65--Vital Sense Monitor

Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (ARIEM), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Mini-Mitter Company, Inc., Bend, OR 97701. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. No solicitation document is available. Responses will be used for future acquisitions only. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: Several portable handheld devices and ingestible temperature sensors are required to monitor body temperature in support of upcoming and ongoing research protocols looking at thermoregulation. These monitors and sensors must be compatible with software and telemetry pills already in place and being used in current protocols, and the monitors must be able to accurately read Vitalsense core body temperature capsules when placed within one meter of a research volunteer. 2. A demonstration that the proposed contractor is the only source available to provide these services or goods (i.e. unique qualifications, proprietary rights, etc.): Phillips/Respironics Vitalsense monitors and temperature sensors are uniquely compatible with other Jonah Core Body temperature capsules, Vitalsense monitors, Wireless Dermal Patch Sensors, and software package already purchased and being used in support of thermal research protocols. For compatibility and continuity, this same system must be maintained with future research volu 1teers. This system is safe, high-quality, and easy to use, and staff members have been trained, and credentialed using this specific system. It is only available for purchase from the manufacturer. 3. A description of the market research that was conducted and the results, or a statement of the reason a market research was not conducted: The temperature monitoring supplies already purchased by this institute in the past necessitate these specific monitors and sensors in order to function. Purchasing a monitor or sensor from any other system would make current equipment useless. 4. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition: None 5. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required: None 6. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement to the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division via e-mail to: contact@example.gov no later than 5:00 PM (EST) on September 5, 2010. Contracting Office Address: RDECOM Contracting Center - Natick CCRD-NA-SU, Natick Contracting Division Kansas Street, Building 1 Natick, MA 01760-5011 Point of Contact: Steven Streeter, Contract Specialist +1 (555) 000-0000 contact@example.gov