Notice of Intent -Linear Array Electrodes

INTRODUCTION

THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NON-COMPETITIVE (NOTICE OF INTENT) SYNOPSIS TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION (INCLUDING BRAND-NAME).

Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Plexon, Inc., 6500 Greenville Avenue, Suite 730 Dallas, TX 75206, USA

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE and SET ASIDE STATUS
The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 541715- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY
This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Contracts awarded using FAR Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6—Competition Requirements. FAR Subpart 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source provides that: For purchases NOT exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting officers may solicit from one source IF the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name OR industrial mobilization).

The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2022-04 dated January 30, 2022.
 

STATEMENT OF NEED AND PURPOSE
The Laboratory of Neuropsychology investigates higher brain functions such as learning, memory, and reward-related decision making. These studies require electrodes to explore deep structures in the nonhuman primate brain to evaluate the relationship between these structures and primate behavior.  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND OBJECTIVE
The exploration of brain regions known to contribute to reward-related behaviors requires different electrode designs depending on the exact region to be studied. The specified purchase is for electrodes that have been designed and tested for reaching deep structures in nonhuman primate, like the amygdala, but still suitable for superficial cortical recordings in nonhuman primates. The specified electrodes are required for three ongoing studies of reward-related circuitry, an essential component of the NIMH mission to understand and develop treatments for behavioral disorders.

CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION DETERMINATION

The specified electrodes have been tested and validated for this specific role in nonhuman primate brain recording via previous purchased from Plexon, Inc. (HHSN278201800073P, PO # 271201400605P, PO #  75N95020P00477, PO # 75N95B21P00077).

Plexon, Inc. is the only source of this specific electrode technology.

Detailed description:

1. Passive electrodes for deep recordings in nonhuman primates
2. Validated for our studies through live testing
3. 32 and 64 contact linear electrode arrays
4. 150 um contact spacing
5. Minimum loss of signal while electrodes are being repositioned (this requires smooth movement in the brain)
6. Sufficiently robust to tolerate 20 to 40 or more penetrations
7. 120 mm overall length to reach deep structures
8. Omnetics connectors wired to match Ripple Nano head stages

The 32 and 64 channel linear arrays listed herein are available from only one source, and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes that meet the specifications available.

The essential characteristics of the multicontact linear electrode that limit the availability to a sole source are 1) Plexon, Inc. is the only commercial entity that can supply electrodes that meet all the specifications and 2) that have been shown to meet these specifications during our tests in non-human primates.

NIMH have thoroughly tested this product in nonhuman primates, as have others. A competing product has been brought to market. NIMH tested that product in nonhuman primates and It does not meet all the requirements. Through our testing and market research, we have found that no other competing product or vendor exists.  

GENERIC NAME OF PRODUCT: Linear Array Electrodes

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION: Plexon Inc 32 and 64-contact electrodes, 92078-006, 92078-004, shipping.

SALIENT CHARACTERSTICS

• Passive electrodes for deep recordings in nonhuman primates
• Validated for our studies through live testing
• 32 and 64 contact linear electrode arrays
• 150 um contact spacing
• Minimum loss of signal while electrodes are being repositioned (this requires smooth movement in the brain)
• Sufficiently robust to tolerate 20 to 40 or more penetrations
• 120 mm overall length to reach deep structures
• Omnetics connectors wired to match Ripple Nano head stages

DELIVERY
60 days after contract award

CLOSING STATEMENT

THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement.

Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.

All responses must be received by the closing date and time of this announcement and must reference the solicitation number in this notice. Responses must be submitted electronically to Kristina Jenkins, Contracting Officer, at kristina.jenkins@nih.gov.  U.S. Mail and fax responses will not be accepted.