20-004278 - Purchase Description.pdf

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

1. Statement of Need and Purpose:

The Rodent Behavioral Core (RBC) led by Dr. Yogita Chudasama needs a critical addition to the Inscopix nVoke system that is currently in use by various labs within NIMH and NIH that use the RBC. This new Inscopix nVoke 2.0 system will expand the capabilities of the RBC to meet the high demands upon existing system nVoke 2.0 system. The nVoke 2.0 Integrated Imaging and Optogenetics System for Rodents is a cutting-edge technology platform that combines both calcium imaging and optogenetics into a single “all-optical” system. This unique technological advance enables simultaneous visualization and optogenetic manipulation of neural circuit dynamics in the same field of view using a head-attached miniature microscope. This addition will enhance the current systems versatile and unique way to incorporate circuit monitoring and perturbation techniques into a variety of behavioral assays that have already been established in the core for understanding neuropsychiatric phenotypes. The previous nVoke 1.0 system and its recent upgrade to 2.0 has been used with much success by labs utilizing the RBC. However, the addition of another nVoke 2.0 system will enhance the previously stated characteristics and allow for more and highly demanded incorporation into experimental paradigms while allowing older data sets and experiments to continue seamlessly with enhanced results.

2. Background Information and Objective: Current approaches to investigations of brain circuits and systems require detailed analyses of neuronal circuit dynamics at cellular or greater resolution across multiple brain regions. Projects being pursued by several groups within the NIMH IRP utilize optogenetic methods to control and monitor the activity of individual neurons, or two-photon microscopy to image calcium indicators in head-fixed animals. The nVoke Integrated Imaging and Optogenetics System for Rodents is a cutting-edge technology platform that combines both calcium imaging and optogenetics into a single “all-optical” system. This unique technological advance enables simultaneous visualization and optogenetic manipulation of neural circuit dynamics in the same field of view using a head-attached miniature microscope. The addition of another nVoke 2.0 will permit the users of the RBC enhanced abilities to test sophisticated causal hypotheses about the relationship between neural circuit activity and emergent brain functions in freely behaving animals. The unique capability of the nVoke 2.0 system is that it resolves single-cell activity in a large neuronal population, and activates or silences them in awake, freely moving animals. Although two-photon microscopy has this type of spatial resolution, simultaneous calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations require animals to be head-fixed, and specialized two-photon lasers and optics that are not yet commercially available. Another related approach is to use implanted optic fibers to deliver light stimuli and collect fluorescent data in freely moving animals, but without an image-forming microscope, this approach does not provide information of individual neurons. The nVoke system provides an innovative solution for investigation of inter-regional functional connectivity, functional cell type mapping and microcircuit functioning, all in the brain of freely behaving animal. The unique system will greatly enhance the NIMH mission statement as multiple users of the shared NIMH Rodent Behavioral Core will be able to utilize. Additionally, this system is solely obtainable via Inscopix. Large ongoing data subsets and experiments have been obtained and are ongoing via the existing Inscopix nVoke system within the RBC. The existing system was aquired by sole source via award HHSN271201700584P and was recently upgraded to system 2.0 via award HHSN75N95020P00143. Due to the high demand for the use of the existing system within the RBC a new system to augment and expand capabilities for this crucial equipment is mission critical.

3. Generic Name of Product: Inscopix nVoke 2.0 Integrated Calcium Imaging and

Optogenetics System for Rodents in free ranging Studies with hardware/software for control and data acquisition/processing.

4. Purchase Description: (1) nVoke 2.0 Integrated Imaging and Optogenetics System for Rodents, Application Module nVoke, ProView™ Lens Probe, Inscopix Commutator System, Field Scientific Consultant On-Site Training, Inscopix Care (1-year subscription); (2) nVoke; (3) Inscopix; (3) Product #s 1000-004339 quantity 1, 1000- 002315 quantity 1, 1050-002259 quantity 5, 1000-002976 quantity 1, 1000-002897 quantity 1.

5. Salient characteristics:

1. System will allow users to monitor and manipulate the behavior of free ranging rodents. The neuronal cellular monitoring/calcium must be accomplished via brain implantable micro miniature cameras while the manipulation is accomplished via coupled optogenetic either as excitation or inhibition.

2. Must come with data acquisition software that controls the calcium data imaging and logging of optogenetic events in seamless manner. The system must allow users friendly interface and enable new features such as multi plane imaging. System must be compatible with existing system already within the RBC.

3.Must come with state of the art processing and visualization software package that allows processing of large visual images and video of neuronal activity while providing tracking data of freely moving subjects.

4. Must minimize biological cross talk

5. The Implantable microscope must weigh only 2 grams versus the previous 3 grams.

This will allow for longer experimental sessions without increase to stress. Headpiece will remain 11 mm x 19 mm x 20 mm. FOV 1440 pixels x 1080 pixels 900 micrometers.

Optogentic excitation must range from 590 to 650 nm with a pulse repetition rate from 1 to 100 Hz. Flurophore excitation from 435 to 460 nm with emission at 490 to 540 nm, also with 0-35 mW/mm2 OG Irradiance, 0-10 mW/mm2 OG irradiance

7. As part of purchase OEM must provide free repairs/or replacement for any hardware damage no matter the cause (user, animal, unknown)

8. Must come with 5 base plates, covers and 1 dummy scope.

9. Must come with lens probes for specific brain region.

10. Must have Implant kit that includes lens holding device, stereotaxic rod, adjustment screws.

11. Must include electronic focus to improve ideal focus and relocating focal plane for longitudinal studies.

12. Will come with integrated lens and baseplate-reducing 2-3 surgical steps

13. Must comes with enhanced file compression reducing transfer times from 1 hr to 2 minutes or less

14. Implatanable microscopes must have an accelerometer

15. Will allow for remote/live streaming of data acquisition.

16. Commutator must be a low torque active commutator designed for high speed HD video signals

17. System shall have technical support for life of unit this shall include prompt response to hardware and software support

18. System shall have access to online training, content and instructional videos.

19. System shall come with Scientific consultation and guidance, plus unlimited support via email, phone, and video conference for every stage of your experiments:

from design and biological reagent strategies to lens implantation and data trace extraction with IDPS.

20. System shall come with 3 data processing software liscenses. So that analysis can continue without interfering with acquisition.

21. System shall come with multiple day on site training with follow up consultation with a field technical support agent.

6. Quantity: 1

7. Delivery Date: July 30, 2020

8. Period of Performance: Must include one year of free repair/replacement for any hardware damage no matter the causative agent (end user, animal, unknown) with complimentary overnight shipping of said damaged, repaired or replaced hardware to and from OEM

9. Option(s): n/a