Eye-Tracking Research Infrastructure Purchase

This is a notice of intent to award a sole-source contract under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), and is not a request for competitive proposal. However, if interested and capable of fulfilling the requirement, the Government shall consider all responses. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), intends to award a Purchase Order (PO) to iMotions, Inc., for the procurement of (3) iMotions CORE Module, (3) iMotions Screen-Based Eye Tracking Module, (3) iMotions Eye Tracking Glasses Module, (3) iMotions Advanced Integration Module, (3) Wired Bio-packs (with SpO2, MP160, & Respiration attachments), (1) Workshop Bundle, and (1) year of Commercial Support and Upgrade. This software package will be used to facilitate the collection of eye gaze, pupil, symptomology, and physiological data to determine the reliability and validity of using eye-tracking technology to identify the early onset of physiological events. The one responsible source is documented via SAP Determination Memorandum for Sole Source Acquisition Justification & Approval (J&A). The iMotions software and support is required by NAWCTSD to support the collection of participant data during normobaric hypoxia training as proposed in the In-House Laboratory Independent Research Effort titled "An Investigation of Eye Movement Indicators for Physiological Events" ( ILIR-20-007), and support research to identify effective technology capable of improving spatial disorientation training as proposed in Spatial Disorientation (SD) Curriculum Enhancement (DHP 6.7). This software will also provide additional synchronization, integration, visualization, and analysis capabilities for research efforts by providing technology to ingest, aggregate, timestamp, compute, and analyze data related to eye gaze and pupil metrics. The on-boarding and support are needed to ensure the proper use and upkeep. Statutory Authority Permitting Other Than Full and Open Competition: 10 U.S.C.5304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. iMotions, Inc. is the only source for the (3) iMotions CORE Module, (3) iMotions Screen-Based Eye Tracking Module, (3) iMotions Eye Tracking Glasses Module, (3) iMotions Advanced Integration Module, (3) Wired Bio-packs (with SpO2, MP160, & Respiration attachments), (1) Workshop Bundle, and (1) year of Commercial Support and Upgrade. iMotions software provides the flexibility needed to ingest, synchronize, and integrate multiple data streams for analysis. iMotions software is the only product in the market that is able to reliably ingest multiple sources of data, ensure they are time synchronized, provide useful visualizations, and allow the data to be exported for more in-depth analysis. Other retailers and suppliers are able to provide software capable of either data visualization, integration, synchronization, or adequate support, but lack the ability to provide all features in one centralized software. The items listed can only be purchased through iMotions. There are no known authorized resellers or dealers in the United States. The iMotions software is to be used in the research and development of future training systems for the Fleet. This software allows for the necessary synchronization, integration, and analysis capabilities to adequately conduct our research. Further, while a few other vendors offer eye tracking software, they do not offer the level of integration, ease of use, or analysis capabilities required for our research efforts. Market research for other eye tracking software has been conducted by our team and we have concluded that no other vendor or software provide the range of capabilities listed above, which are required by the research program. The iMotions software is only sold through the manufacturer, iMotions and can only be purchased directly through them. Alternative software provided by other companies do not fulfill the requirements of this research effort because they do not have the ability to seamlessly integrate multiple sources of data, supply reliable levels of support, or provide useful or robust analysis capabilities. Consideration of any alternatives, even if available, would require modification to the original research proposal and introduce significant risk of the research effort failing. In accordance with FAR 15.402(a), the Contracting Officer will determine that the cost to the Government for the supplies covered by this Notice and the SAP Determination Memo, will be fair and reasonable. The contractor will submit a formal quote and sufficient information to support the accuracy and reliability of the estimate. The technical point of contact and contract specialist will perform analysis of the provided quote. The Contracting Officer may also utilize historical contract cost data and other relevant information to establish a fair and reasonable price. Any responses are due Amber Chalifoux, amber.chalifoux@navy.mil, no later than 4:00PM (EST) on 26 August 2020.