Nanocellulose Feasibility Study

USDA Forest Service - Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) intends to award a noncompetitive sole source contract to US Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc. (US Endowment) to work collaboratively with the Forest Service on a Research and Development effort. This contract is for the management of several R&D type actions and will result in a feasibility study. This study is the first step in determining the best path forward to commercialize the production of nano cellulose materials, benefiting US industry and economy.

This project is to be a Research and Development Public-Private Partnership with US Endowment that will evaluate cellulose nano-particle (microparticle) production options. Engineering evaluation, referred to as an AACE Class 5, will be performed on several options and used to select one option for further analysis. This effort assists the Forest Products Laboratory in reaching our goal of a commercial manufacturing facility producing nano cullulose material.

The statutory authority permitting Other than Full and Open Competition is FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii), under Application 6.302-3(b)(2)(iii). This authority allows for other than full and open competition when the equipment of service is needed to establish or maintain an essential engineering, research or development capability.

The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541712.
This notice of intent is not a request for proposals or quotations and a solicitation will not be issued for this requirement.

This notice is to allow interested and qualified subcontractors to come forward for consideration as a part of this effort. Responses or inquiries to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that inclusion into the effort will be advantageous to the Government. The Government will not pay for information submitted. A determination by the Government not to compete this procurement action, based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Responses to this notice are due by noon CT, Friday, August 21st 2015. Please reference AG-5680-S-15-0007 in all correspondence.

Email responses to Colleen M. Reittinger, Contracting Officer, creittinger@fs.fed.us.