JA-SR Research-Hikosaka-signed-OH (1).docx

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. HHS. National Institutes of Health.

b. Sponsoring organization. National Eye Institute, Division of Intramural Research, Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research

c. Project Officer information.

· Project Officer name. Jessica Coleman

· Mailing address. Bldg. 49, room 2A50

· E-mail address. Jessica.coleman@nih.gov

· Telephone number. 301-496-9375

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

a. Acquisition purpose and objectives. This product is used to track eye movements of animals to form a better understanding of the brain.

b. Project background. The Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research is proposing to procure the EyeLink 1000 Eye tracking system from SR Research because this is the only system known to the Laboratory that meets the frequency, binocular sampling, and blink recovery time described above. Due to the unique nature of the research performed in the Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, this higher sampling rate, and binocular sampling, offers the possibility to acquire useable data without invasive surgery. This is the only system know that offers the ability to do this while studying Binocular stereopsis.

3. Description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value).

a. Project title. SR Research

b. Project description The Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research performs research in the fundamental brain mechanisms that allow sensory-motor coordination, specifically the visual/oculomotor system. In the Section on Neuronal Networks, the neural basis for the visual control of eye movements is of particular interest; these eye movements serve to produce clear vision by stabilizing gaze on a target, as in the case of smooth pursuit, or shifting gaze, as with saccadic eye movements. To examine this process, action potentials generated by neurons in the cerebral cortex of awake behaving Rhesus monkeys are recorded while the animal tracks a moving visual target. A critical portion of the experimental setup is monitoring the position of the monkey's eyes. During experiments a computer driven projector system or monitor displays images that are designed to test visual tracking. Our laboratories rely heavily on the ability to monitor precisely the direction in which the eyes are pointing.

Traditionally, we have used an invasive technique that requires surgery. Modem non-invasive methods, based on video tracking are now sophisticated enough that for some of our applications they may be sufficient. We have a duty to use these where we can as part of out ongoing effort to minimize the need for animal surgery wherever possible.

· Requirement type. Check the appropriate box:

· 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. Check the appropriate box:

X New requirement

· Follow-on

· Other (specify):

· Proposed contract/order type. Check all that apply:

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.

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

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.) 253(c)(1) as set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302- 1. FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) states that: "When the supplies or services required by the agency are available from only one responsible source, ... and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements, full and open competition need not be provided for."

· 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).

5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor(s) unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.

a. Name and address of the proposed contractor(s). 35 Beaufort Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2L 2B9

b. Nature of the acquisition and proposed unique qualifications of the contractor(s). This product is only sold by SR Research.

6. 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. An internet search was conducted by several lab members to search for systems that would perform a similar function, but none was found. The proposed contract action will be publicized to a nationwide audience in the Commerce Business Daily. This will serve as a market survey. An award will be made only if, during negotiations, it is shown that the anticipated cost to the government is fair and reasonable.

7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost/price to the Government will be fair and reasonable. The price offered for the SR Research is the same as in previous orders

8. Description of the market research conducted (see FAR Part 10) and the results, or a statement of the reasons market research was not conducted. This proposed action will be posted on FedBizOpps.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

n/a

10. Listing of sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition. n/a

11. 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. We will continue to monitor the market for competing manufactures that may provide systems that would fulfil the scientific needs.

12. 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.

Administrative Laboratory manager

5/29/20

5/29/20

Head of the Sponsoring Program Office

13. Contracting Officer Certification.

This is to certify that the justification for the proposed acquisition has been reviewed and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the information and/or data provided to support the rationale and recommendation for approval is accurate and complete.

Contracting Officer

14. Chief of the Contracting Office and Head of the Contracting Activity signature(s).

Chief of the Contracting Office

Head of the Contracting Activity

15. Competition Advocate signature.

Competition Advocate

16. HHS Senior Procurement Executive signature.

HHS Senior Procurement Executive image2.png image1.png