Introduction: Pursuant to FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), the U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, on behalf of the Naval Health Rearch Center (NHRC), intends to award a firm fixed price purchase order on a sole source basis to: Vicon Motion Systems, Inc., Centennial, CO 80112. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE. 1. Nature and description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency's needs: This requirement is needed for the research project Development of a database for able-bodied ambulators while using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) The aim of this current project is to quantify the physiological and biomechanical strain in the military environment. Currently, the CAREN system utilizes a 10 camera motion capture volume. The cameras in the system capture reflective light from markers placed on the body at various landmarks joints, limbs). The software is appropriately synced with the CAREN platform and software to use this data for real-time feedback as well as kinematic data. Human motion capture is the process of recording movements of the body and translating that into a digital model that can be analyzed. These models are most commonly used to look at the way people walk and determine if there are deviations from normal . Currently, we have a 10-camera VICON motion capture system as part of our virtual environment (CAREN) system. VICON is synchronized with the CAREN software and moveable platform. The software receives real-time feedback from motion capture markers (small reflective balls placed) on the area of interest. That information is used for interaction in the environment (e.g. moving the subject's point of view within a scene) or for collection of data (e.g. how much the hip flexes during a scene). In the current 10-camera configuration the VICON software experiences marker drop out when a marker is not visible in the camera volume (area of sight). This causes Significant problems in post-collection analysis. To mitigate marker drop out, two additional cameras are needed to fully capture the CAREN volume. In addition to hardware from VICON, we are purchasing advanced analysis software (Blade) to be used with the motion capture system. This software will streamline our current data collection process and accommodate the 12-camera system. Additionally, necessary warrently and technical support are needed to address issues integrating the system with our current configuration and future modifications. 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.): The VICON MX Camera system utilize 256 shades of gray scale for centroid processing and 3 on-board smart processors in each camera which allows for the most accurate marker tracking available today. The cameras are completely digital and utilize the Gigabit Ethernet card for high speed data collection. The VICON software allows for batch processing across selected parameters which is useful in large research studies such as those at NHRC. Most importantly, the VICON hardware and software is compatible with other third-party software packages and has been proven to be completely integrated with the CAREN system. The other major motion capture system (Motion Analysis Corporation) has not been used with the CAREN system and therefore the efficacy is unknown. In the United States, this equipment can only be purchased directly from VICON Motion Systems. VICON has no distributors selling this equipment in the U.S. and no other manufacturer uses the patented VICON technology. VICON is the only vendor who can provide the needed supplies and services to make this mission successful. 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: Members of the NHRC research team conduct market research on a continual basis. Research for the current purchase was conducted by; searching for possible products using online resources as well as prior experiences with motion capture measurement systems, reviewing relevant peer reviewed journal articles, and by speaking with respected colleagues about their choices for motion capture research. The market research team performed online research utilizing the search engine www.google.com and journal search engine PubMed for the keywords motion capture and kinematics . Each PubMed search resulted in over 1,000 and 68,000 matches respectively, of which the first 100 were reviewed for content. Of the products reviewed, many are manufactured for animation studios or video game companies, which make them inapplicable to a research institution. Of the reviewed results, 2 major systems demonstrated the necessary research functions. The two available systems are listed above. From our research, one other system is commonly used for research motion capture Motion Analysis Corporation (MAC). MAC is very popular for the user interface and data analysis software. It is commonly used in gait labs at hospitals. Since we need two additional cameras for our capture area in the CAREN, we met with MAC to discuss adding their software and cameras to our current VICON system. They cannot integrate MAC cameras with our current VICON MX Cameras. At this time, CAREN users in the United States have not integrated the MAC system and software with the CAREN software, so the feasibility of adding MAC to the current system is unknown. However, MAC did offer to exchange of our current 10-camera VICON system for a price reduction on installation of a 12-camera MAC system. Despite this possible exchange, the MAC system change would cost significantly more than upgrading the current VICON system. Drs Bartlett and Sessoms have successfully collected kinematic data from both a VICON and MAC system. As a trained expert in biomechanics data collection, the VICON system has been deemed the most appropriate option available based on the validity and ability to work within the CAREN platform. 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 noon on June 28, 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
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