Lead Shields

Purpose This is a sources sought notice for written information only. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice or reimburse the costs incurred by potential offerors in providing the information requested herein. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting market research to determine capabilities within the commercial marketplace. Vendors should provide basic information regarding capabilities and an indication as to how they would achieve this document's outlined objectives. Requests for solicitation will not receive a response. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the U. S. Government. The U. S. Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any input as a result of this market survey. The U. S. Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey. Overview The Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory (ORIA/R&IE), radon laboratory currently operates NaI(Tl) detectors used to analyzed 4" diameter charcoal canisters. The system is now approximately 16 years old, and new lead shields are required for our systems. These new lead shields are required to be compatible with R&IE's existing analytical detector systems. Project Overview The RFI response should include describing the capabilities and approach in: 1. Specific dimensions of the lead shield system such that EPA may determine if the shield system will accommodate the requirements specified below. 2. A diagram showing the dimension specified in #1 above, and showing how the analytical system will be accommodated within the shield. 3. A description of the opening mechanism or method such that a charcoal canister specified in the requirements section will be placed onto the detector system. 4. A description of the materials used in the construction of the shield system such that EPA may determine if the shield system accommodates the requirements specified below. Requirements Specific objectives of the RFI include the following: • Universal shield that accommodates a 3" X 3" NaI(Tl) detector integrated with a photomultiplier tube with at least 2" of lead shielding around the detectors on all sides, including top and bottom (4π geometry). Lead shielding should not be custom. • Shield must have a form of jacketing inside the lead shielding provide for detector protection from lead x-rays. • Shield must have an outer finish and a means for opening in such a way to prevent lead from being dispersed when in use. • Shield must be compatible with sodium iodide/photomultiplier tube detectors, measuring 9", and mated to either a Canberra Unispec or Canberra Osprey base. • Shield must be able to accommodate Unispec and Osprey bases that have cables exiting the bottom of the units and that the cables exiting the units should exit at or near the bottom of the shield. • Shield must have a system of fixing in place the detector (NaI(Tl)/photomultiplier tube) and base. • Access to the detector allowing for the placement of 4" diameter and 1 3/8" high, charcoal canister test kit. • Access system that can be cycled multiple times daily (opened and closed) and designed in such a way that lead is not shed from the system. Instructions for Vendors Businesses should submit an electronic copy of the requested information and all questions to Contracting Officer, Holly Pearlman, at [email protected], no later than September 2, 2011 by 11:00 AM, Pacific Time. Feedback will not be provided regarding individual capabilities statements submitted in response to this notice. Submissions shall be limited to a total of three pages. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 and the size standard is 500. Submitted capability statements should include the following: (1) Name of vendor; (2) Contact information (address, telephone, facsimile, e-mail); (3) Technical description of capabilities in meeting the requirement; and (4) Business size and classification (small, large, small-disadvantaged, certified 8(a), HUBZone, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran, Native American, etc.)