Blackbox Rodent Behavioral Observation System VAPAHCS

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 21 (VAPAHCS) intends to sole source the Blackbox Rodent Behavioral Observation System, with quotations due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST. The procurement is a firm-fixed-price purchase order under FAR 12.102(a), not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

Place of performance is Palo Alto, California. The estimated contract value is $54,900, and the vendor is Blackbox Biotech, Inc., identified as a small business and the sole manufacturer and supplier of this system. The BlackBox One system provides four discrete analysis streams—weight bearing, postural analysis, gait analysis, and automated behavioral scoring—for VA-funded biomedical laboratory research and development projects focused on behavioral and kinematic analysis to detect pain differences among rodents. Market research determined that no competitive alternatives exist in the USA or internationally where a single stand-alone unit can provide all four outputs simultaneously; prior to BlackBox One, each output required separate hardware and software systems. The vendor will provide computer software with the instrument, on-site in-person setup, and comprehensive training.

The NAICS code is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing; PSC is 6632, Analysis Instruments, Medical Laboratory Use. Interested businesses may submit written quotations to Samantha.henderson@va.gov. Responses must include a statement of capability, DUNS number, business size designation, federal supply schedule information if applicable, and socio-economic status with supporting evidence. The Government reserves the right to decline competing the acquisition and does not commit to award based on responses received.