SOW .docx

Statement of Work

Project: Individually Ventilated Mouse Caging and Cage Parts

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Scope of Work: Purchase of mouse caging parts to support our ongoing TSE research studies in our mouse facility (Vivarium, Suite 0329). We currently use the Tecniplast-brand SealSafe Mouse cages and Individually Ventilated Racks, so require compatible replacement parts due to normal usage.

2.0 Background: Research studies involving the cross-species transmission of Transmissible Encephalopathies (TSEs), disease susceptibility, strain typing and disease progression can be completed in mouse models using specific transgenic mouse lines which are bred and housed on site at NADC in the mouse facility in Suites 0308 and 0329. These mice require Individually Ventilated Caging for the bio-integrity of the breeding colony and research studies. New caging and replacement parts must be compatible with the existing Tecniplast-brand cages. Failure to maintain the Tecniplast-brand racks with the proper seal will result in loss of air supply, a break in micro-environment and subsequently a loss of research animals.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks:

Minimum must have specifications require:

Cage body, H-Temp with label holder coupling clips (1285LOOSUV), or comparable:

· Qty: 350

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe tops (Part number 1284L441SU) to make a complete IVC cage.

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe cage racks (Model 2L126MAC35CACP)

· Must be interchangeable with existing cage bodies being used in Suite 0308 and 0329, Tecniplast 1285L00SUV)

· Must be able to withstand autoclave temperatures of 134°C

· Cage bodies need to be made from Polysulfone and able to stand frequent autoclaving (hundreds of times) without the surface of the plastic or the transparency changing in such a way as to make the plastic brittle.

Sealsafe top, H-Temp bottle depression. filter and clamps (1284L441SU), or comparable cage tops:

· Qty: 80

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe cage bodies (Part number 1285L00SUV) to make a complete IVC cage.

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe cage racks (Model 2L126MAC35CACP)

· Must be interchangeable with existing cage tops being used in Suite 0308 and 0329, Tecniplast Sealsafe top, part number 1284L441SU)

· Must be able to withstand autoclave temperatures of 134°C

· Cage bodies need to be made from Polysulfone and able to stand frequent autoclaving (hundreds of times) without the surface of the plastic or the transparency changing in such a way as to make the plastic brittle.

Polysulfone Water Bottle with Silicone Ring (260 ml) (ACBT0262SU), or comparable:

· Qty: 200

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe tops (Part number 1284L441SU) which have a depression shaped to hold these specific water bottles.

· Must be able to stand frequent autoclaving (hundreds of times) without the surface of the plastic or the transparency changing in such a way as to make the plastic brittle.

Blue clips for seal safe D-H Series Tops (UMACH34RBOX-300), or comparable:

· Qty: 5 box, pack of 20

· These clips are specific to the Sealsafe top from Tecniplast and are a replacement part to maintain Sealsafe tops that we have purchased previously which may become damaged due to frequent use, rather than replacing the entire cage top.

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe tops (Part number 1284L441SU) to make a complete IVC cage.

Black Nylon Surrounds for 1284L 187-189-191-192 (U1284L72RBOX-300), or comparable:

· Qty: 15 box, pack of 5

· This is a specific part for Tecniplast Sealsafe cages and will be used for maintaining stainless steel food trays purchased previously, which are part of the Sealsafe cage system. These occasionally become damaged over time due to frequent and prolonged use.

· Must be compatible with Tecniplast Sealsafe tops (Part number 1284L441SU) to make a complete IVC cage.

4.0 Deliverables/Schedule: Items must be delivered onsite within 90 days of date of award

5.0 Evaluation Factors: Lowest Price technically acceptable

6.0 Place of Delivery: USDA, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Bldg 24, Ames, IA 50010