Precursor Field Testing Kits
Request For Information
Responses due: 7 November 2011
Request for Information
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1. Introduction
1.1 The project
The UNOV/UNODC envisages procurement of Precursor Field Testing kits.
The main purpose of Precursor Field Testing kits procurement is to provide law
enforcement officers with rapid and simple colour test for the preliminary field identification of
drug precursors most commonly encountered in the illicit traffic.
1.2 RFI Objectives
The intent of a Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information about a specific
product in order to provide the best solution to our needs. The RFI process is used by
UNOV/UNODC to canvass a targeted industry segment for the purpose of soliciting assistance in
identifying potential technology sources and acquiring general or specific information about a
product.
Generally speaking, the RFI process determines which solicitation documents will be
issued (RFP or ITB) or influences the way a particular solicitation document is constructed.
2. Information being requested
2.1 Summary of this RFI
The main purpose of Precursor Field Testing kits procurement is to provide law
enforcement officers with rapid and simple colour test for the preliminary field identification of
drug precursors most commonly encountered in the illicit traffic.
In order to obtain the best and the more adapted product, the UNOV/UNODC seeks
information which will be used to create a solicitation document:
2.2 Technical Topics
Technical topics of interest for this RFI include but are not limited to the points below.
It is not necessary to address all of them in a single response. For each topic, we mention
one or more particular issues that we would like to have addressed.
A. Features of one testing package
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Designed for one time usage
Small, should not exceed 5x5cm
Each package contain one, two or three chemical breakable ampoules in a leakproof and chemical resistant plastic pouch.
Simple colour indication and instructions available on the package
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Issues to be addressed:
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The kit should be portable and easy to handle
The kit should eliminates the need for measuring, mixing and dispensing
hazardous reagents, easy o use and interpret the results
Other possible user friendly and cost effective packaging also possible for
consideration
B. Method of use
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A small amount of seized material (i.e. 2-5 mg) to be placed in the package,
sealed, and ampoules containing chemicals broken in a certain order.
The resultant reaction is observed by the change in colour and compared to
colour chart on packaging as well as instruction sheets.
Issues to be addressed:
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Simple and easy to follow procedure
Resultant colour change distinctive for easy detection
Other possible user friendly and cost effective procedures also possible for
consideration
C. Targeted Precursors
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Test A: Method consisting of 2 reagents for the detection of: isosafrole, 3,4methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone, phenylacetic acid, 1-phenyl-2-propanone,
piperonal, safrole, toluene
Test G: Method consisting of 1 reagent for the detection of: piperidine
Test O: Method consisting of 1 reagent for the detection of: N-acetylanthranilic
acid, anthranilic acid, ergometrine, ergotamine, lysergic acid
Test T: Method consisting of 3 reagents for the detection of: ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine
Test U: Method consisting of 2 reagents for the detection of: acetone, methyl
ethyl ketone
Test V: Method consisting of 2 reagents and pH indicator for the detection of:
hydrochloric acid
Test W: Method consisting of 2 reagents and pH indicator for the detection of:
sulphuric acid
Test X: Method consisting of 2 reagents for the detection of: potassium
permanganate
Test Y: Method consisting of 3 reagents for the detection of: acetic anhydride
Test N: Acid Neutralizer
Issues to be addressed:
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The list of reagents used for these methods could provided upon request
Other methods giving similar results to these targeted precursors are also
feasible
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D. Packaging of box
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Each testing method should be packaged in a box for 5 tests
E. Instructions and Result
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Clear, precise and simple to use instruction manual with colour charts for easy comparison
Instructional training video available on CD-ROM is preferable (adaptation from existing
CD-ROM is also possible)
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Possibility of translation to other languages
F. Packaging of whole set
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A durable, shock-proof, water resistant carrying case should be able to hold a
whole set of test boxes, instructions, training CD and items helpful for the ease of
use e.g. spatula
Issues to be addressed:
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The kit should be portable and could be easily carried for field operations,
clandestine laboratories investigations, custom or border control
G. Quality assurance and Control
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Quality assurance and control of the tests should be monitored and
documented for every batch of production
H. Shipping
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Packaging and documentation should be able to satisfy stringent shipping
requirements for delivery of hazardous materials.
