3 Tesla MRI Scanner for Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Imaging
Added: Jun 26, 2018 11:04 am Introduction: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 as a result 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: The Neurophysiology Imaging Facility (NIF) is a core resource of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) intramural research program. Initiated in 2004 as a joint operation between the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and National Eye Institute (NEI), its function is to serve as a resource by which all NIH institutes can perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the macaque monkey. This imaging has supported a broad range of monkey studies in more than ten laboratories in the tee institutes, with the research directed toward understanding brain anatomy, function and physiology as it pertains to human health. At present the NIF facility is centered around a 4.7T vertical scanner specialized for primates, which has been in operation for approximately fourteen years. To continue the cutting-edge research performed by the NIH, it is necessary that the NIF have the most modern equipment available, providing researchers with access to the latest equipment, tools, and techniques for their experiments. This requirement entails the acquisition of a new and modern MRI System for this purpose. The acquisition shall include a 3T scanner to allow the NIF to be able to provide the latest tools and techniques to NIH researchers. The system is to be used exclusively for nonhuman primates.Purpose and Objectives: The NIF requires installation of a new MRI System suitable for state-of-the-art functional MRI research of non-human primates.Project requirements: 1. General Systems Performance RequirementsThe new MRI system must be capable of collection of state-of-the-art images of the brain for functional MRI using Echo Planar Imaging (EPI), including simultaneous multislice (SMS) EPI capacity, high resolution diffusion MRI (dMRI) including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI), perfusion imaging including 2D and 3D arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging, and routine high-resolution neurological and structural brain imaging.Pulse sequence software for the MRI system shall be included so that pulse sequences can be modified by NIH investigators. Experimental MRI pulse sequences must be sharable with other researchers in the field. Real-time streaming access must be provided for the acquired magnetic resonance raw data for in-house developed image reconstruction.a. Magnet Field Strength, Bed, and Bore SizeThe new MRI system shall have a magnetic field strength of 3T. The dockable patient table must be electronically adjustable in its height to facilitate the loading and unloading of nonhuman primate subjects. The minimum bore diameter of the system with a transmit/receive radiofrequency body coil and gradient hardware subsystems in place shall be 60cm. The magnet inhomogeneity at 40cm diameter of spherical volume (DSV) should be less than 0.2 ppm maximum. Zero boil-off helium consumption is required.b. Gradients The MRI system shall have a gradient subsystem capable of providing a gradient strength of at least +/-80 mT/m along each physical (X, Y, Z) gradient axis both independently and simultaneously. The magnetic field gradient for each physical (X, Y, Z) gradient axis must be capable of being slewed independently and simultaneously at 200 T/m/s or faster tough all gradient amplitudes. The gradient system must be able to operate at full duty cycle. c. Radiofrequency Receiver System & CoilsThe MRI system shall provide a minimum of 64 receiver channels capable of simultaneous (parallel) operation. Receiver bandwidth should be 1MHz per channel or higher. Receiver dynamic range (1-Hz resolution bandwidth) should be 169dB or larger at local coil connector. The system must include head coils for system testing. Human coils that are suitable for non-human primate images should be included, such as multichannel knee coil, flexible array coils, and loop coils. d. Radiofrequency Transmit SystemThe MRI system shall provide the capacity for parallel transmit of dynamic radiofrequency pulses, as well as the capacity for integrated transmit/receive radiofrequency technology.e. Gating and Physiological MonitoringThe MRI system shall provide a capability for physiological gating and monitoring Including vector ECG, respiratory, and pulse-oximetry. Additionally, the system shall be capable of gating using an external triggering signal.f. Image Reconstruction Systems The image reconstruction system of the MRI System must be capable of reconstructing images in real-time when acquiring parallel imaging data. The reconstruction hardware must feature a minimum of 128 GB RAM and GPU-driven reconstruction. The reconstruction system must be programmable by NIH investigators. g. SoftwareThe MRI system shall come with state-of-the-art software packages for sequence and reconstruction to enable functional MRI, diffusion MRI, and routine neurological imaging including Echo Planar Imaging and high resolution structural imaging. The MRI system must be fully programmable such that end users and investigators can modify and customize the MRI pulse sequences and perform customized image reconstruction. h. Installation of MRI systemThe successful offeror shall install the new MRI system at the NIF 3T site. All labor, materials, associated shipping, etc., required for installation shall be provided by the successful offeror. NIF space was renovated a few years ago to host a Siemens 3T Tim Trio scanner. That site is nearing completion and is now available to host a new 3T scanner. The new MRI system needs to fit into this space, with minimal alteration required to accommodate its physical siting or power requirements.The design of the current site, including the scanner, equipment, and console rooms is attached. 2. MRI Systems TrainingThe successful offeror shall provide at least 60 hours of on-site training to NIF staff in all hardware and software that will be required for routine operation of the new MRI system. 