Answers_to_Questions.pdf

Questions regarding HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-CSS-15-647—3 Tesla MRI Systems

1. Is there interest in further development of 3D ASL dynamic non-contrast MRA and 3D ASL perfusion?

There is research interest but it is not of direct relevance to the procurement.

2. Is there interest in further development of CSF flow utilizing ASL based T-Slip techniques?

There is research interest but it is not of direct relevance to the procurement

3. With the advent of adverse Gadolinium retention in the brain and possibly other organs, is their interest in evaluating advances in non-contrast MRA. T-Slip, ASL?

There is research interest but it is not of direct relevance to the procurement

4. Will you require an optional stimulus delivery package?

Not required.

5. How will multinuclear be used, and is it a request, or is it a specification requirement?

Primarily used for phosphorous imaging. It could be included as a line item option, not a requirement.

6. In section 2. Installation of MRI Systems, what/who does “A/E” stand for?

A/E stands for architectural/engineering.

7. Trade-in info needed:

FMRIF-3TA: GE Signa HDx 3T with 16 receiver channels and multinuclear option.

FMRIF-3TB: GE Signa HDx 3T with 32 receiver channels

i. Date Available For Removal

Contingent on approval of the design for renovations.

ii. When were they Installed?

Aug-Sep 2007.

iii. Current software level & specific “options” by system

15.0_M4A

iv. list of coils

2 X GE Split head quad coil (Model 2376114)

2 X GE 8 Channel Rx HiRes Brain Array

1 X Head Neck / HDx FP

2 X Nova 16 Channel Rx—NMSC-025-16-3T

v. Are there Work Station/s?

No.

vi. Are the systems under System under Service Contract, by whom?

Yes. They are under service contract by GE—AssurePoint In-house Standard for magnet, electronics and chiller.

vii. Overall condition (scale of 1-10)? Average number of patients per day?

Estimated 9/10 for overall condition. 6 subjects/day average.

viii. Can the system be removed during normal business hours (Mon-Fri /8AM—5PM)?

Rigging out of systems requires road closures and would need to be done on a weekend.

8. Are there any other drawings (e.g. CAD) available?

PDFs are available through the contract specialist. If we locate any other original documents, we will make them available as well.

9. Would NIH entertain the purchase of two refurbished GE Discovery MR750 MRI systems or two refurbished 23X software platforms to their existing GE MRI systems?

NIH would entertain, assuming they are well supported and eligible for research (pulse sequence development environment, etc).

10. What is the timeline for delivery and installation of the MRI systems or MRI upgrades?

We assume a 4 month timeline for design and design approval after award of the contract.

11. Are MRIs on Ground Floor (slab on grade)? If not, are there structural Drawings available?

Both magnets were installed on a cement base (Ardex K15 we believe) to correspond to GE HDx preinstallation specifications. They sit on two 10’ x 12’ x 12" thick concrete slabs, each with a 66" x 66" x 2" recess, below. This corresponds to the GE installation guidelines.

12. Is this project union or prevailing wage?

According to FAR 52.222-6, no laborer OR mechanic employed directly upon the site of the work shall receive less than the prevailing wage rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor.

13. What is the tonnage of the existing HVAC systems?

There are 2 units, each of 5 ton capacity for the equipment room, and a 3 smaller units, approximately 1.5 ton capacity each, for the magnet and control rooms.

14. Will the rooms be complete at the same time?

Ideally yes—but that is ultimately up to the contractor. We are interested in whatever schedule is most efficient in terms of returning both magnets to service.

We assume that there will be a period when both magnets are not available.

15. Is the existing HVAC system on facility chilled water?

The room air-conditioners use house chilled water. The magnet cooling system uses external chillers.

16. Does the new equipment require a UPS?

No. Not required. This can be included as an option.

17. Is there existing UPS upstream?

There are a bank (3) of Liebert/Emerson power conditioners upstream but no

UPS.

18. If a new UPS is required would be the location?

No. No new UPS required. Siting for an (optional) UPS would be determined by NIH in collaboration with contractor.

19. What is the existing breaker size for each MRI scanner?

There is a 5-wire, 3-phase electrical feeder (conduit, wire, and fittings) rated for 150 amps at 480 volts. Each scanner has a 480V/150A breaker.

20. What is the existing main wire feed size feeding each MRI main breaker?

A 1/o cable feed size. According to original vendor, this size is appropriate to use for voltages of 480V supplied by up to 250 feet of cable. This distance is well above the length of the existing cable run, so it indicates a 1/o cable feed. See the tables at the base of page E1 of the drawings (available upon request).

21. Where is the main power vault located that is feeding the 2 MRI systems?

B1D46 just outside the NMR Center.

22. Will the new MRI require their own chillers or will they be cooled with in house chilled water?

Our original concept included demolition of the current chillers and using house chilled water in combination with heat exchange plates to provide cooling for the magnets. Offerors can include an option to use external chillers if house chilled water capacity is not sufficient.

23. Will new LED lights be required in the magnet room?

Please include as an option.

24. Will new LED lights be required in the control room?

No. Rework existing lighting.

25. What will be the new finishes in the magnet room?

Paint, replacing ceiling tiles for light system change and system work. Rework RF and magnetic shields and associated walls to incorporate needs of new/upgraded MRI scanner. Rework existing MRI suite services and accessories to accommodate new equipment layout (filter panels, electrical service, cable trays).

New drywall and framing to accommodate new equipment. New tiling in equipment room/machine room since raised flooring may no longer be required.

Existing RF shielding will be tested and verified by contractor to meet MRI equipment installation specifications.

26. What will be the new finishes in the control room?

New paint only.

27. Will there be new mill work installed in the control room?

No, but reworking existing mill work to accommodate new equipment will be required.

28. Is the existing fire suspension system a dry or wet system?

Wet system. We expect that contractor will need to rework existing piping and furnish and install any additional sprinkler heads that may be required by new equipment or by NIH fire chief.

29. Will the MRI rooms be required to contain the 5 gauss field?

Yes, as is the case with current magnets.