STATEMENT OF NEED

GENERAL: The Niketa Patel Laboratory at James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 requires an Inhalation Exposure system for exposure of mice to various toxic agents (i.e. dioxins and diesel particulate matter). With this system, we will better understand the mechanisms of how toxic exposures cause medical conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The Niketa Patel Laboratory at James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 conducts research to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, metabolic pathways in neurodegenerative diseases, and the mechanisms of toxic military exposures in these conditions. All these conditions affect many veterans and are a major reason for morbidity and mortality within this population.

PURPOSE: The Inhalation Exposure system will be used to aerosolize the dioxin Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and diesel particulate matter (DPM) for administration to mice. This will allow for a more accurate representation of how military personnel are exposed to these hazards when in the field.

SCOPE: James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital is requesting to procure one (1) Inhalation Exposure system with the following characteristics. This also includes Full day On-site Installation and Training and Shipping.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Physical Dimensions: Approximately 18” (H) x 14” (W) x 14” (L)

• Weight: ~15 lbs.

• Exposure Platform:

o Modular and configurable for both nose-only and whole-body exposures o Whole body chamber with 16 symmetric exposure ports for even aerosol distribution o Chamber accommodates ~12–24 mice or 3–6 rats, with dividers to prevent group huddling

• Control & Data Acquisition:

o Features precise, computer-controlled operation o Servo-controlled pumps deliver either constant or variable flow profiles o Integrated software for real-time control, data display, acquisition, and archiving

• Base Unit & Components:

o Houses electronics for pumps and data acquisition

• Operation:

o Suitable for extended, less stressful, unrestrained exposure sessions

• Compliance:

o Meets industry best practices for laboratory inhalation exposure studies

• Power Requirements:

o Standard laboratory electrical supply (voltage specifics as per manufacturer)

• Applicable Models/Packages:

o inExpose Base Unit/IX-BP-INT o inExpose Mouse Whole Body Chamber (5L chamber)/IX-B1-P o inExpose Exposure Generator Package (Liquid Aerosol, North America)/IX-

EGP-AN-NA

• Manufacturer: SciReq

• Governing Organization: Research Service

• Industry Standards: Follows best practices for precision dosing and animal research safety Note: The system does not require compatibility with other VA systems (e.g., CPRS).

TRAINING: Full day on-site training is included in the quote. User manuals and any available training videos will be provided.

WARRANTY OF EQUIPMENT:. Government requirement for standard manufacturer industry warranty term. Government does not accept extended warranty, which requires advance payment.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: All items to be delivered within 4-6 weeks of purchase order processing and order placement.