Upgrade of NIH MIF Visualsonics Vevo2100-LAZR to Vevo3100-LAZR-X

INTRODUCTION

THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NON-COMPETITIVE (NOTICE OF INTENT) SYNOPSIS TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION (INCLUDING BRAND-NAME).

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke  Institute of Mental Health (NINDS) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with FUJIFILM Visual Sonics Corporation, 21919 30th Drive SE, Bothell, WA 98021

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE and SET ASIDE STATUS

The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 334516-Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Contracts awarded using FAR Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6—Competition Requirements. FAR Subpart 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source provides that: For purchases NOT exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting officers may solicit from one source IF the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name OR industrial mobilization).

The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2021-06 dated June 10, 2021.

JUSTIFICATION FOR SOLE SOURCE

CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION DETERMINATION

Fujifilm VisualSonics Corporation is the Original Equipment Manufacturer for the currently owned Vevo2100-LAZR imaging system. There are ongoing research studies in progress that use the current equipment, NINDS has a need to upgrade the current imaging system to the latest model in order to maintain consistency and validity of data already obtained using the current system. The FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc.’s Vevo LAZR-X Imaging System (latest model) is the only commercially available photoacoustic micro- imaging system (in the frequency range of 20 to 55 MHz) with inherent co- registration of the photoacoustic signal and ultra-high frequency ultrasound. The Vevo LAZR-X Imaging System (VS-20054) is designed specifically for translational and small animal research. The Vevo LAZR-X platform enables the researcher to obtain in vivo anatomical, functional, physiological and molecular data simultaneously, non-invasively and in real-time, to a resolution of 30μm Ultrasound (40μm Photoacoustic). The Vevo2100 ultrasound provides the anatomical information, the LAZR-X generates FUNCTIONAL information. There is no other device that combines the two imaging technologies at the microscopic resolution available with Vevo LAZR-X system.

The Vevo LAZR-X system includes the Vevo3100 high frequency ultrasound which can be used for ultrasound imaging only. The Higher frequency transducers in the 20 to 50 MHz range allow for high resolution imaging that is essential when imaging small features (e.g. organs, tissues, blood/lymph vessels) found in small laboratory animals like mice, rats, zebrafish etc.  This transducer range allows imaging of features that are in the range of 40 to 100 microns. Transducers that are lower frequency than 20 MHz are only able to resolve features approaching 150 microns and typically are found to resolve features that are 200 microns or larger which is insufficient for small animal imaging.  Additional design characteristics, such as linear array transducer elements with spatial compounding (rather than a simple beam) provides greater focusing capability for the higher resolution, high frequency transducers in the 20 to 50 MHz range (with an optional 70 MHz transducer available).

Fujifilm Visualsonics is the only vender that meets the requirements for the combined imaging systems and requirements needed for our investigators.

CLOSING STATEMENT

THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice.

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. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement.

Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.

All responses must be received by the closing date and time stated in this announcement and reference the solicitation number in this notice. Responses must be submitted electronically to Kristina Jenkins, Contracting Officer, at kristina.jenkins@nih.gov.  U.S. Mail and fax responses will not be accepted.