Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Platform for Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI) Applications

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking to procure a multi-channel data acquisition platform specifically designed for Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI) applications to support regulatory science research on optical imaging systems. The FDA's Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories requires a specialized system capable of performing combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging during a single acquisition procedure, with technical specifications including at least 128 transmit/receive data channels operating across acoustic frequencies of 1-15 MHz. The system must provide raw radiofrequency data access, maintain a minimum 20 frames per second image rate, and include a linear-array 128-element transducer probe with specific impedance and gain requirements for both imaging modes. Based on the agency's market research, this procurement is being justified as a sole-source acquisition because only the MoleculUS DAQ from PhotoSound Technologies Inc. meets all the technical requirements, while other evaluated systems from Verasonics and Scintica lack the necessary input impedance flexibility and frequency response capabilities. Proposals are due by September 16, 2025, representing a tight seven-day response window from the posting date of September 9, 2025.

This solicitation does not include any set-aside designations and is structured as a firm-fixed-price Research & Development contract. PhotoSound Technologies Inc. has been identified as the sole source provider of the MoleculUS DAQ system that meets the FDA's stringent technical requirements. The contractor must deliver the system within 150 days of contract award, with a total performance period extending to 180 days and must provide a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty. The equipment will be delivered to the FDA facility in Silver Spring, Maryland, though the place of performance is listed as Bethesda, MD. The solicitation number is 75F40125Q00438, and the acquisition is identified as CDRH-OSEL-25-C-1326, with William Vogt serving as the FDA point of contact for this procurement.