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 Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (ARIEM), 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: The need is for an optical imaging device that can quantify functional activity within the brain, mainly the prefrontal cortex. The purchase from Biopac is for a fNIR Imager made by the company fNIR devices. The aim of the research protocol for which this device is to be used is to obtain functional imaging within the prefrontal cortex with a low lost portable device. This forehead mounted sensor unit will use near infrared light to quantify the oxy- and deoxy- hemoglobin activity within the prefrontal cortex. The fNIRS device sold through Biopac is the only optical brain imaging hardware that is portable, lightweight, and with low energy expenditure (used LED in lieu of more common laser technology). Additionally the included software is unique in that it automates artifact rejection of the acquired data. 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.): fNIRS Devices sold through Biopac is the only manufacturer to come to market with this new imaging modality. Other products of similar qualification have only been demonstrated in theoretical laboratory environments and have yet to make it to market. Earlier prototypes of this device has proven its efficacy in research studies conducted at Drexel University. 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: Market research was conducted through communication with researchers at Rowan University and Drexel University, two institutes that lead in the field of fNIRS imaging. Additionally, market research was conducted on the internet and yielded no comparable devices. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: The field of LED based fNIR imaging for the human brain is an emerging field. It is important that research conducted with such devices fall in line and build on finding from other researchers. Since this will be used in stress and traumatic brain injury studies, the most prevalent device used in these works has been chosen. 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 this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to:
[email protected] no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 24, 2010. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Stephen Reffel, Contract Specialist
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