Intent to Sole Source Magnetic Resonance MRI

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The Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis, pursuant to FAR 6.302-5, with their academic affiliate, the University of Minnesota for the use of their 3 Tesla Siemens Trio Prisma MRI scanner at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR). This contract is necessary to support multiple research projects. Use of this scanner will provide access to high quality scan sequences based on the latest advances in technology and research. We will use the scanner to carry out a variety of scanning sequences. The BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging on a 3T scanner with a 64-channel coil. The proposed scanner at the CMRR is scheduled to receive substantial mechanical upgrades before data collection begins that will allow higher quality data, lower noise, and slightly shorter collection times, resulting in a more positive participant experience. In addition, the equipment available at the CMRR enables accelerated data collection that is necessary to achieve the image resolution described in the funded research proposal; this equipment is not currently available at the VA. Finally, the CMRR has procedures in place (e.g., weekly standardized data acquisition on phantoms) to regularly monitor the quality and consistency of data being collected. Because the same level of consistency over time is not critical for clinical MRI scans, these procedures are far more rigorous than those conducted at the VA. However, the longitudinal nature of the proposed study requires absolute consistency over time. The 3 Tesla Siemens Trio MRI scanner at CMRR is a research-dedicated scanner that undergoes weekly quality assurance checks and maintenance. In addition, the user can operate independently and can analyze data consistency in the use of this project. This is a notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement to the contracting office no later than Friday, December 14th, 4:00, EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent to Lynn Portman at lynn.portman@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government..