PCA-NINDS-09426 NOI.docx

Notice of Intent to Sole Source for a Ultra High Speed Megapixel CMOS Imaging Camera

(NINDS-09426)

The National Institutes of Health intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price purchase order to Vision Research Inc., UEI is DVQBMN7BJ5K7.

In accordance with FAR Part 6.302-1, Vision Research Inc., the Contractor is the only known responsible source who can provide the item that meets our standards. No other source has been identified who can provide the requirement listed below.

This acquisition is to purchase of a ultra high speed megapixel CMOS imaging camera (PHANTOM VEO 1310L, MONO 72GB MEMORY) from Vision Research Inc. The ultra high speed imaging camera from Vision Research will be used in experiments that will be performed by the Cellular Neurophysiology Section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (CNS/NINDS). The experiments being performed will directly test the effects of alterations in neural circuitry in various animal models of Parkinson’s Disease. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how synaptic and intrinsic conductances expressed on these neurons differ among subpopulations dopamine neurons. We are also interested in understanding how the synaptic and circuit connections onto these cells control their activity and ultimately how they contribute to dopamine dependent behaviors and dysfunction. The hope that this information may provide insight to why SNc dopamine neurons are particularly vulnerable in Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to identify novel physiological and genetic markers in single SNc dopamine neurons which may be useful in defining subpopulations of these neurons.

To study the circuits that control midbrain dopaminergic neurons, experimenters in the Cellular Neurophysiology Section prepare tissue slices that will be mounted on an electrophysiology setup. Although electrophysiological recordings provide high temporal resolution and require highly specialized knowledge in order to have consistent success. To increase the successful acquisition of this information, we will use an imaging system that will allow us to perform imaging using fluorescent voltage indicators in which the fluorescence intensity correlate to the neuronal membrane voltage. The major component of this system is a high speed camera that is highly sensitive to moderately low light levels and can also image at frame rates that reach at 10 kilohertz or above. This requirement is necessary because action potentials occur at 1 ms. Using the voltage imaging approach, we will be able to image large populations of neurons, tens to hundreds, simultaneously which is not possible using standard electrophysiology approaches such as patch clamp. Lastly, the camera should have the lowest pixel noise possible so that signal to noise ratio can be maximized for use voltage-indicators that have only small changes fluorescence changes in their signal.

All travel, labor, materials, and related charges shall be included in the purchase order price.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. Vision Research Inc., is the only known responsible source that can provide the item that meets our standards. However, any available small businesses (e.g., 8(a), service-disabled veteran owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, veteran-owned small business, and women-owned small business) as stated herein may submit a written capability statement that clearly supports and demonstrates their ability to perform the requirement. A determination by the Government to compete this proposed award based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

It is anticipated that an award will be issued approximately ten (5) days after the date of this notice unless the Government determines that another organization has the capability to meet this requirement.

Please email responses to tianna.gladney@nih.gov no later gov than 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.