Retinal Imaging System

This notice announces the intent by the U.S. Army Medical Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), 820 Chandler St, Fort Detrick, Maryland, 21702, intends to award a sole source contract to Phoenix Research Labs for a retinal imaging system that is capable of imaging the retina as well as the cornea of rodents, to include mice, rats and guinea pigs for the US Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR). The proposed contract action is for supplies for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(2). FAR 13.501(a)(1)(i): Only one source reasonably available.
The USAISR has a requirement for a retinal imaging system (to include anterior segment adapter, anterior segment lens image guided OCT 2, image guided focal ERG, rat lens-ERG, with rat lens) that is capable of imaging the retina as well as the cornea of rodents, to include mice, rats and guinea pigs. The Micron IV Retinal Imaging system combines multiple instruments on one platform to address multiple application needs - including retinal imaging, angiography, fluorescent imaging, Image-Guided OCT and anterior segment (slit lamp) such that all of the applications can be performed with one animal model under one sedation. No other commercially available platform designed for small animals can accomplish these applications. Other vendors combine systems designed for humans and adapt them to rodents, which results in data which is not designed for rodent research.
An RFQ will be issued on a sole source basis. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 334516 and the size standard is 1,000 employees.
This announcement fulfills the synopsis requirements under FAR 5.102(a)(6) and 5.203(a). USAMRAA intends to publish a solicitation no sooner than 15 days after publishing this synopsis. This Special Request for Information is not a request for competitive quotes. Information received in response to this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government. 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 sole source. All questions and responses concerning this notice shall be emailed to Ms. Amanda Best at amanda.l.best7.civ@mail.mil.