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Digital Imaging System for Rats


Maryland, United States
Government : Federal
RFP
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This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made because of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.


Background / Purpose / Objective: The National Institute of Aging (NIA) Intramural Research Program (IRP) requires a Digital Imaging System for Rats for testing aged rats in gait analysis (Gait analysis is the systematic study of animal locomotion, more specifically the study of human motion, using the eye and the brain of observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles. Gait analysis is used to assess and treat individuals with conditions affecting their ability to walk. It is also commonly used in sports biomechanics to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify posture-related or movement-related problems.) using a treadmill-based forced walking chamber and automated video analysis of gait and kinematic motion.


Specifications: The Digital Imaging System for Rats must include: (1) Digital Gait Imaging System for treadmill gait analysis, system complete and turn-key, to include: (a) Medical Grade stainless steel treadmill chassis with transparent belt, (b) Motor speed range from 0.00 to 99.9 cm/s, (c) High-speed high-resolution camera (+150 fps), (d) C-mount lens, (e) Firewire cable, (f) Illumination panels, (g) Adjustable walking compartment, (h) Excrement collection bins, (i) Industrial casters, and (j) Incline/decline lifting mechanism to study gait during animal movement; (2) Digital Imaging and Analysis Computer, to include: (a) Configured with high bandwidth image capture memory, (b) Latest version of DigiGait Imaging software package, (c) Latest version of DigiGait analysis software package, and (d) Computer monitor, large format; (3) Treadmill to accommodate large animals (500g-1200g); and (4) Installation, remote training and support for 1- year after installation and acceptance. purchase


The Digital Imaging System for Rats must be DigiGaitTM Imaging System manufactured by Mouse Specifics, Inc., 2 Central Street, Framingham, MA 01701, Telephone No.1-617-821-MOUSe, Email: products@MouseSpecifics.com. The DigiGaitTM brand Imaging System is needed in order to continue the research in gait analysis using aged rats. The NIA is initiating a new longitudinal study: Successful Trajectories in Aging and Resilience in Rats (STARRRS). This is a multi-year longitudinal study in rats, which will involve testing rats in gait analysis at various ages. The NIA-IRP already possesses DigiGait equipment for testing young adult rats (up to approximately 300 grams) and has been using this in studies of aging young in life. However, the large size of aged rats (1000+ grams) renders them too large to test in the existing apparatus. To allow for testing of aged rats and to increase throughput to accommodate the STARRRS project, it is necessary to purchase an additional DigiGait unit, equipped with a custom-built chamber that accommodates aged rats. Because data has already been collected in young adult rats with existing DigiGait equipment and because gait analysis differs based on specific equipment used (J Pain Res 2014; 7:25-35), it is absolutely necessary to purchase an additional DigiGait unit manufactured by Mouse Specifics Inc, using the same hardware and software for detection and analysis of footsteps on a controllable treadmill.


Anticipated period of performance / delivery date: The Government's anticipated delivery date is 120 calendar days after receipt of the duly executed purchase order.


Other important considerations: The response may cite any other information that is necessary for potential respondents to understand the nature of the potential requirement or proposed acquisition.


Capability statement /information sought. The respondents must submit clear and convincing evidence that their product is equivalent or superior to the brand-name specified in this notice. The response shall include: the unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery days after contract award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), product or catalog number(s); product description; and any other information or factors that may be considered to determine the method of acquisition. The information must address each of the minimum specifications and the equivalent elements of the brand-name parts stated herein. The response must also indicate the country of manufacturer.


The response must also include their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.


The response must include the respondents' technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.


The response must be clear and concise in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper size, with 1" top, bottom, left and right margins, with single or double spacing, and limited to ten (10) pages (exclusive of the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested).


All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to Debra C. Hawkins Contractor, Acquisition Policy Analyst II, at debra.hawkins@nih.gov on or before July 25, 2019, 12:00 PM. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.


Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to provide the product or perform the services specified herein.


Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.


Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s)."


 


Debra C. Hawkins, Acquisition Policy Analyst II, Phone 301-827-7751, Email debra.hawkins@nih.gov

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