3. Instructions for Responding to this RFI
3.1 Who May Respond
Responses from anyone in industry, government, or academia with practical knowledge of
Precursor Field Testing kits are welcome.
When and if the UNOV/UNODC issues a solicitation document in this area,
UNOV/UNODC Staff at the appropriate level will be eligible to respond with detailed
specifications.
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3.2 How to Respond
One electronic copy in machine-readable format (MS Word, or PDF) should be sent to
youness.ladib@unvienna.org
One confirming paper copy of all documents should be sent to the UNOV postal address
below.
United Nations Office at Vienna
Attn. : Mr. Youness LADIB, Procurement Assistant
Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O.Box 500
1400 Vienna
Responses to this RFI must be received at UNOV no later than 14:00 PM, 7
November 2011.
3.3 RFI Response Contact
Companies responding to this RFI shall designate a single contact within that company
for receipt of all subsequent information regarding this RFI and the forthcoming solicitation
document . The name of this contact will be made available to all UNOV/UNODC procurement
section members.
3.4 Format of RFI Responses
The following outline is offered to assist in the development of your response. You should
include:
- A cover letter -- the cover letter should include a brief summary of your response, such
as indicating to which areas you are responding and must also indicate if supporting
documentation is included in your response.
- The response itself, covering any or all of the areas of information requested by this RFI.
- If required, a glossary that explains terminology used in your response to
UNOV/UNODC.
Although the UNOV/UNODC does not limit the size of responses, , you are asked to
consider limiting the size of your response (not counting any supporting documentation) to
approximately 25 pages in order to assure that your response receives the attention it deserves. If
you consider supporting documentation to be necessary, please indicate which portions of the
supporting documentation are relevant to this RFI.
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3.5 Distribution of RFI Responses
Copies of all documentation submitted in response to this RFI will be available to all
UNOV Procurement Section for review purposes.
3.6 Reimbursement
The UNOV will not reimburse submitters for any costs in conjunction with their
responses to this RFI.
3.7 Questions Regarding this RFI
Any technical questions regarding this RFI should be sent to:
Youness LADIB, Procurement Assistant
Procurement Section
Division for Management
United Nations Office at Vienna
E1145
P.O.Box 500
1400 Vienna
Attn: Precursor Field Testing kits.
Tel:
(+43-1) 26060-8755
Fax:
(+43-1) 26060-7-8755
E-Mail: youness.ladib@unvienna.org
4. Response Review Process and Schedule
4.1 Review Process
UNOV/UNODC RFI is issued with the intent to survey industry to obtain information that
provides guidance, which will be used in the preparation of solicitation documents. The
UNOV/UNODC staff will review responses to this RFI. Based on those responses, the
UNOV/UNODC will augment its roadmap and prepare one or more solicitation documents.
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4.2 Clarification
To fully comprehend the information contained within a response to this RFI, the
reviewing group may seek further clarification on that response. This clarification may be
requested in the form of brief verbal communication by telephone; written communication;
electronic communication; or a presentation of the response to a meeting of the UNOV/UNODC
Procurement Section
4.3 RFI Response Presentations and Demonstrations
RFI Respondents may be invited to present their response to the UNOV/UNODC
Procurement Section. The purpose of this presentation would be to seek clarification of
information contained within the response (as noted above); to further explore issues raised; or to
further meet the goals of the RFI.
In addition, a technology demonstration to the UNOV/UNODC Procurement Section may
prove useful to support the RFI response. If desired, please coordinate with the Contact cited in
paragraph 3.7.
4.4 Schedule
The schedule for responding to this RFI is as follows. Please note that early responses are
encouraged.
RFI issued: 7 October 2011
RFI responses due: 7 November 2011
Review of RFI responses: 14 October 2011
(Note that this schedule is subject to change based on the number of RFI responses
received.)
Request for Information
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