Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) and Control Electronic Chassis

Amendment 1

The following is hereby deleted from the Background section of the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation:

The Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration (UNSI) seeks to purchase a FVMPE-RS 
multi-photon microscope system to perform in vivo imaging of neuronal activity with single cell 
resolution and receptor-based sensors in motivational circuits via the use of GRIN lenses and 
prisms. 

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN THE SAME

Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) and Control Electronic Chassis

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

NIMH-21-001953

INTRODUCTION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 13--Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items.

The solicitation number is NIMH-21-001953 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE

The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 541714 with a size standard of 1,000 employees is being considered.

SET-ASIDE STATUS

This acquisition is restricted and set-aside for Small Business

ACQUISITION AUTHORITY

This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items and is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-05 dated March 10, 2021. The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through this date.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

Background

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead Federal Agency for research on mental illnesses. The mission of the NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.

The Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration (UNSI) seeks to purchase a FVMPE-RS multi-photon microscope system to perform in vivo imaging of neuronal activity with single cell resolution and receptor-based sensors in motivational circuits via the use of GRIN lenses and prisms.

Purpose

The purpose of this acquisition is to purchase FieldLine, Inc. O119 optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and control electronic chassis or “equal” optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and control electronic chassis.  These OPMs and control electronic chassis will allow us to expand our prototype optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) magnetoencephalography (MEG) system consisting of 16 detection channels and an additional 3 reference channels to a 56 channel system, capable of biomagnetic imaging at a spatial resolution comparable to that of invasive intracranial electrocorticography (ECoG), over a localized area of the cortex.

Project Requirements

See Attached Purchase Description for details.

Delivery Requirements/Period of Performance

Base Period:               60 days ARO

The Contractor shall deliver and install the required items within 60 days of purchase order award to the location listed in the Place of Performance below.

Place of Performance

The place of performance shall be the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH Bethesda Main Campus, 10 Center Dr., Bldg. 10/Rm. 2D49, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Contract Type

The Government intends to issue a firm fixed price purchase order for this requirement. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act and payment shall be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Response Format

Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror’s capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the salient characteristics of the product. The offeror must identify in their response where parts/equipment are manufactured.

The offeror must indicate in their response as to whether the brand-name or equal product proposed can or cannot meet the salient characteristics as stated in this combined solicitation synopsis. 

In addition, the quote must provide their company name, Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in

the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.”

EVALUATION

The award decision will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) determination. In order to be acceptable, the product must meet all the salient characteristics listed in the product description and MUST be FieldLine, Inc. O119 optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and control electronic chassis or “equal” optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and control electronic chassis. Additionally, the optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and control electronic chassis MUST be compatible with the existing prototype optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) magnetoencephalography (MEG) system consisting of 16 detection channels and an additional 3 reference channels which currently utilizes FieldLine, Inc. optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) and control electronic chassis. The Award will be made on all or none basis. If you are providing an "equal" product, you must submit additional documentation that highlights and describes how your offering is equal in accordance with FAR Clause 52.211-6.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/.

The Offerors to include a signed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (OCT 2020), with its offer.

The Offerors to include a signed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications or Services Representation (OCT 2020), with its offer.

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (OCT 2018)

The Offerors to include a completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, with its offer.

The FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items. See Clauses attachment.

FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See clauses attachment.

The following FAR clauses cited in paragraph (b) of the clause at FAR 52.212-5 are also applicable to this acquisition:

FAR Clause 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First Tier Subcontract Awards

FAR Clause 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment

FAR Clause 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility

FAR Clause 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation FAR Clause 52.222-3 Convict Labor

FAR Clause 52.222-19 Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies FAR Clause 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities

FAR Clause 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity

FAR Clause 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities

FAR Clause 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees

FAR Clause 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging while Driving

FAR Clause 52.225-3 Buy American Act -Free Trade Agreements - Israeli Trade Act

FAR Clause 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases

Far Clause 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management

FAR 52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999)

1. If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government's needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.
2. To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must-

1. 1. Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;
   2. Clearly identify the item by-
      1. Brand name, if any; and
      2. Make or model number;

1. 1. Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and
   2. Clearly describe any modification the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modification.
2. The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products based on information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.
3. Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are not applicable to this requirement.

Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror's capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the technical evaluation criteria. The price proposal must include labor costs, breakdown and rationale for other direct costs or materials, and the total amount.

In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov."

CLOSING INFORMATION

All responses must be received by 9:00 AM EST, Monday, May 10, 2021 and reference number NIMH-21-001953. Responses may be submitted electronically to robin.knightly@nih.gov, and valerie.whipple@nih.gov. Any questions must be submitted by 9:00 AM EST on Thursday, March 06, 2021.

Fax responses will not be accepted.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 – Purchase Description

Attachment 2 – 52.212-4 and 52.212-5

Attachment 3 – 52.204-24 and 52.212-3 Clauses

Attachment 4 – Invoice Instructions