HyperCAM Alpha System

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE 

1.    Solicitation Number:     75N95025Q00063SB

2.    Title: HyperCAM Alpha System 

3.    Classification Code: 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies 
4.    NAICS Code: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

5.    Size Standard: 1,000 employees

6.    Description:  Multi-Well Plate & high-density multielectrode array (MEA) System 

This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the HyperCAM Alpha System requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a setaside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition.  It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract.  Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes.  No award will be made as a result of this notice.  The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice.  This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

For equipment/supply requirements, small business responses must include: (1) the place of manufacturing (i.e. address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture), as well as (2) the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non-Manufacturer Rule). Complete Attachment 1.

Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, and availability of domestic sources manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality.

Background: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency whose mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability, conducting, supporting and making medical discoveries that improve people’s health and save lives.   

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which mission it is to catalyze the generation of innovative methods and technologies that will enhance the development, testing and implementation of diagnostics and therapeutics across a wide range of human diseases and conditions. 

The NCATS is tasked with identifying and developing novel small molecule leads against a wide spectrum of human disease targets, which it accomplishes by screening thousands of small molecules in collaboration with both intra-and extramural researchers. A  In pursuit of this goal, the Center has a strong internal transdisciplinary team of scientists who continually discover novel small molecules for application against a wide range of human diseases. 

As such, discovering probe molecules that could serve as starting points for therapeutics in rare cancers is of great interest within NCATS. NCATS has several projects that address many aspects of oncology mechanisms and approaches to discovering novel, effective small molecules.  

The Stem Cell Lab, 3D Bioprinting Lab and Biology TDB have been developing 3D neuronal models to create rare disease assay models.  One of the challenges with 3D neural models is measuring electrophysiological activity.  3DBrain is a company that has crated the first and only 3D microarray electrode platform and demonstrated that it can be used for brain organoids and 3D bio printed neural models.  NCATS did an evaluation of the technology last year and the three labs determined that this would bring a new, critical capability to DPI.  

Purpose and Objectives: This equipment is a multiwell system that allows functional screening assays, and detailed monitoring of assays as well as stimulation of in vitro models and other related processes. Both groups plan to utilize this system in their research. The Stem Cell Lab, 3D Bioprinting Lab and Biology TDB have been developing 3D neuronal models to create rare disease assay models.  One of the challenges with 3D neural models is measuring electrophysiological activity.  3D Brain is a company that has crated the first and only 3D microarray electrode platform and demonstrated that it can be used for brain organoids and 3D bio printed neural models.  NCATS did an evaluation of the technology last year and the three labs determine that this would bring a new, critical capability to DPI.  

Project requirements: The significant, essential physical, functional, performance, or material element(s) that are the Government’s minimum acceptable standards for an equivalent HD MEA System manufactured by 3 Brain US to meet the government’s objective.

Specific requirements: 

•    Support 6-well high-resolution microelectro array (HD-MEA) technology with 4096 electrodes per well arranged in a 64 x 64 grid, 60µm electrode pitch. 
•    Support 6-well 3D HD-MEA plates with 4096 three-dimensional electrodes per well arranged in a 64 x 64 grid, electrode high 90µm, section 14µm x 14µm, pitch 60µm. 
•    Acquire electrophysiological signals from 6-well plates and up to 13824 electrodes simultaneously at 10kHz/electrode. 
•    Environmental chamber for 6-well plates with controlled temperature and CO2 concentration via integrated air mixer

The equipment shall be warranted, and the Contractor shall warrant its equipment against defects in material, fabrication, or workmanship for a minimum of one (1) year from the date the Government accepts delivery of the item.

Anticipated period of performance or Delivery: Delivery within 30 days after receipt of order (ARO). In the alternative, provide lead times if delivery would exceed the 30 days. 

Other important considerations: In case domestic sources are available and capable of fulfilling the Government’s need, and a future solicitation is published, the Government will use evaluation preferences in accordance with FAR 25.

Capability statement /information sought. 

The respondent must also provide their UEI number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.

One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.

The information submitted must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein.  A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. 

The response is limited to ten (10) page limit.  The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.

The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.  Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.

The response must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer, Michelle Cecilia (michelle.cecilia@nih.gov).  

The response must be received on or before 12/20/2024, 3:00 P.M., Eastern Time.

“Disclaimer and Important Notes:  This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. 

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”