Advanced Nursing Simulation Manikin

Project Overview Minnesota State Ridgewater Collge Nursing and Allied Health Programs are looking for a full-body simulation manikin with advanced features closely replicating live, human interactions, and providing a high level of realism. Our nursing program has tried to incorporate standardized patients (SPs) into our simulations which have demonstrated significant educational value and have consistently been encouraged by both students and faculty. However, finding SPs is a devoted, intensive, and resource-heavy process that requires recruiting, training, scheduling, and retaining reliable and qualified individuals to participate in live simulations. We are seeking a simulation-based training solution designed to replicate realistic medical encounters through lifelike physiological responses, with AI-powered verbal and non-verbal communication that is not Wi-Fi dependent. A life-like manikin would provide consistency in the delivery of the simulated experience compared to inconsistencies that exist in the use of multiple standardized patients. The desired manikin that can consistently replicate the depth of interaction, realism, and responsiveness required to achieve these learning outcomes. The desired high-fidelity manikin will provide communication and realistic physiological responses while adding critical capabilities that a live actor cannot safely or consistently deliver. Standardized patients are effective for practicing dialogue and interpersonal skills; however, they are limited to scripted symptoms and cannot demonstrate true physiological changes, clinical deterioration, or communication that responds to the specific questions of the student interviewing the patient. The desired manikin would be able to respond using the breadth of the database of the simulation scenario. Investing in this type of high-fidelity manikin system would directly address the current limitations of our SP model, ensure equitable access to high-quality simulation experiences for all students, and strengthen the overall quality of our nursing and allied health programs. Technical/Functional Requirements Specification & Requirements Provide detailed specifications or scope of work, including technical, functional, performance or optional requirements. The specification must be general in nature and not restrictive “brand name, location only,” unless an equivalent good or service is not acceptable. Any supplier who helped develop the specification must not be included in this solicitation, nor be awarded a contract. The selected supplier will be responsible for: Delivery, set-up, installation of product to campus Functional Requirments: The simulator must: · Active motor function with limb(s). · Active eye movements and response to light. · Programmed facial expressions and limb movements. · The ability to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to converse and speak in real time during patient assessment to support synchronous and asynchronous interactions. · Emotional response/ non-verbal communication. · Patient monitoring – The ability to monitor patient vitals on medical equipment (examples: RR, 12-lead ECG, IBP,BP,SP02, TOF & EtC02…). · Integrate with existing college information systems. · Include analytics and reporting tools. · Support offline access or low-bandwidth environments or when network is down. · Pre-built scenarios with ability for scenario creation/ development. Pulses, pupils, seizures, full arm movement/ reactions, facial reactions, behavioral realism Technical Requirements · Use non-network-based communication to function instead of the internet connection needed to start the simulator. · Communicate via Radio Frequency (RF) signal · Bluetooth connectivity · Radiofrequency, wireless, or networked control through instructor software compatible with current institutional computers or tablets. Selection Process The selection process includes Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, College Lab Assistants, and Paramdeic Faculty. This group will evaluate the proposals and make the final decision. Evaluation Factors The following factors and their identified weight will be used to evaluate the responses: No Factor Weight 1 Adherence to Minnesota State Terms and Conditions 5% 2 Work Plan: Delivery/Installation/Customer Service/Equipment 40% 3 Price in relation to level of service to be provided 40% 4 Qualifications of Respondent and its personnel (experience of personnel who are committed to work on the contract will be given greater weight) 10% 5 Accessible, IT Security 5% Total 100% Minnesota State does not agree to reach a decision by any certain date. Contract Terms Minnesota State desires to enter into a contract with the successful Respondent immediately upon award, or on the date the last recognized signature is obtained, whichever occurs later. If Minnesota State and Respondent are unable to negotiate and obtain a contract in order to have delivery and installation by June 30, 2026, then Minnesota State reserves the right to seek an alternative Respondent(s). Payment schedule shall be Net 30 terms, following receipt of invoice and upon approval of receiving and installation of goods by Authorized Minnesota State representative. Proposer must replace damaged goods at no cost to the State of Minnesota through shipment and installation. Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its questions and bids by the RFP date and time deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines shall be grounds for rejection.