ML19331D584
| ML19331D584 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/19/1980 |
| From: | Halman E, Morton K NRC OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION (ADM) |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19331D583 | List: |
| References | |
| SECY-80-342, NUDOCS 8009030255 | |
| Download: ML19331D584 (3) | |
Text
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FINDINGS AND DET:FJ4ITMTION Under Section 302(c)(10) cf the Federal Prcperty and Adainistrative Services Act of 1949, as Amended Findincs In accordance with the requirements of the Federal Procurement Regulaticns, I make the folicwing findings:
1.
The Nuclear Regulatory Ccanission (NRC) precoses to precure by sole scurce negotiations, services to conduct a researen study entitled, " Analysis of Atmospheric Diffusion Through Application of Lidar Technology."
2.
It is proposed to contract with SRI International (SRI) to perform this project to apply SRI's unique lidar technology to determine characteristics of atmospneric discersion processes affecting concentration of radioactive-effluents frem nuclear facilities.
This type of ccacentration data is only measurable by remote tecnniques due to the raptd vertical screed of effluents.
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3.
This effort is a continuation of a former effer: for the Ccamissien by SRI under Contrac: No. NRC-04-77-147 which was the result of an unsolicited proposal. Under this former effort SRI proposed to demonstrate that quantitative measurements en airborne effluents could be obtained by the innovative use of a remote sensing device kncwn as a " lidar" (lign:
detection and ranging). As a result of this effort, SRI was successful.
in cemonstrating tnat its " Mark IX" mobile lidar could be a useful tool in solvi.1g the problem of gauging effluent dispersion in the vertical dimensive.
4 The objective of the NRC's research program in atmcspheric dispersion is to verify existing or procosed models used to predict the trans-port and diffusion of airborne racicactive effluents. The lack of concentra ica measurements in the vertical direction has precluced establishing the validity of tne Gaussian plume assumptien currently used by the NRC in predicting the benavior cf airborne radicactive effluents from nuclear facilities. A number of field studies have been concucted over the years at varicus types of cower plants in different types of terrain to obtain data en plume benavior and atmcscneric diffusien cnaracteristics. The resu" ting data nave been used for the develocment and validation of predictive models of plume tenavior. A serious weakness of all these field studies has been a lack of detailed information and measurements en plume dispersicn accve the near-ground layer.
The availaole coservational technicues for cbtaining this infcrmaticn, such as tne use of instrumented tcwers, balicens, or aircraft, are tecnnically and logistically difficult, as weil as expensive in the practical sense.
These conventienal tecnniques for above-grcund plume measurements have been generally unsatisfactory as well as severely limited.
The SRI
" Mark IX" mobile lidar centributien uniquely fills the void and easily obtains diffusien data in :ne vertical.
8009030 20
2 5.
The proposed program would significantly complement the RES research program in atmospheric dispersion. The utilization of SRI and its " Mark IX" lidar capabilities is an integral part of the research program in atmospheric transport and diffusion.
It forms a necessary part of the program by providing actual measurements of the vertical spread of effluents released from ground level.
6.
The lidar itself is not unique, but the SRI lidar sys-tem, " Mark IX,"
is the-only one of its type known in the world. The " Mark IX" is a laser radar by which clouds of particulate material can be monitored and tracked remotely from the ground, even when the clouds are too tenuous to be visible to the eye.
It is the only known system which is truly mobile, permitting observations while moving and can be transported to distant locations to observe localized phenomena.
In addition the " Mark IX" is the only known system which contains its own power source.
Other existing systems must either obtain power from a fixed source or tie into transmission lines.
This aspect is extremely important since mobility is necessary to enable deployment of the system to any location where tests are to be conducted, such as TMI where a fixed power system link up does not exist.
7.
In an effort to determine whether, in fact, the SRI " Mark IX" lidar is the only existing system of its kind, a " Sources Sought" action was initi-ated by the Contracting Officar.
Four formal responses were received and reviewed by the cognizant technical. On a case-by-case basis, it was determined that none of the four offerors had the necessary techniques and capabilities in that they either had not developed a remote sensing device or they possessed a remote sensing device that was incapable
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of measuring the concentration and spread of effluents.
(See memo contained in the file dated April 8,1980 from RES to the Contract Specialist detailing each response and its review.)
8.
Also contained in the file is a letter dated April 14, 1980, from the project manager of the associated NOAA program which substantiates the above finding and states that the SRI " Mark IX" is the only known system of its kind.
9.
Use of formal advertising for acquisition of this effort is impractical because SRI has the only known system of its kind and holds the design as proprietary.
10.
SRI is, therefore, considered to be the only source available to perform the proposed work to meet the minimum need: 9 this acquisition.
Determination 1.
Based upcn the foregoing findings, I hereby determine within the meaning of Section 302(c)(10) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, that:
3 a.
It is neither feasible nor practicable to undertake this require-ment in-house; b
It is impracticable to secure competitiori by formal advertising due to the fact that it is impossible to draft specifications or an adequate detailed description of the required services for an invitation for bids; and c.
Negotiation on a sole source basis with SRI International is justified, since SRI is the only known source with the necessary expertise and equipment to perform the proposed work.
2.
Upon the basis of these findings and determinations, I hereby authorize the negotiation of a contract with SRI International for the acquisition of the work described herein pursuant to Section 302(c)(10) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended.
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Date:
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Kellogg V. Morton
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Contracting Officer
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As required by Para 'aph 1-3.101(d) of the Federal Procurement Regulations, I have reviewed and approved (
) disapproved the above described noncompeti-tive acquisition.
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Date:
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Edwaro L. Halma% Director
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Division of Contracts 1
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