Notice of Intent to Sole Source High-Density Microelectrode Array System

Closed Special Notice Posted

Solicitation number
PANDHA-26-P-0000-035226
Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
No set-aside

Opportunity facts

Place of performance
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity, on behalf of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), has issued a Notice of Intent to award a sole-source contract to 3Brain US LLC for a High-Density Microelectrode Array (MEA) System. This special notice, posted on April 6, 2026, is issued under FAR 5.101 and 12.102 for commercial item acquisitions and represents the government's intention to procure specialized neuroscience research equipment. The procurement falls under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with Product and Service Code 6640 (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). An initial Request for Information was posted on March 24, 2026, but received no qualified responses prior to its April 1, 2026 closing date. This notice is not a solicitation or competitive request but rather an announcement of the government's intent to award based on commercial item simplified procedures.

The MEA system is required to enable high-resolution electrophysiological recordings from three-dimensional biological models and excised tissues for neuronal activity imaging and cellular interaction research. Prospective contractors have until April 20, 2026, to submit capabilities statements demonstrating their ability to meet all specified requirements, which include an electrode density exceeding 1,000 electrodes, simultaneous recording and stimulation capabilities at minimum 10 kHz sampling frequency, 3D tissue penetration technology, compatibility with brain and muscle tissue samples, an integrated mini-incubator, analysis software with spike-sorting capability, Windows 11 workstation, and comprehensive training within 30 days of delivery. The complete system must be delivered within 12 weeks of contract award, with all components including one MEA unit, multiple sample holders and microchip plates, workstation, and software included in the procurement. Any interested party that can demonstrate capability to meet these detailed minimum essential characteristics through a written capabilities statement may challenge the sole-source determination, though the government is not obligated to award competitively based on responses received.

Notice text

This notice is issued in accordance with FAR 5.101 and 12.102 for commercial item acquisitions:

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA), on behalf of the United States’ Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price, sole-source contract to 3Brain US LLC (UEI: GS9AGR33TBL8), for the purchase, delivery and training of a High Density Microelectrode Array (MEA) System in accordance with the simplified procedures for commercial products and services under Federal Acquisition Regulation(FAR 12.201-1).  USAMRICD requires a complete system that enables high-resolution electrophysiological recordings from 3D biological models and excised tissues. This system is critical for research involving the functional imaging of neuronal activity and understanding complex cellular interactions under controlled environmental conditions. Detailed minimum essential characteristics are provided in Attachment 1 of this notice.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing; and the Product and Service Code is 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

A request for information (RFI) was posted to SAM.gov on March 24th, 2026, with a closing date of 10AM EDT on April 1st, 2026. No qualified responses to the RFI were received.

This Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole source is not a request for competitive proposals, it is not a solicitation and it does not obligate the Government to award a contract. However, all interested parties who believe they can meet the requirements as stated herein may submit a capabilities statement, in writing, to the identified point of contact on or before the response date. The capabilities statement must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the government to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

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 provide a response (consisting of a capability statement sufficient to determine capability in providing the required services). Any party that intends to respond to this NOI must use the following instructions:

If your organization has the potential capacity to provide the required supply and components and perform the required services, please provide a white paper (limited to 4 pages) with sufficient information to substantiate that respondents can successfully perform to and fulfill all requirements. The following shall be addressed in white paper submissions:

  • Company Name and Address
  • Cage Code
  • Unique Identifier
  • Company business size by NAICS code
  • Small Business Type (s)
  • How the eligibility requirements are met
  • Point of Contact for questions and/or clarification
  • Telephone Number and email address
  • Teaming Partners (if applicable)

All white papers shall be submitted to Nicholas VanDevander via email to Nicholas.a.vandevander.civ@health.mil.

All responses received by closing of this notification of this notice of intent, will be considered by the Government.

Responses that request documentation, additional information, or that solely ask questions will be determined to not be an affirmative response. The Government will not compensate any organizations in response to this NOI. Responses determined to not be an affirmative response are not valid and no further action will taken with the response. 

All responses must be sent to the email address listed within the primary contact for this notice. No phone calls will be accepted.

Files

File Type Posted
Attachment 1 - Minimum Essential Characteristics.docx DOCX document

Notice history

Notice Type Posted
This notice Latest special notice Special Notice
High Density Microelectrode Array (MEA) System Original Pre-Solicitation

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