3. Warranty of MRI SystemThe new MRI system shall come with a warranty for twelve months after acceptance. During the warranty period, the contractor shall provide maintenance support and equipment and software upgrades in accordance with industry standards.a. Warranty Period Maintenance and Upgrade SupportThe contractor must provide on-site maintenance service and upgrade support for the offered MRI Systems. The on-site maintenance service shall ensure the MRI Systems remain operable and fully functional. The systems must be operational according to manufacturer specifications with high predictability and reliability to support their operation in the NIH NIF. These systems will be in heavy use, and any system unavailability (“downtime”) will impact a wide range of clinical research studies at the NIH and the mission of the NIH FMRIF.b. The contractor is encouraged to provide service contract agreement options that are exercisable in the year(s) after the warranty period. 4. Additional Requirements Due to Research NeedsThe new MRI Systems are to be used for basic and preclinical research. Therefore, the Government requires access to additional information regarding the technical operations of these systems. Specifically, the Government requires that the successful offeror provide tools for pulse sequence and reconstruction programming. Further, source code for any sequences installed on the systems shall be provided upon request as part of this requirement. This information will be used by NIH investigators to modify existing MRI pulse sequences and develop new MRI pulse sequence and reconstruction components for research purposes.The NIMH shall assure confidentiality of this information to the contractor or enter into a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for research development of features dependent on this functionality. Anticipated Period of Performance: The period of performance for this requirement shall be twelve (12) months from date of contract award. Capability statement /information sought: Contractors that believe that they possess the ability to provide the required equipment, should submit documentation on their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contract Specialist.The Contractor should directly and specifically state in the, capabilities statement, which project requirements can be meet and/or supplied. The Contractor must also provide 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 information submitted must be must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required.The response is limited to two (2) page limit. The 2-page limit does not include the cover page or executive summary.The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.The response must be submitted to Jeffrey E. Brown, Contracting Officer, at jeffrey.brown@nih.gov. The response must be received on or before July 3, 2018 at 3 pm, Eastern Time. 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 perform the work.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). NIHDA201800285 Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health
6/26/18, 11:04 AM 3 Tesla MRI Scanner for Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Imaging
(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. (ii) The solicitation number is NIHDA201800285 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures; FAR Subpart 13.5-Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items; and FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items and is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition teshold. Acquisition Authority This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures; FAR Subpart 13.5-Test Program for Certain Commercial Items; and FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition teshold. A fixed price type of contract is contemplated for this requirement. (iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect tough Federal Acquisition Circular 05-97, dated 01-24-2018 (iv) The associated NAICS code 334510 and the small business size standard 1,250 employees. (v) The Contractor shall provide the upgrade a Leica SP8 confocal/multiphoton microscope system to add the capability of performing Fluorescence Lifetime Imagaging Microscopy and on-the-fly image deconvolution. (vii) Contractor shall provide delivery of the upgrade within 90 days from award. Refer to attached "Purchase Description" for period of performance. (viii) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (ix) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Factor 1: Technical Approach, Approach to Installation, Delivery Training and Warranty, Past Performance, Cost/Price. Refer to Evaluation Criteria document for details. Technical Approach, Approach to Installation, Delivery, Training and Warranty and Past Performance when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price. (b) Options. N/A (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. (x) The Offerors to include a completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with its offer. (xi) The FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii) FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xiii) The following additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions as determined by the contracting officer are necessary for this acquisition and consistent with customary commercial practices. There are no additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions applicable to this acquisition. (xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are not applicable to this requirement. (xv) Responses to this solicitation must include sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities of providing the product or service. The price quote shall include: 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 in the award decision. Such factors may include: past performance; special features required for effective program performance; trade-in considerations; probable life of the item selected as compared with that of a comparable item; warranty considerations; maintenance availability; and environmental and energy efficiency considerations. In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov." All responses must be received by July 26, 2018 at 3 pm Eastern Standard Time and reference number. Responses may be submitted electronically to Jeffrey Brown, Contracting Officer, jeffrey.brown@nih.gov. Fax responses will not be accepted. Please make sure to review the Attachments for the Purchase Description, Evaluation Criteria, Attached FAR Clauses, and Technical Drawing of the Room layout. . NIHDA201800285 Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health
7/19/18, 4:23 PM