36C24123Q0334.docx

SUBJECT*

Blackrock / CfNN NeuroPort Neural Signal Processing System

GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

VMAC Providence

830 Chalkstone Ave

Providence RI

CONTACT INFORMATION

VAMC Providence

830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence RI 02908

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contracting Officer Keri Reeves keri.reeves@va.gov keri.reeves@va.gov

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

Presolicitation Notice Presolicitation Notice

DESCRIPTION

Presolicitation Notice

Pre-solicitation Notice of Intent to Sole Source Pre-Solicitation Notice of intent to award a sole source contract. This is not a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to negotiate a sole source contract with:

BLACKROCK MICROSYSTEMS, INC

ueiSAM: JNDKU5RMVAT4

630 S KOMAS DR

STE 200

SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84108

This is not a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a requirement for proprietary neural signal processing equipment. This equipment is for a highly complex, long-term research endeavor that has been on-going for at least 5 years. Blackrock Microsystems, INC has been supplying the items required and due to the proprietary nature of these items, a valid sole-source justification exists. VA will negotiate and award a 5-year Blanket Ordering Agreement to this vendor.

The authority for this action is FAR 6.302.1-1 Only One Responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.

The NAICS 334510. The size standard is 1,250 employees. The PSC/FSC is 6515.

Interested persons may contact the Contracting Officer by email at keri.reeves@va.gov regarding this procurement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Response must be received by 02/09/2023 NLT 10:00am EST.

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B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Neural Signal Processing Systems and Components

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Project: Purchase of Blackrock Neural Signal Processing System and components.

2. Background: The Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology (CfNN) is a VA RR&D funded Center that unifies researchers and clinicians in advancing and translating new therapies and technologies to restore function in disorders of the nervous system that impair movement and cognition in the Veteran population. The Center’s mission is realized through research and development using restorative technologies that range from sensors to deep brain stimulators to brain computer interfaces. The Center will use technology to provide rehabilitation, or restorative device, such as advanced prosthetic limbs. Each of these technologies appear to have a great potential to help people return to a life of independence and control across this broad range of disorders. CfNN will utilize the Neural Signal Processing systems with interfaced computers and mechanical devices to translate brain activity into action.

3. Scope of Work: When and if ordered, vendor shall provide Blackrock Neural Signal Processing equipment, supplies, and associated items for use in brain-computer interface research. The execution of this Agreement shall not constitute a guarantee of future orders.

4. Period of Performance: This Agreement will be effective for a period of 5 years from the date of award and may be extended for another 6 months in accordance with FAR52.217-8.

5. Delivery: Items shall ship FOB Origin and delivery is within 30 days of the effective date of the order. VA will request shipping estimates for each order placed. The shipping will be stated as a separate line item on the orders.

6. Type of Contract: Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA)

7. Place of Performance: Deliver to: VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Ave (Attn: Medical Warehouse), Mark for: CfNN, Research Service, Bldg 32, Providence, RI 02908 Delivery location should be confirmed for each order as some components for clinical use may require direct delivery to research partners.

8. Pricing: Pricing shall be firm for the first 3 years of the Agreement. Within 60 days of the fourth anniversary of the Agreement, revised pricing for the deliverables may be submitted.

Revised pricing will be considered and incorporated via formal modification if acceptable. New items that are developed as the Agreement progresses will be identified as such and pricing will be incorporated by modification.

9. Issuing Orders and Authorized Users: Vendor shall accept orders from no one other than the designated Contracting Officer or their representative. Orders shall only be accepted by the vendor if presented on an Order for Supplies or Service, or on any other appropriate contractual instrument bearing the Contracting Officer’s (or their representative’s) signature.

Items shipped without the designated Contracting Officer’s signed and issued order are beyond the scope of this Agreement and are shipped at the vendor’s risk. Such items shall not be paid for.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposed Blackrock Microsystems Neural Signal Processing Systems and components are used for ongoing Brain-computer interface research. Blackrock is the sole manufacturer and distributor for the Neural Signal Processing Systems and components. Several CfNN studies use Blackrock equipment extensively, items such as: the NeuroPort 256 channel real-time data acquisition system, NeuroPlex Headstage E-Series, CerePlex Headstage W-Series, Cables, and Digital Hubs. Over the next few years, the VA may be purchasing replacement components and systems. This technology frequently changes and improves, and the Center would like to purchase the newest technology as it becomes available.

The objective of this Agreement is for the vendor to deliver items as ordered and provide technical support as required. Items shall be fully warranted.

C. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Final inspection and acceptance of the equipment will occur at the place of delivery. Final approval and acceptance of equipment will be conducted by Providence VA Medical Center Logistics Service in accordance with standard receiving practices.

D. AGREEMENT ADMINISTRATION:

The following individuals will be the Government's points of contact during the performance of this Agreement:

1. Contracting Officer: TBD

2. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): TBD

3. End User: TBD

E. INVOICING:

For each order issued, a single invoice showing all items shipped as well as the shipping charge shall be submitted within 30 days of departure from the Vendor’s facility. All invoices shall be submitted electronically through the Tungsten Portal in accordance with VAAR 852.323-72. Invoices shall be annotated “FINAL” as the Tungsten System permits. Payment will be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act. In the event residual funds remain on the order, excess funds will be de-obligated via modification. Any modification presented for signature shall be signed and returned to the Contracting Officer within 15 days of receipt.

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