Generation & Characterization of Aerosols from Nano-enabled Composites

Title: Generation and Characterization of Aerosols from Nano-enabled Composites
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), Exposure Assessment Branch, Morgantown, WV intends to award a sole source firm fixed price purchase order to West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383-0003 for particle generation and characterization.
CLIN 0001:

Task I: Generation of aerosols from simulated industrial proceses (e.g., sanding, cutting) of CNT Materials. Enableed composite material for generation for 5 materials.

CLIN 0002:

Task 2: Characterization of Composite Materials' Aerosols. Enabled Composite material for characterization for 5 materials.

STATEMENT OF WORK
Title of Project: Generation and Characterization of Aerosols from Nano-enabled Composites
Background and Need - Particle generation and characterization is a necessity for proper interpretation of the biological effects of a particle following a pulmonary exposure. Many scientific toxicology and aerosol journals now have particle characterization requirements for publication.
Scope of Work

Task 1 - Generation of aerosols from simulated industrial processes (e.g., sanding, cutting) of CNT Materials
The following provides an overview of the aerosol generation.
1. Preparation of samples
a. Evaluate potential to aerosolize the sample and collect onto a filter
b. If not successful, collect aerosol deposits inside collection chamber
2. Perform cutting simulation of 5 composite materials as provided by NIOSH
a. Collect between 10 to 20 mg of debris per material
b. Collect triplicate filter samples of aerosolized material for each material
3. Separate respirable fraction from debris
a. Disperse debris and size-segregate with use of high flowrate cyclone
b. Collect 5 mg of respirable mass
4. Send cutting debris, filter samples, and respirable mass to NIOSH laboratories

Task 2 - Characterization of Composite Materials' Aerosols
The following provides an overview of the characterization.
1. Preparation of samples
a. Perform simulation of industrial cutting of CNT-composite materials.
2. Perform measurements of particle concentrations for 5 CNT-composite materials
a. collect background concentration measurements
b. measure concentrations by number and mass during cutting process using a condensation particle counter (CPC) and an optical particle counter (OPC).
c. measure respirable mass concentrations during cutting process using OPC and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS)
d. measure temperatures at cutting surface for assessment of generation of thermal nanoparticles
3. Perform measurement of particle distributions by size and mass using OPC and SMPS
4. Provide Summary of results in a format suitable for publication purposes
Disbursement: This contract is broken down into 2 components. Generation of aerosols from simulated industrial processes of CNT Materials can be billed after receipt of deliverables of component 1. Characterization of Composite Materials' Aerosols can be billed after receipt of deliverables of component 2. Successful completion of each Goal will be determined by the NIOSH Project Officer.
Deliverables:
• Deliverable 1 - Cutting debris, filter samples, and respirable mass to NIOSH laboratories (From Task 1)
• Deliverable 2 - Summary of results in a format suitable for publication purposes (From Task 2)

This contract action is for a services for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b) (SAP) and 41 U.S.C 3304(a) (1). Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals.
The notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, all quotations/responses received within (15) days of the issuance of this notice will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Any quotation/response should be e-mailed to purchasing agent Rebecca Mullenax at rmullenax@cdc.gov by COB on March 9, 2017.