R--Fire and Explosion Consultant Services

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a requirement for Fire and Explosion Consultant Services until can recruit and hire a fire and explosion expert, presently extimated to be six months. Due to the highly technical nature of this accident investigation specialty, the NTSB seeks to acquire expert support to review and validate fire and explosion investigative work of other investigators, participate in the development of test and research plans to support fire and explosion investigations, and participate in the development of instructional modules to be taught at the NTSB Academy. Specifically: (1) The consultant will review and verify the investigative work of the Board's junior fire and explosion investigator, and other modal investigators involved in accident investigations in which fire or explosion is an issue. (2) The consultant will participate, with the junior fire and explosion investigator and other investigators to develop, observe and oversee tests and research that may be conducted to support transportation accident investigations. (3) The consultant shall participate, with the junior fire and explosion investigator, in the development of an extensive 3-day course designed to provide potential investigators with an in depth understanding of fire investigations in transportation accidents. This course will include detailed technical coverage of the basics of ignition and ignition sources, fire development, fuel properties and fuel performance, cabin material performance, and oxygen sources. The NTSB intends to issue a sole source solicitation to Dr. Merritt Birky to fulfill this need as he has the required skills and experience related to management of investigations, projects and applied research in the fields of fire and explosion, analytical chemistry, drug toxicology and fire safety in both the Federal and private sector. The authority for other than full and open competition is only one responsible source - 41 USC 253(c)(1). This procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on October 23, 2003. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.