Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Testing of Knee-Saver Devices in Deep Squatting Tasks

The service contract is to procure services to conduct the human subject tests and perform a preliminary analysis of the experimental data. The vendor will update the testing protocol (approved at the vendor’s institute), conduct human subject tests, perform preliminary data analysis, develop the data processing software, and summarize the results in a final report.

The service “Testing of Knee-Saver Devices in Deep Squatting Tasks” to be provided by the vendor is important to assist in the planning and modification of the NIOSH main project. The vendor has to be recognized as a pioneer in evaluating assistive devices for occupational activities in general.

The vendor not only has to have highly specialized equipment and a facility to perform occupation-related kinematic and kinetic analysis but also has to have a strong research team with a solid background and expertise in ergonomics and biomechanics, especially the biomechanical analysis of deep squatting tasks associated with occupational activities. NIOSH will not receive any personally identifiable information (PII) or have any contact with human research subjects. NIOSH will only receive data feed back.