D JA Sole Sorce Justification and Approval above SAT_Redacted.pdf

Justification and Approval for Sole Source (J&A) (Template)

Justification and Approval for Sole Source

“Source Selection Information – see FAR 2.101 and 3.104”

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

a. Federal agency and contracting activity.

Department of Health and Human Services National Institute of Health National Institute on Drug Abuse

b. Sponsoring organization.

NINDS, Division of Intramural Research, Stroke Branch, Neurovascular Research Unit.

c. Project Officer information.

• Project Officer Name.

• E-mail Address.

• Telephone Number.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.

a. Acquisition purpose and objectives.

The study of vascular function is central to understanding neurovascular biology. We need fast in vivo measurements to investigate vascular structure and function of cerebral vasculature. We require two photons with multi wavelength dual channels imaging system to study these functions of cerebral vascular in vivo with the ability of image and stimulate multiple vascular and neuronal cells simultaneously in different imaging planes. To achieve this, our laboratory requires a versatile, hands-free and fully integrated ultra-fast femtosecond laser system, with a complete tuning range of 660-1320nm. Furthermore, due to the nature of our multi-color experiments, the system needs to provide a second, fixed wavelength output at 1040nm which is phase-locked to the tunable beam for imaging.

We also require a single high-power output laser capable of greater than 40W average power at 1035nm to stimulate a field of view at multiple depth using spatial light modulator (SLM) unit. The system should provide fully variable repetition rates, variable pulse length and integrated modulation capabilities via AOMs to provide pulse picking and repetition rate down selection.

b. Project background.

This is a new procurement for a new investigator, who joined the Stroke Branch, NINDS in January 2024. This equipment is vital to the work that will be performing in her new lab, Neurovascular Research Unit.

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs

(including the estimated value).

a. Project title.

Multi-wavelength dual laser for multi-color imaging system with fixed-wavelength laser for optical stimulation

b. Project description.

See attached Purchase Description.

• Requirement type.

□ Research & development (R&D)

□ R & D support services

□ Support services (non-R&D) X Supplies/equipment

□ Information technology (IT)

□ Construction

□ Architect-engineer (A & E) services

□ Design-build

□ Other (specify):

• Type of action.

X New requirement

□ Follow-on

□ Other (specify):

• Proposed contract/order type.

X Firm-fixed-price

□ Other fixed-price (specify, e.g., fixed-price award-fee, fixed-price incentive-fee):

□ Cost-plus-fixed-fee

□ Other cost reimbursement (specify, e.g., cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee):

□ Time and materials

□ Indefinite delivery (specify whether indefinite quantity, definite quantity, or requirements):

□ Other (specify):

□ Completion Form Term form

• Acquisition identification number. POTS 24-006321

c. Total estimated dollar value and performance/delivery period.

The purchase of the multi-wavelength dual laser for multi-color imaging system with fixed-wavelength laser for optical stimulation is estimated to cost

4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

X This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 41 United States Code (U.S.C.) 3304(a)(1) as set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation

(FAR) 6.302-1.

□ This acquisition is conducted under the authority of section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996.

□ This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Services

Acquisition Reform Act of 2003 (41 U.S.C. 428a).

a. Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited. Name and address of the proposed contractor(s).

Coherent NA, Inc 40984 Concept Drive Plymouth, MI 48170

b. Nature of the acquisition and proposed unique qualifications of the contractor(s).

Based on market research that was conducted with vendors who provide multi-wavelength dual laser for multi-color imaging systems with fixed-wavelength laser for optical stimulation, it was determined that Coherent

NA, Inc is the manufacturer of the product that best meets the needs of the Neurovascular Research Unit.

Acquiring a laser system that does not meet all the salient characteristics would further limit the experiments it is able to perform and potentially render them unable to perform any experiments at all. Additionally, the laboratory currently has data from experiments collected using this type of system. To maintain scientific continuity, a tunable femtosecond laser system that produces data compatible with its previous system and can use data generated by the previous system is required. Otherwise, these experiments would have to be repeated. If this equipment is delayed, there will be an impact on the set-up of a new lab for a new investigator.

This delay will negatively impact the research of the Neurovascular Research Unit.

Specifically, the following technical specifications of the Coherent system make it uniquely able to meet the need in the study of these functions of cerebral vascular in vivo with the ability of image and stimulate multiple vascular and neuronal cells simultaneously in different imaging planes.

Ultrafast femtosecond laser system with fixed wavelength output

• Sealed, contamination free ultrafast cavity with no requirement for external course mirror adjustment from external ports.

