Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the US Army Warfighter Science, Technology, & Applied Research Directorate (WARSTAR), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: BIOPAC Systems, Inc., Goleta, Ca 93117. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: NSRDEC requires the purchase of a specialized data collection devices to support ongoing internal research on the perceptual bases of gathering information from spatial and non-spatial technologies. Specifically, we need to purchase reliable, validated, and time-proven device to measure functional near-infrared spectroscopy from the prefrontal cortex of the human brain, allowing for the differentiation and comparison of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels in brain tissue in a real-time manner during cognitive task performance. 2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.): The cognitive science team has identified BIOPAC systems as the only company that develops and manufactures an integrated neurophysiological, cognitive, and physiological monitoring system that is demanded of our research programs. This system needs to be integrated with measures of galvanic skin response, electromyography to record skeletal muscle response on facial tissue, and electrocardiogram to measure ongoing cardiac activity, and BIOPAC is the only company that has demonstrated this proven ability in one system. 3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: In preparation for this request we sought to identify technologies from several manufacturers that fulfilled our multiple criteria: resolution, sensitivity, validation, speed, ease of use, and reliability. Though several companies and products were found during our market research, none other than BIOPAC fulfilled all of our criteria while maintaining competitive pricing. The BIOPAC integrated data sensors and management systems are the only available methods for collecting this large suite of performance-relevant data. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: None 5. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: None 6. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to future requirements of this nature to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to:
[email protected] no later than 10am on August 2, 2010. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division 100 Medway Road Milford, Ma 01757 Point of Contact: Christine Sordillo, Contract Specialist
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