Force sensors for pedestrian dummy

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to sole source force sensors for a pedestrian dummy through a direct procurement from Humanetics Innovative Solutions. The solicitation, identified as RFQ 36C25025Q0387, is being conducted under FAR 13.106-1(b)(i), which permits sole source procurement when only one source is reasonably available. The procurement is specifically for the VA Cleveland Medical Center and involves acquiring specialized sensors designed for a specific crash-test dummy model. These sensors will be used to measure force distribution and joint responses during impact scenarios, supporting research in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and safety improvements. The solicitation falls under NAICS code 333416 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

Contractors interested in challenging the sole source determination may submit capability statements by March 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST to Rachelle Hamer via email. The total estimated value of the procurement is $76,709, and it requires 2 units each of specific sensor types, including uniaxial femur sensors, LC upper tibia sensors, leg tube assemblies, lower tibia sensors, and modified BHSS sensors. Extensive market research was conducted across multiple databases, but no alternative vendors were found capable of meeting the technical specifications required by the VA. Humanetics was determined to be the sole source due to their unique sensor characteristics, including comprehensive load measurement, multi-axis load cells, high precision, and industry standard compliance. The company has no authorized distributors, which further justifies the direct procurement approach. All inquiries must be emailed to Rachelle Hamer at rachelle.hamer@va.gov, with the specific subject line "RFQ 36C25025Q0387 | Force Sensors for Pedestrian Dummy".