6640--Inhalation Exposure System

Special Notice

Special Notice

Page 3 of 3

This is a notice of intent to award a sole source contract and is not a request for quotes.

The Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Charleston VA Medical Center intend to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), sole source action to a Small Businesses (SB).

Name of Contractor:

Data Sciences International, Inc

Street Address:

119 14th ST NW STE 100

City, State, Zip:

Saint Paul, MN 55122-3419

The objective of this action is to procure the Buxco Inhalation Exposure System manufactured by Data Sciences International. In accordance with FAR Part 13.106-1, it has been determined that only one source is reasonably available and therefore restricts this requirement to a brand name only procurement due to proprietary constraints. No other system provides the ability to perform accurate real-time respiration monitoring during exposure, integrated with real-time concentration values to produce live Accumulated Inhaled Aerosol (AIA). Furthermore, recently released SmartStudy, patent-pending, enables the closure of a single exposure port, allowing the user subject-specific delivered dose targeting, multiple dose-groups exposure, and user safety from aerosol contamination. These unique features only provided by DSI are critical for animal welfare, breathe morphology, reduction in animal use and determining accurate deposition levels. Also unique to DSI is automated plethysmograph calibration and software-controlled automation/regulation of critical inhalation tower parameters including all flows, pressures RH, and others. The DSI system utilizes patented Halcyon® technology to cancel out atmospheric pressure noise, ensuring that air disturbances like slamming doors do not interfere with data accuracy. It also features the patented Allay-restraint system, which secures animals for dosing and measurement without physical constriction. Together, these innovations allow for highly precise respiratory measurements by eliminating both external artifacts and the physiological stress of traditional restraints.

This notice is not a request for quotes; however, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement which shall be considered by the Government. All capability statements must be received by no later than 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on December 22, 2025. Responses to be submitted to Darius Crane, Contracting Officer at darius.crane@va.gov. Place in the subject line of your response 36C24726Q0168 INHALATION TOWER . A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.