The Environmental Protection Agency contemplates awarding approximately 15 fixed price contracts under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, Phase I, during Fiscal Year 2003. The SBIR Program is a phased process uniform through the Federal Government of soliciting proposals and awarding funding agreements for research (R) or research and development (R&D) to meet stated agency needs or missions. During Phase I (covered by this solicitation) contractors shall conduct feasibility-related experimental research or R&D efforts on the described agency topics listed below. The Phase I awards are expected to be made by February 27, 2004. Upon successful completion of an EPA SBIR Phase I contract, with a Period of Performance of 6 months, the Phase I contractors will receive the Phase II solicitation, and may submit proposals for competitive evaluation. During Phase II, contractors shall perform the principal research or R&D effort. Funding for Phase II shall be based upon the results of Phase I and the quality and soundness of the Phase II workplan and commercial potential of the Phase II technology. Proposals submitted in response to the solicitation must directly pertain to EPA's environmental mission and must be responsive to EPA program interests included in the topic descriptions identified in the solicitation. The topics for the FY 2003 Phase I solicitation are as follows: A. Nanomaterials and Clean Technology; B. Treatment and Monitoring of Drinking Water; C. Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment; D. Hazardous Waste Management and Site Remediation; E. Recycling of Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste; and F. Monitoring and Measurement Technologies. This procurement is a total small business set-aside. The NAICS code is 541710 and the Small Business Size Standard is 500 employees. The solicitation will be available on or about March 27, 2003, with proposals due on May 23, 2003. The solicitation will be available on the Internet at the following Internet addresses: 1). www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/ and 2). www.epa.gov/oam/rtp_cmd/. Firms are encouraged to download the solicitation from the Internet. The solicitation document is approximately 56 pages in length, and includes all the requirements, instructions, and forms needed for proper proposal submission. Firms may obtain a facsimile of the solicitation when it becomes available by calling 1-800-490-9194. Questions arising in response to the solicitation shall be directed to Marsha B. Johnson, Contract Specialist, on Internet:
[email protected] or by leaving a voice mail at (919)541-5293 for a return call. Firms that download the solicitation from the Internet should check periodically for any amendments, information, or status postings. The EPA does not intend to award this procurement in accordance with FAR Part 12, Commercial Items. See Note #1.