• Closed loop water cooling, with a Peltier-driven cooling engine for minimal acoustic noise.

• Simple integration – the system must be user-controllable either via RS232 or via the vendor-supplied GUI.

• Advance Replacement service strategy to minimize user down time, supported by a remote service facility.

• 80MHz Synchronization output built in for triggering detection systems.

• Laser head footprint <0.4m2 to optimize optical table space.

• Operating temperature range 15-35oC

• HALT designed, HASS tested for highest reliability and long lifetime

• Fully integrated power modulation of both outputs via fast AOM control

Tunable Beam

• Tuning range of 660nm to 1320nm

• Average power >1.4W at 700nm, >2.7W at 800nm, >2.6W at

900nm, >2.15W at 1000nm, >1.85W at 1200nm, >1.2W at 1300nm

• Tuning speed >50 nm/s averaged across 660-1320nm

• Beam quality to be specified as TEM00 to ensure a tight focal volume, increasing excitation and enhancing resolution.

• Power stability of +/-1% after 2-hour warm-up and <+/-1oC ambient change

• Pulse duration 100fs at 900nm (sech2 pulse shape).

• Automated dispersion compensation on the tunable output (after AOM) of 0 to -40,000fs2 at 680nm, 0 to -17,000fs2 at 800nm, 0 to -5000fs2 at 1050nm, and 0 to -4000fs2 at 1300nm

Fixed Wavelength Beam

• Average power >3.5W at 1040nm

• Pulse duration 140fs (sech2 pulse shape)

• Power stability +/- 1%

• Noise <0.25% rms in a 10Hz-10MHz band

• Fundamental: 40W, 40uJ, 1MHz Options: (40W, 20uJ, 2MHz), (40W, 10uJ, 4MHz), etc.

• Beam quality to be specified as

• TEM00 with M2 < 1.2

• Beam circularity >85%

• On board AOM for down selection of repetition rate from single shot to 50MHz.

• Software controlled user variable pulse width from < 350fs to >10ps.

• All fiber single pass MOPA design from seed laser to main amplifier.

• On board pulse width monitor and energy monitor.

• Single box design with no distributed seed laser or pump diodes in a separate box.

• Seeder includes mode-locking SESAM shifter for long life operation.

• Three-point kinematic mount on laser head for superior long term stable operation in diverse ambient temperatures.

• Integrated onboard active cleaning engine to maintain cleanliness of laser housing in harsh environments throughout the life of the laser.

• HASS/HALT testing protocol, B10 > 22,500hrs

• RS232, Ethernet, and USB interface. Remote access possible from anywhere in world.

5. Description of the efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as practicable. Indicate whether a FedBizOpps notice was or will be publicized as required by FAR Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under FAR 5.202 applies. A Non-competitive Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (CSS) will be posted to SAM.Gov. Within the CSS, language will be included inviting respondents that believe that they are manufacturers or authorized resellers of the brand-name product specified in this announcement to respond.

Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost/price to the Government will be fair and reasonable. The CS will conduct a price analysis to determine that pricing obtained is fair and reasonable, to include a comparison of any quotes received, comparison to the IGCE, and comparison to previous purchases of similar equipment.

Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10) and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted.

Exploratory discussions with vendors who offer this product were held in Oct- Dec 2023. In addition, discussions were held with Investigators in NINDS as they have purchased the same/similar items from Coherent. Additionally, the CS conducted market research to determine the extent that the required equipment is available. Market research included:

• Searching Interagency Contract Directory

• Searching GSA eLibrary

• Searched FPDS

• Searched SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search

• Contacted manufacturer to determine available sales channels

• Searched internet - Google.com

6. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition. The vendor must be able to provide remote service, field-service visits by trained technicians, and even outright replacement of the laser from stock if necessary. Only the manufacturer, Coherent, is capable of providing this equipment. Note that multiple Sources Sought Notices have been posted publicly in the previous 12 months, and it has been determined that Coherent is the only source for this equipment.

7. Listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition.

Market research included discussing the requirement with vendors that provide multi-wavelength dual lasers. The vendors that expressed interest after exploratory discussions were: Coherent NA, Inc., and Spectra-Physics.

9. Statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the required supplies or services.

For future requirements, market research will be conducted to examine current equipment to ensure that all potential sources are considered.

8. Program office certification.

This is to certify that the portions of this justification that have been developed by the undersigned program office personnel, including supporting information and/or data verifying the Government’s minimum needs, schedule requirements and other rationale for other than full and open competition, are accurate and complete.