Notice of Intent to Sole Source for Automated Rodent Activity & Behavioral Monitoring System

This is a notice of intent to issue an award on the basis of other than full and open competition under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b)(1) in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1901. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to award a firm-fixed price contract to Noldus Information Technology, Inc., located at 1503 Edwards Ferry Road, Suite 310, Leesburg, VA 20176, in support of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

The requirement is to procure software and equipment for an automated rodent activity and behavioral monitoring system. This system requires various chambers/assays with multiple means of measuring activity, locomotion, gait, posture, social interaction, and behavior tracking to include addition of small animal monitoring software, a light-dark box, infrared video (i.e., night vision), and behavioral phenotyping components.

USAMRICD already has established equipment (i.e., GigE cameras, catwalk system, and simpler versions of Ethovision XT). The Noldus Information Technology INC is the only supplier in the marketplace offering an inclusive rodent activity and behavioral monitoring system with video recording, that meets all requirements of this package to include Ethovision XT software, a light-dark box, and a Phenotyper 4500. The procurement of additional Noldus products allows for a seamless addition to an already established software ecosystem and data analysis workflow.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement 334513, Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables, and Product Service Code (PSC) 6640, Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, and no solicitation document will be posted for this requirement. However, parties interested in responding to this notice shall submit technical data, including cost, sufficient to determine capability in providing the same product. All capability statements received by closing of this notification of this synopsis will be considered by the Government.

Submissions that request documentation, request additional information or that solely ask questions will be determined to not be an affirmative response. Responses determined to be not an affirmative response are not valid and no further action will be taken with the response.

A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This announcement fulfills the synopsis requirements under FAR 5.203(a). If no written responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects at least fifteen (15) days after the publication of this notice, the solicitation will be issued as a sole source request for written quotation without further notice. Contract award anticipated to be made by 28 August 2024.

Please submit all questions and responses concerning this notice to the Contract Specialist, Karyn Williams at karyn.m.williams2.civ@health.mil. Statements are due no later than 2:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 25 June 2024. No phone calls will be accepted.