The purpose of this announcement is to identify sources available to perform chemical testing and analysis of various long-term retardants. This will specifically look at the byproducts of different retardants interacting with one another in the field. Current products comprise of ammonium phosphate-based salts and magnesium chloride-based salts. There is a noticeable interaction that precipitates different solid and coagulated masses that are suspected to be various forms of magnesium ammonium phosphate. These coagulated and precipitated byproducts need to be identified and defined with any known risks associated that may impact airtanker operations. Specific interest in the corrosive or abrasive material impacts of these chemicals is a safety concern to which the agency is seeking a comprehensive understanding. The long-term fire retardants will be provided by the Government with the expectation that the test lab will be able to identify and/or isolate the different chemical compounds that are precipitating out of solution.

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO AWARD A CONTRACT ON THE BASIS OF THIS SOURCES SOUGHT OR TO OTHERWISE PAY FOR THE INFORMATION SOLICITED. This Sources Sought does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort. This Sources Sought is for planning purposes only and shall not be considered as a request for proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this Sources Sought or the Government’s use of such information. The information provided may be utilized by the US Forest Service in developing its acquisition strategy and determining set aside requirements for the acquisition.