The U.S. EPA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Miami University to build a prototype amperometric biosensor using the enzymes and to demonstrate its effectiveness for field applications. The device will then be tested to determine the detection limit, linear response range, sensitivity and relative standard deviation for detecting arsenic ions in natural waters. In the initial effort under the contract, the contractor will screen and find enzymes that are sensitive to arsenic inhibition. These enzymes will then be immobilized on electrodes modified with methods such as a conducting polymer will be investigated as an alternative transducer platform for the amperometric analysis of As(III) and As(V) ions in aqueous solutions. This should result in a low cost, reliable and sensitive method based on a green chemistry approach with neither toxic chemicals nor risk to the operator. This contract will support the efforts of EPA's Office of Research and Development at AWBERC, 26 West Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268. Miami University is the only known source that can conduct the experimental screening of enzymes to develop electrochemical devices for environmental applications. No other source has the combined capabilities of the expertise and the facility for the process evaluation for sophisticated characterization and access to industrial partners. Specifically, Miami University¿s Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering Department is fully equipped for polymer and materials synthesis and characterization. In addition, the department has the equipment necessary for the isolation, purification, and cloning of DNA, as well as recombinant protein production and characterization: thermocycler, Biotek plate reader, autoclaves for sterilization, centrifuges, a GE AKTApurifier UPC 900 FPLC, a New Brunswick Bioflow 110 fermentor. Also, available for this research are several core facilities at Miami University, including a Center for Microscopy and Imaging, a Center for Nanomaterials Characterization, a Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics, a NMR facility, and Mass Spectrometry facility. These facilities will provide access to fluorescence, circular dichroism, EPR, ICP, MALDI-TOF and ESI mass spectrometers, SEM and TEM as well as fluorescence microscopes. This procurement will be accomplished under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Methods. Interested firms may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETATIVE QUOTATIONS. A determination by the Government not to compete this acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Sources wishing to be considered by the agency MUST submit documentation to the office identified in this notice. Documentation must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the date of publication of this notice. EPA anticipates making an award by November 3, 2015. Submit your request in writing to Lisa Ryle at the address shown below or email at
[email protected]. Telephone requests will not be honored. Contracting Office Address: US Environmental Protection Agency/CPOD 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Mail Code: NWD Cincinnati, OH 45268 Point of Contact: Lisa Ryle
[email protected] Period of Performance: November 3, 2015 through November 2, 2017. JUSTIFICATION: The aim of this project is to build a prototype amperometric biosensor using the enzymes identified in our previous research of Path forward Innovative Stage 1 project, and to demonstrate its effectiveness for field applications. The two or three most sensitive enzymes will be immobilized onto electrodes such as graphite modified with Platinum-nanoparticles for the detection of arsenic in natural waters. Completion of the following tasks will help to achieve the goals of this project.