Neuropixels 2. 0 Probes and Accessories

This is a notice of intent to sole source a contract under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(2), only one source being available to meet the Government’s need.  The contract is estimated for final completion by 10/1/2025.

The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516, Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.  The FSC/PSC is 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to solicit and award a sole source contract, firm fixed price, for purchase of Neuropixel 2.0 probes and accessories to Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum, KAPELDREEF 75, LEUVEN, 3001. There are no other sources that will satisfy agency requirements for the necessary items.

Market research has determined that only large business OEM, Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum (IMEC), produces probes that are capable of meeting the salient characteristics and compatibility requirements of this procurement. Extensive investments have been made to date in the Sensapex acute recording system and IMEC OneBox acquisition system and no other probes are known capable of interfacing with this existing equipment to allow for continued research and data of the same quality available today.  A sources sought notice posted to SAM.gov from 03/10/2025 until 03/14/2025 received no responses, reinforcing that no alternative products meeting the specifications are known.

Any responsible source that feels it is capable in performing this requirement may submit a quote for the above listed items and describe and/or submit documentation to support your capabilities.  The response will be considered by the agency.  If you are not the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), you must submit an authorized distributor letter signed by the OEM.  If you are not the OEM and a small business, you must indicate in your response how you will comply with limitations on subcontracting and/or the non-manufacturer rule.  Responses should be submitted to Leah Smith at leah.smith@va.gov no later than Wednesday, May 14th, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time to be considered. The Government will not pay for information submitted. Any responses received will only be considered for the purposes of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in lieu of sole source contract described in this notice, and such determination shall be made at the sole discretion of the Government. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the requirement. If no responses are received, the government will proceed with the Sole Source acquisition.