SSN-2025-017-JF Sole Source Notice.pdf

Notice of Intent to Sole Source #SSN-2025-017-JF

Promethion Mouse Energy Expenditure Cage System

Colorado State University intends to purchase a Promethion Mouse Energy Expenditure Cage System from Sable Systems International as a sole source procurement. Procurement Services received a purchase requisition from the Department of Clinical Sciences within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences for this need.

The system is comprised of a triple gas analyzer and flow regulator, accessories, and Promethion Live software platform for data acquisition. The tri-gas analyzer is used for measuring O2, CO2, and H2O concentrations. Sable Systems is the sole manufacturer, directly selling and servicing their proprietary equipment and software. There are no authorized resellers.

Response Required from Vendors

Responses must be submitted via email to Medical Sourcing Specialist, Jim Frantz, james.frantz@colostate.edu, no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Interested vendors may not contact the department directly regarding this procurement. Inquiries must be directed to the Medical Sourcing Specialist.

RESPONSES TO THIS PROPOSED SOLE SOURCE MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. A point-by-point response to the specifications/requirements as outlined in the corresponding sections below. This would include, but not be limited to, a narrative for each specification and/or requirement, documentation to certify and validate vendor specifications, which can be evaluated by Colorado State University personnel, and any other pertinent information concerning the vendor’s equipment/components/features. Detailed information is requested, and vendors must list brands, models and part numbers for each item as applicable.

2. Vendors must structure their responses in the exact order noted below. Responses must be formatted as outlined, followed by a point-by-point discussion of each specification/feature.

3. Specifications must meet or exceed the specifications provided in this proposed Sole Source.

4. Colorado State University will be the sole judge of equivalence.

5. All questions pertaining to this request must be submitted by email to Jim Frantz at james.frantz@colostate.edu. Please reference SSN-2025-017-JF in the subject line of the email.

6. Failure to respond as instructed will automatically result in disqualification.

7. Any purchase order resulting from this proposed Sole Source will be governed by Colorado State University Purchase Order Terms and Conditions (included with this notice).

Research Need

The Promethion Mouse Energy Expenditure Cage System is needed for murine energy expenditure data that is essential to a sponsored program study, titled "Mechanisms of maternal obesity and feto-placental development in preeclampsia". The advanced metabolic tracking system will be used to analyze indirect calorimetry in mice to complete the project aims. Currently, the BPH/5 mouse colony, ultra-high frequency ultrasound, radiotelemetry and many other resources are active and available to the lead researcher in Fort Collins at Colorado State University.

Promethion Comprehensive Mouse Metabolic Monitoring System

General Principles of Operation

The indirect calorimetry system utilizes pull mode respirometry for minimal animal stress and maximum animal safety. Ambient air is pulled into the cages, and the metabolic rates of the animals within the cages are measured by utilizing a single gas analysis chain comprising H2O, CO2 and O2 analyzers. Advanced proprietary features allow metabolic measurement from all cages in the system every 2.5 minutes, substantially faster than the real‐ world performance of competing products. Sensors associated with each cage measure food intake, water intake, and animal mass every second. Raw data from all analyzers and sensors are stored every second for maximum analytical flexibility.

Gas Analysis Description

A highly integrated Tri‐gas analyzer (CGF-16) is utilized for measuring concentrations of O2, CO2 and H2O in the switched air stream. The analyzer is temperature‐stabilized and incorporates a high-resolution barometric pressure sensor. Resolution for O2 and CO2 is 0.0001%; resolution for water vapor pressure and barometric pressure is

0.0001 kPa. These extreme resolution levels are made possible by proprietary signal processing techniques and by pure digital data transfer.

Magnetic Respirometry Cages

Magnetic cages are available to allow customers to change food and water hoppers easily without having to remove the animal from the cages. Non-magnetic cages are available for researchers working with telemetry and are autoclavable.

Flow control

All air flows pulled from the cages are controlled utilizing mass flow measurement which is independent of temperature and barometric pressure. Flow rates are resolved to better than 0.01 mL/minute. High resolution gas analysis allows high air flow rates to be used, which allow the system to meet or exceed IACUC air exchange specifications. In operation, one pulled air flow at a time is directed to the gas analysis system under computer program control.

