Sources Sought Notice.pdf

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN)/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.

DISCLAIMER:

This notice is issued solely for market research, planning, and information-gathering purposes in accordance with FAR Part 10 (Market Research). It is not a competitive solicitation, request for proposals (RFP), request for quotations (RFQ), invitation for bids (IFB), or commitment by the issuing entity to issue a solicitation or award a contract. No contract will be awarded as a direct result of this notice, and responses to this notice will not be considered offers. Responses to this notice will be used to:

- Assess the availability of commercial products or services that meet or can be modified to meet the requirement.

- Determine the capabilities of interested sources, including small businesses (e.g., small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone, 8(a), women-owned small business).

- Inform the acquisition strategy, including whether a set-aside, partial set-aside, or full-and-open competition is appropriate, or if other than full-and-open competition may be justified.

Any information provided in this notice, including but not limited to requirements, specifications, scope, timelines, or evaluation criteria, is preliminary and subject to change without notice. Respondents are advised that the issuing entity assumes no liability for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting responses to this notice.

INTRODUCTION:

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA), on behalf of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of providing a 2-Channel Auditory Evoked Potential (AEP) system with Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) capabilities.

REQUIREMENT DESCRIPTION:

The requirement is for an integrated 2-Channel AEP VEMP and ABR assembly suitable for use in a research environment. The system must provide direct, quantitative physiological measurements of inner ear, vestibular, and auditory function in rats, specifically enabling measurement of:

- Vestibular reflex thresholds.

- Myogenic response amplitudes.

- Latencies between stimulus onset and reflex provocation.

These measurements are needed to quantify deficits in vestibular and auditory function following exposure to various environmental conditions. The system must be compatible with rat models and support auditory stimuli for evoked potential testing.

Detailed technical specifications are provided in Attachment 1 below.

The Government is interested in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or modified COTS solutions that meet these needs. Interested parties should indicate if their information includes any proprietary features, software, or compatibility requirements.

CAPABILITY STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

All responsible sources, including small businesses and small business joint ventures, are encouraged to respond by submitting a capability statement. Responses must demonstrate the ability to meet the requirement and include:

1. Company Information:

- Organization name, address, email address, website (if available), telephone number.

- Business size and type of ownership (e.g., large business, small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, 8(a), women-owned, etc.).

- UEI number (from SAM.gov) and CAGE code.

2. Capability Details:

- A tailored description of the product/system offered, including how it meets or exceeds the technical requirements (reference specific features for VEMP/ABR in rat models, such as stimulus capabilities, measurement parameters, software for data analysis, etc.).

- Product literature, brochures, technical specifications, datasheets, or links to support claims.

- Evidence of prior similar deliveries or installations (e.g., to Government or research institutions), including contract numbers, points of contact, and outcomes if available.

- Any anticipated subcontracting, teaming, or partnerships, including the proposed administrative/management structure.

- Delivery timeline, estimated pricing range (rough order of magnitude only; not a firm quote), warranty/support details, and training/installation requirements.

- Any limitations, proprietary aspects, or unique features that may impact Government use.

Submission Deadline – Refer to the applicable SAM.gov posting for the exact deadline.

Responses shall not exceed 10 pages (excluding product literature attachments) and must be submitted electronically in PDF or Microsoft Word format.

All questions and responses under this SSN/RFI must be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist Benjamin.t.marcus2.civ@health.mil.

Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged. No feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding submissions (except for a confirmation email acknowledging receipt). Late responses may not be considered. Responses will be reviewed for planning purposes only. Proprietary or confidential information should be clearly marked.

Attachment 1

Minimum Essential Characteristics

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VeMP) Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) assembly

• Quantity: 1

Electrophysiology comprehensive assembly capable of both detecting and recording Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) as well as cervical and occipital Vestibular evoked Myogenic Potentials (VeMPs) in rats including:

o Compatible and fully functional with an IAC Series MAC-1 acoustic chamber o Capability to record from at least two rats simultaneously (i.e. dual channel) o Included speakers, headphones, and other equipment to produce clicks or sound from 125

– 40,000 Hz and up to a minimum of 110 dB SPL (air conduction) and 60 dB (bone conduction level) o Data collection for brainstem responses and myogenic potentials with an adjustable sampling rate range of at least 200 – 40,000 Hz o Must include probes/earphones/cabling/equipment for recording physiological data from two rats o Must include 2x additional probes/earphones as replacement parts

• Quantity: 1 Associated/compatible validated software and workstation including:

o Ability to run the system equipment o Provides recording, processing, and analysis of the acoustic, electrical, and physiological measures required o windows 11 workstation with minimum requirements to run software

• Warranty: Minimum 1 year

• Complete system installation and on-site system training session