NOTICE OF INTENT to Sole Source - Tecniplast.pdf

NOTICE OF INTENT to Sole Source

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

75N95024Q00322

TITLE:

Tecniplast/IWT Cagewash Equipment for NIH Building 35 SAF

CLASSIFICATION CODE:

6515 MEDICAL AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT

NAICS CODE:

811210 – Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

RESPONSE DATE:

June 10, 2024

PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT:

Frederick Weddington, Contract Specialist NINDS Contracts Management Branch, NIDA Frederick.weddington@nih.gov

DESCRIPTION:

THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD ON A SOLE

SOURCE BASIS. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE/PROPOSALS.

On behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the Office of Acquisitions Contracts Management Branch Red, NINDS Section of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), intends to solicit on a sole-source basis by a request for quotation to Tecniplast USA to provide Tecniplast cage components and cagewash logistics equipment for the outdated equipment currently being used in the Animal Health Care Section (AHCS) on or around June 10, 2024, with an award issued on or around July 1, 2024. The purpose of this acquisition is to acquire all equipment listed under the salient characteristics section below. These items shall be provided by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-Authorized Service Provider.

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE and SET

ASIDE STATUS

The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 811210 with a Size Standard of $34M.

mailto:Frederick.weddington@nih.gov

This acquisition is NOT set aside for small businesses, but rather is a sole-source acquisition to Tecniplast USA.

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source.

BACKGROUND, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF REQUIREMENT

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducting research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders and stroke. The NINDS mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

The Animal Health Care Section (AHCS) of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is tasked with veterinary care, management, and oversight of the Building 35 SAF. The Building 35 SAF currently houses approximately 16,000 mouse and rat cages, consisting primarily of mice. The rodents housed in these cages are used by numerous NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) to carry out their research missions. The institutes and centers sharing in this research endeavor are:

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders (NIDCD)

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

• National Eye Institute (NEI)

• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

• National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

• National Center on Complimentary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

• National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

The Building 35 SAF requires additional Tecniplast 1145T Blue Line mouse caging equipment, Green Line rat cages, and racks for transporting and washing these items.

Rodent cage equipment, while durable, experiences wear and tear time over time and must be replaced with new equipment for our operations to continue. Additionally, AHCS requires racks and trolleys to transport rodent cage equipment between the cagewash area and animal holding rooms, and hold that equipment while it is being washed.

CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION

(INCLUDING BRAND-NAME) DETERMINATION

Tecniplast USA, as the authorized provider of the Tecniplast USA’s IWT Rack Washers, IWT Tunnel Washers and IWT Multi-Magic 2 Semi-Automatic Bottle, is the only contractor that is OEM-authorized and capable of providing the necessary parts, and maintenance support service to the Tecniplast USA because the equipment is proprietary. Tecniplast USA is the only source for factory trained and certified technicians to provide these parts, and to maintain and service the equipment.

Only Tecniplast USA is capable of providing the necessary parts and maintenance support service because the equipment requiring maintenance is proprietary to this company, the original equipment manufacturer. Tecniplast USA does not authorize any other contractors to perform this work. Use of any other contractor would jeopardize the machines functionality by risking mechanical design and software control standards.

Additionally, it would jeopardize the NINDS AHCS Animal Health Care Section accreditation. One of the criteria for maintaining accreditation, and to reduce experimental variables in study protocols, is the ability for the Building 35 SAF to effectively and efficiently clean and process large volumes of soiled animal caging and water bottles on a daily and weekly basis. The Building 35 SAF is, therefore, dependent upon the washing and processing equipment located in the cage wash and bottle processing space. This equipment must work each and every day with minimal downtime in order to meet the facility sanitation requirements and to remain compliant with regulating authorities. Accordingly, Tecniplast USA is the only contractor capable of meeting the needs of this requirement. Furthermore, use of any other contractor for the maintenance would void equipment warranties and jeopardize equipment’s integrity and functionality.

Only an OEM-authorized service provider has access to the latest parts, services and support information. Replacement parts or accessories must be compatible with the existing equipment, and only Tecniplast USA can certify compatibility. An OEM-authorized service provider is the only source with direct access to these parts and labor.