Mass sensors for food intake, water intake and body mass

Food intake is measured by load cell mass measurement devices (part MM‐2) with a minimal intake resolution of

0.003 g and a range from 0 – 1,000 g. No significant dead volume is added to the cage volume from the MM‐2 (< 5 mL) so metabolic response is not compromised. The MM‐2(s) are mounted on the top of the cage, with the monitored hopper, dispenser or habitat descending from the cage lid, and add less than 12mm of height above the lid for ease of handling. The same MM‐2’s are interchangeable between both mouse and rat sized Promethion cages.

Environmental Sensor

The environment sensor records ambient temperature, relative humidity, sound, barometric pressure, noise and motion data.

Software

Promethion Live Acquisition Software

The IM-3 Acquisition Engine coordinates all data acquisition and instrument control functions and the need for a PC to acquire data. It is configured in a standalone closed network (intranet) that can only be accessed by permitted devices. A real‐time display indicates all relevant animal parameters during acquisition for user feedback.

Required Product and Accessories

4 cage - Triple-gas analyzer (O2, CO2, H2O) and flow regulator, flow rates up to 4.0 L/minute. Includes sub-sampling, internal temperature control, barometric pressure compensation, and software controlled automated drift correction. Includes internal data storage (IM-3).

Promethion baseline container for mouse

Magnetic Respirometry Cage - (37cm x 21cm) with (530 cm2) floor area with magnetic solid lid - includes respirometry manifold, 3 magnetic hole covers, filter and tubing, and 1 spare cage tub.

Food hopper for Cage 3721, stainless steel

Water bottle, sipper tube and housing for cage 3721

Body mass measurement/enrichment accessory for cage 3721

Magnetic mounted Precision mass monitoring unit, 0 - 750g, 2mg resolution, hook version, for use with magnetic cage lids. Set of 3 units plus cable.

Cage controller data interface for mass monitoring sensors, running wheels, BXY and BZ position sensors using power over SableCAN.

Environmental Sensor Array for recording ambient temperature, light, RH, sound, BP, noise, and motion data.

Heavy-duty 6-shelf wire rack. 48"W x 18"D x 72"H, chrome finish with side shelf. Compatible with standard mouse cages.

Promethion Live software platform for data acquisition, real-time data analysis, and remote system monitoring for Promethion Core systems.

Required Product and Features Justification

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages are designed and focused for metabolic research which is required for this study.

The system provides direct, high-precision data on energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and CO2 production.

Calorimetry system utilizes pull mode respirometry for minimal animal stress and maximum animal safety.

Features that allow metabolic measurement from all cages in the system every 2.5 minutes.

Highly integrated Tri‐gas analyzer (CGF-16) for measuring concentrations of O2, CO2 and H2O in a switched air stream.

Raw data from all analyzers and sensors are stored every second for maximum analytical flexibility.

Resolution for O2 and CO2 is 0.0001%.

Resolution for water vapor pressure and barometric pressure is 0.0001 kPa.

Promethion Live Acquisition Software to coordinate all data acquisition and instrument control functions.

RICRO-IACUC cage air exchange standard of 10-15 exchanges per hour.

Market Analysis

The lead researcher in Clinical Sciences for this project has determined there are two comparable products on the market manufactured by Columbus Instruments; Model Opto M3i, and the Sable Systems Promethium Core System.

The two systems are designed for assessing energy expenditure, activity, and metabolic rates in small animals, such as mice. The products provide valuable data for metabolic research yet differ in several ways, such as the technology used, capabilities, and overall application. Here is a detailed comparison:

1. Technology and Sensor Mechanisms

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

The Opto M3i system uses infrared beams to detect the movement of the animal. The system tracks activity levels by detecting breaks in infrared light grids placed around the animal's cage. This provides detailed data about physical activity and behavior patterns.

The system does not use direct metabolic measurements such as oxygen consumption or CO2 production.

Energy expenditure is often inferred from activity levels, with the system being optimized for behavioral studies alongside physical activity tracking.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

The Promethion system is a more advanced metabolic measurement system that directly measures energy expenditure by assessing oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2). These are the primary indicators of metabolic rate.

The system incorporates calorimetry technology, which involves precise gas analyzers that measure the gases exchanged by the animal, providing direct data on metabolic processes.

Additionally, the system includes monitoring for other parameters such as activity levels, food and water intake, and temperature control.

