Background information With impending shortages of ventilators, there are many efforts to rapidly develop analogous systems that can function as stand-ins for ventilators when medically necessary. Normal ventilators collect the expiratory air and run it through a HEPA filter, but other systems (such as CPAP/BiPAP machines) lack this capability. In order to protect medical personnel from the aerosolized virus, it is critical that to have an in-line method of sterilization. National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (NTESS) has addressed this challenge with a prototype UV sterilizer; this can be put in-line with the expiratory air without causing any flow resistance while preventing viral transmission. Opportunity description NTESS is seeking a commercial supplier and manufacturing partner to utilize our interim design such that it can be rapidly deployed at scale with local health care providers. Qualified partners must have proven ability to deliver high quality and quick turnaround product. Funds-in up to $50,000 may be required for ensuring that Sandia manufacturing production requirements are met. Currently the design is undergoing regulatory approval with the assistance of local health care providers. The objective of this collaboration would be a limited production of the initial design. Collaborators will work with NTESS on the continued development and maturation of the technology for scaled use and will provide a clear path to commercialization/deployment of the technology through refined product design, optimization for manufacturing, and Quality Assurance. Qualified partners will contribute resources and in-kind support in the form of staff and facilities capable of handling, processing, and packaging the UV sterilization technology. Qualified respondents will have the option to obtain a license to the generated intellectual property for reasonable compensation as part of the agreement. What the Lab Brings to the Collaboration NTESS brings substantive experience in the design, testing and small-scale manufacturing of engineered solutions for high-consequence applications. Our expertise includes unique test facilities and labs, and a team of exceptional researchers from a range of disciplines including additive manufacturing, and bioscience. Our program objectives are based on the know-how that we have developed through many years of research and development in these areas. We will rely primarily on our industry partner(s) for supply chain logistics, procurement of materials, and manufacturing. Information Sought A detailed description of relevant background experience, expertise, and capabilities that could be brought into a collaborative partnership with NTESS is being sought. The following information is being requested (in addition, interested parties may provide additional relevant information as needed): Description of experience, expertise and capabilities in rapidly maturing technology for quick turnaround production solutions. Description of the high-quality standard and information on quick turnaround (units over time). Description of other relevant experience, expertise, and capabilities. Description of experience in taking technology from a TRL 3 to a TRL 6-7. Description of past experience partnering with Research and Development organizations such as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), Universities, National Laboratories, or Government Laboratories to develop and sell products successfully. Instructions to Respondents Interested parties that meet the Mandatory Requirements provided below are invited to respond to this opportunity. Any information provided in response to this opportunity will not be returned. Any and all responses are voluntary, and NTESS will not pay for any information submitted in response to this opportunity. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Responses should be emailed to
[email protected] and should include the opportunity title and submitting organization's name in the subject line. Attachment size should not exceed 5MB and only the following document types will be accepted (.doc, .docx, .pdf). Responses should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 p.m. MDT on 4/10/2020. Proposals submitted after this date might still be considered if current applicants don’t meet the requirements. Evaluation Criteria NTESS will evaluate all responses and select prospective parties with which to engage in further discussions based on the following criteria, pursuant to NTESS's Technology Transfer mission: Mandatory Meet the DOE requirement of enhancement or accrual of economic and technological benefits to the U.S. domestic economy through the technology transfer. Required by DOE in the Technology Transfer Act of 1989. Provide experience, expertise, and capability in the rapid deployment of technologies Ability to enter CRADA/SPP Desired A local (New Mexico) or regional firm able to enter into a CRADA agreement with NTESS to develop specific manufacturing tools and techniques for UV device production and/or specific applications of UV sterilization technologies. NTESS will consider teaming arrangements where two or more companies may form a team to satisfy the Desired Requirements.