Tecniplast USA is the only source authorized by the OEM to provide the parts, support and maintenance services for this equipment. Because of the significant investment by NINDS in the purchase of this equipment, using an OEM-Authorized Service Provider is essential for maintaining the integrity of the system.

In accordance with FAR part 10, extensive market research was conducted to reach this determination. Specifically, contact with knowledgeable individuals both in industry and Government, as well as reviews of available product literature, revealed no other sources. A review of the GSA Advantage, Dynamic Small Business Search, and previous Government acquisitions returned no results that meet all requirements.

Therefore, only Tecniplast USA, is found to be capable of meeting the needs of this requirement.

The intended source is:

Tecniplast USA 1345 Enterprise Drive West Chester, PA 19380-5964

Salient characteristics:

• All items provided must be either (1) interchangeable with existing equipment, in the case of rodent housing equipment, or (2) compatible with the existing equipment when used for logistics, washing, or storage.

• A minimum three (3) year warranty shall be provided for all items on material, fabrication, and workmanship.

Blue line cage bottom 1145T00SUV

• Nominal dimensions: 6.48” W x 14.53” D x 5.20” H

• 7.5 Liter cage volume

• Polysulfone construction

• Minimum 67 square inches of floor space

• Must be interchangeable with and securely stack and nest with existing

Tecniplast 1145T00SUV cage bottoms for storage, transport and cagewash processing

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast Individually Ventilated Cage rack systems, 1145T481SU cage filter tops, and 1145T016 stainless steel wire bars.

• Must allow for unobstructed observation of animals

• Label holder coupling clips on cage end to fit existing cage card holders

• Must be able to withstand rigors of mechanical washers and steam sterilizers

Blue line cage filter top 1145T481SU

• Nominal dimensions: 6.5" W x 14.6" D x 3.75" H

• Water bottle holder depression compatible with existing water bottles

• Polysulfone construction

• Must securely stack and nest with existing Tecniplast 1145T cage tops for storage, transport and cagewash processing

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast Individually Ventilated

Cage rack systems, Tecniplast 1145T00SUV cage bottoms, 1145T016 stainless steel wire bars, ACBT0262SU water bottles, and ACCP6521 sipper caps.

Blue line wire bar lid 1145T016

• Nominal dimensions: 6.25" W x 14.5" D x 2.5"H

• Constructed of 304 stainless steel

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast Individually Ventilated

Cage rack systems

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast 1145T00SUV cage bottoms, 1145T481SU cage filter tops, ACBT0262SU water bottles, and ACCP6521 sipper caps.

• Must securely stack and nest with existing Tecniplast 1145T016 wire bars for storage, transport and cagewash processing

Green line rat cage bottom GR900SU

• Nominal dimensions: 13.25" L x 14.75" D x 7.25"H

• Minimum 140 sq. in. floor area.

• Polysulfone construction

• Must securely stack and nest with existing Tecniplast GR900SU cage bottoms for storage, transport, and cagewash processing.

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast Individually Ventilated

Cage rack systems, GR900SU cage bottoms, GR900TopSealSU filter tops, GR900LID stainless steel wire bars, ACBT0262SU water bottles, and ACCP6521 sipper caps, and ACPC0065GM cage card holders.

• Label holder coupling clips on cage end to fit existing cage card holders

Green line rat cage filter top GR900TopSealSU

• Nominal dimensions: 15.5" L x " 13.57” D x 4.69”H

• Polysulfone construction

• Water bottle holder depression compatible with existing water bottles

• Four sealed air valves, two for supply air and two for exhaust air

• Must be interchangeable with and securely stack and nest with existing

Tecniplast GR900TopSealSU filter tops for storage, transport, and cagewash processing.

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast Individually Ventilated Cage rack systems

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast GR900SU plastic cage bottoms, GR900LID stainless steel wire bars, ACBT0262SU water bottles, and ACCP6521 sipper caps, and ACPC0065GM cage card holders.