2. Types of Data Collected

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

Activity data: Focuses on physical activity by detecting infrared beam interruptions (representing movement).

Behavioral data: Offers insights into the behavior of the animal, like rest/activity cycles and locomotor activity.

Indirect measurement of energy expenditure: The energy expenditure can be inferred based on activity, but it does not directly measure metabolic processes like oxygen consumption or CO2 production.

• Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

Direct metabolic data: Measures oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER), which are directly related to energy expenditure.

Activity data: Monitors movement via infrared sensors, which can be correlated with energy expenditure for comprehensive metabolic analysis.

Food and water intake: These parameters are also tracked, providing additional context for energy balance studies.

3. Data Integration and Analysis

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

Data is primarily focused on activity patterns and behavioral studies. While some systems may include calorie estimation based on activity, it is not as robust for detailed metabolic studies as Promethion.

The software used with Opto M3i provides an interface to visualize activity levels, movement patterns, and some behavioral analysis, but it lacks in-depth metabolic tracking.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

The Promethion system provides more advanced data integration and analysis, combining direct metabolic measurements (VO2, VCO2, and RER) with activity and feeding data.

The software suite allows for sophisticated analysis of metabolic rate, including calorimetry data, helping researchers to assess changes in metabolic states and monitor shifts in energy expenditure.

The data output includes real-time and historical trends of metabolism, which can be crucial for understanding animal responses to treatments, diets, or genetic modifications.

4. Flexibility and Applications

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

Primarily suited for activity and behavior monitoring in a variety of rodent models. It is ideal for studying patterns of movement, behavior, and physical activity in relation to other factors, such as environmental changes or drug effects.

It is less focused on precise metabolic measurements and more on activity data, making it useful in behavior-focused studies.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

The Promethion system is designed for metabolic studies, with a specific focus on energy expenditure, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and related research fields like obesity, diabetes, and metabolism-related diseases.

It is highly suitable for experiments where detailed metabolic data is required, such as analyzing the effects of diet, exercise, pharmacology, or genetic manipulation on metabolic rates.

5. Cage Design and Setup

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

Typically comes with simple, modular cage designs that allow for easy animal handling and setup.

The cages are designed to be user-friendly and can house a variety of rodents, but they are more focused on activity monitoring than advanced metabolic data collection.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

The Promethion cages are more complex in terms of setup and integration, incorporating not only infrared sensors for movement but also sensors for measuring gases.

These cages allow for detailed metabolic studies, including customizable experimental settings for different types of research (e.g., testing multiple variables like diet or environmental conditions).

6. Cost

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

Generally, less expensive compared to systems that include direct calorimetry like the Promethion system.

This makes it more accessible for labs focusing on behavior and activity rather than precise metabolic measurements.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

Typically, more expensive due to the advanced metabolic measurement technology (calorimetry, gas analysis) and additional capabilities like monitoring food and water intake.

The system is often seen as a high-end investment for laboratories that need to conduct detailed metabolic research.

7. Applications in Research

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i:

Best suited for behavioral research where activity levels, movement, and rest cycles are being tracked in relation to treatments, drugs, or genetic factors.

Often used in fields like psychopharmacology, behavior analysis, and neurology.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages:

Primarily used in metabolic research, especially in areas of obesity, nutrition, diabetes, and energy balance.

Essential for detailed studies on how animals' metabolism responds to changes in diet, environmental factors, or genetic modifications.

Market Analysis Conclusion

Columbus Instruments Opto M3i is ideal for labs focusing on activity and behavioral studies, providing insight into how physical movement and behavior are linked to various conditions, though it lacks direct metabolic measurements.

Promethion Sable Systems Mouse Energy Expenditure Cages are designed for labs focusing on metabolic research, providing direct, high-precision data on energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and CO2 production, making them a more comprehensive and expensive solution for metabolic research.

Choosing between these systems depends on the research needs: if you require advanced metabolic tracking and calorimetry, the Promethion system is the better choice. If your research is more focused on behavior and activity patterns, the Opto M3i may be sufficient and more cost-effective.

Summary

The lead clinical researcher for this study has identified the 4-cage Promethium Core System as the equipment required to complete their research objectives. The proprietary system is necessary to use the advanced metabolic tracking and calorimetry features and product design along with the integrated data acquisition for their scientific results.