-72910

Development and Demonstration of Mine Safety and Health Technology

Concept Paper Q&A 1 - 03/22/2024

Question Number

RFP

Reference

(if applicable) Question CDC Response

1 RFP Page 8. Concept Paper Format and Content.

Regarding the concept paper requirements, under Synopsis of the Technical Approach, there are four bullet points (i-iv). The first one (Background) states it should not be more than one page. I am confused if the one-page requirement is for the first topic only, which is the background, or if everything under the Synopsis of the Technical Approach (topics i-iv) should amount to one page.

Please see "NIOSH BAA 75D30124R72910 Version 2.0_03.22.2024.pdf," which clarifies that the 1-page limitation applies to the entire "Synopsis of the Technical Approach," including points i-iv. Offerors are reminded that Concept Papers shall be no more than ten

(10) pages in length, cover page excepted.

RFP Page 6. SECTION B 1. Non-Regulatory Personal Measurement of Coal Dust and/or Silica.

Are there specific requirements or preferences for measuring silica -is an absolute measurement required or is an estimated percentage of the total particulate matter sufficient?

Since the focus is non-regulatory, an absolute measurement is not required Offerors are advised, however, that some element of accuracy is required. An estimate without foundation has limited value, particularly when the percentage silica content can change during different parts of the mining cycle or in different areas of a mine.

RFP Page 6. SECTION B 1. Non-Regulatory Personal Measurement of Coal Dust and/or Silica.

What types of indicators are considered appropriate for alerting miners to hazardous concentrations of coal dust and silica (audio alerts, flashing indicators, digital displays, etc.)?

At a minimum, a digital display of respirable dust (including coal) and silica would be required. Other displays can be proposed as the offeror feels are appropriate.

RFP Page 6. SECTION B 1. Non-Regulatory Personal Measurement of Coal Dust and/or Silica.

For a personal mine dust sensor with silica detection capabilities, what lab testing standards and methods should be used to demonstrate successful detection?

Comparison with existing National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) methods would be adequate.

RFP Page 6. SECTION B 1. Non-Regulatory Personal Measurement of Coal Dust and/or Silica.

What level of data tracking, including data security and integrity, should be implemented in a wearable device?

Data tracking should include logging of the data for a full shift, such that it can be retrieved and utilized in developing adequate engineering controls to protect the miner. Data security and integrity are at the discretion of the offeror.

RFP Page 6. SECTION B 1. Non-Regulatory Personal Measurement of Coal Dust and/or Silica.

Are there any requirements for data interoperability with existing logging systems or methods?

There are no requirements. Interoperability with systems such as the NIOSH Helmetcam would be beneficial. This is not a firm requirement, however.

7 RFP# 75D301-24-R-72910, General. What is the anticipated period(s) of performance for this BAA?

The period of performance may vary per proposed effort, although the Government anticipates that most contracts will be 36 months or less, inclusive of all option periods.

Proposed periods of performance may not exceed 48 months.

8 RFP# 75D301-24-R-72910, General.

Should supporting letters of interest and participation from Industry be included in the Concept Paper? Thank you.

Not during the Concept Paper phase. Concept Papers shall clearly state any anticipated industry participants. Offerors are advised that letters of interest from industry partners shall be included to support full proposals (if requested).

9 RFP# 75D301-24-R-72910, General.

Is there a limitation to the number of proposals submitted by an institution or company? Offerors may submit one or more Concept Papers for evaluation.

10 RFP# 75D301-24-R-72910, General.

Can an individual participate in more than one proposal from a institution or company

The Government requires that proposed or equivalent key personnel will be available to support any awarded contract. Offerors should be cautious not to commit the same personnel to potentially overlapping efforts if other personnel with the requisite skills and experience may be unavailable.

11 RFP Pages 12-13. Section D. Proposal Preparation and Submission Is graduate tuition funding (stipend and tuition) allowed in the cost proposals for this solicitation? No.

12 RFP Pages 12-13. Section D. Proposal Preparation and Submission Is travel allowed in the cost proposals for this solicitation? If so, are there limitations with respect to conferences, field work, etc.?

General travel for data collection or equipment trials directly related to contract performance may be included as a pricing element for review by the Government. Conference travel is not authorized and shall not be proposed as a pricing element. Offerors are reminded that proposals must be firm fixed price and that actual travel expenses will not be separately reimbursed by the Government.

Mining Program