Background: Beginning the second half of 2008, DTSC started the process of requesting information regarding analytical test methods, fate, and transport in the environment, and other relevant information from manufacturers of certain chemicals of concern, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 289. The process of obtaining such information is called a "data call-in". The term "manufacturers" includes persons and businesses that produce chemicals in California, or import chemicals into California for sale. The purpose of these information requests is to identify information gaps and to develop information about the chemicals.
The next DCI will focus on nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), cerium oxide, silver, quantum dots, and zerovalent iron. We are directing this communication to you based on our understanding that you have an interest and/or expertise in one or more of these nanoscale materials.
Opportunity: DTSC is eager to engage nanoscale related industry/businesses and stakeholders to form a consortium that would include business, DTSC, and interested academics (California-based and beyond) to develop methodologies/techniques that can allow DTSC (and others) to measure environmental concentrations of these nanomaterials.
We have reached out to experts within BASF to obtain their sweat equity and expertise regarding measuring TiO2 and ZnO in any medium, and to determine if those methods can be applied to air, water, and soil. We need other companies and experts to provide similar expertise for the other nanomaterials of interest to provide DTSC with the help it needs. We know that ultimately our investment now will benefit greatly the nano community.
Proposal: • Establish a consortium of interested companies under the management of B&C Consortium Management, L.L.C., which has graciously offered to manage the consortium free of charge and seek reimbursement only for out of pocket costs such as conference calls and related disbursements. • Identify two to three academics/governmental experts who are knowledgeable and who can contribute sweat equity. • Engage DTSC, via conference calls, and one face-to-face in Sacramento or Los Angeles to develop a statement of work for the project, suggest reasonable approaches, and propose experimental work. The product of our consortium would be a report to DTSC on methods and validation steps. We can discuss at a later date how much investment we may wish to devote to support the methods/testing validation.
How to Respond: If you are interested in collaborating, please complete our online form http://www.bc-cm.com/campaigns/2011-1.php by COB March 1. We will contact you about an inaugural conference call/meeting.
About B&C Consortia Management, L.L.C. B&C Consortia Management, L.L.C. (BCCM) is an affiliate of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C). As an affiliate of B&C, we have strong institutional experience in consortia management and immediate access to experts in all forms of chemical control laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.bc-cm.com.