• Must be able to withstand rigors of mechanical washers and steam sterilizers.

Green line rat wire bar GR900LID

• Nominal dimensions: 6.88" L x 12.88" D x 4.00" H

• Constructed of 304 stainless steel

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast Individually Ventilated

Cage rack systems

• Must be interchangeable with and securely stack and nest with existing

Tecniplast GR900LID wire bars for storage, transport, and cagewash processing.

• Must be able to integrate precisely with existing Tecniplast GR900SU plastic cage bottom and GR900TopSealSU filter tops

Green line cage card holder ACPC0065GM

• Nominal dimensions: 5.375” x 3.25" D x 0.63" H

• Polysulfone construction

• Must be interchangeable with existing ACP0065GM cage card holders and compatible with existing GR900SU cage bottoms

Water bottle ACBT0262SU

• Nominal dimensions: 2.16” W x 2.16” D x 5.08” H

• 300 ml total volume with graduations up to 260 ml

• Polysulfone construction

• Silicone sealing ring

• Must be interchangeable with existing ACBT0262SU water bottles and compatible with both ACCP6521 sipper tubes and 9LBCBMP18SG3R water bottle crates

Sipper cap ACCP6521

• 316 grade stainless steel construction with cone shaped cap design

• 0.09” hole, 0.31” external diameter, 2.56” length

• Must be interchangeable with existing ACCP6521 sipper caps, and compatible with ACBT0262SU water bottles, 1145T481SU cage tops, 1145T016 wire bar lids.

• Must be able to withstand rigors of mechanical washers, steam sterilizers, and compatible with P-Line automated water bottle processing machines

Water bottle crate 9LBCBMP18SG3R

• Nominal dimensions: 10.57" W x 19.85" D x 9.57"H

• Nominal weight: 3 kg / 6.5 lbs.

• Component pieces constructed of injection-molded, glass-filled polyphthalamide

(PPA)

• Must be compatible with and securely hold 18 ACBT0262SU water bottles.

• Must be capable of being processed through Multi-Magic and P-Line automated bottle processing systems.

• Must be interchangeable with existing 9LBCBMP18SG3R water bottle crates.

Water bottle trolley ACCACBOP1036

• Nominal dimensions: 23.3" W x 27.6" D x 59.3" H

• Must be compatible with and securely hold ten 9LBCBMP18SG3R water bottle crates

• Must be able to operate interchangeably with existing ACCACBOP1036 water bottle trolleys.

• Four swivel wheel casters with two locking wheels

• 304 grade stainless steel construction able to withstand rigors of mechanical washers and steam sterilizers.

Presentation rack 9CASUPRTLY

• Nominal dimensions: 29.5" W x 41.3" D x 78.7" H

• Must be compatible with and securely hold 84 cage GM500 filter tops or wire bar lids.

• Must be able to be washed two at a time in 90” Tecniplast Atlantis and GP900 rack washers without blocking, obstructing, or compromising the effective operation of the rack washer.

• Must securely holding the contents in a manner that prevents damage to the items being washed and the rack washer itself.

• 304 grade stainless steel construction able to withstand rigors of mechanical washers and steam sterilizers.

Estimated Period of Performance:

Base year: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Option year 1: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 Option year 2: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Place of Performance:

Porter Neuroscience Research Center (PNRC) Building 35/35A; Rooms BB101- BBC104A 35 Convent Drive Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Contract Type:

A firm-fixed price type contract with option periods is planned for this acquisition, consistent with commercial practices.

CLOSING STATEMENT

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD ON A SOLE-SOURCE BASIS IS NOT A

REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement.

Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. All responses must provide evidence that they can provide equipment that meets all of the requirements in this announcement.

All responses must be received by the closing date and time of this announcement and must reference the solicitation number, 75N95024Q00322. Responses must be submitted electronically to Frederick Weddington, Contract Specialist, Contracts Management Branch – Red, NINDS Section, NIDA, at Frederick.Weddington@nih.gov.

U.S. Mail and Fax responses will not be accepted.

http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:Frederick.Weddington@nih.gov