High Density EEG System (MRI and MEG-compatible) for NINDS Surgical Neurology Branch

INTRODUCTION This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-RFQ-15-653 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 334510 with a Size Standard of 500 Employees. SET-ASIDE STATUS This acquisition is 100% set-aside for small businesses. ACQUISITION AUTHORITY This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is NOT expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-83, dated July 2, 2015. The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through this date. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT Background The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducting research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders and stroke. The NINDS mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. The NINDS Surgical Neurology Branch, in conjunction with the EEG Section, is pursuing epilepsy research using multimodal imaging, including high density scalp EEG, MEG/EEG, resting state fMRI/EEG, and electrocorticography to study epilepsy networks. To carry out this project, the NINDS Surgical Neurology Branch requires are purchasing a high density EEG system that is compatible with each of these recording environments. Purpose The purpose of this requirement is acquisition of a multimodality high density electroencephalogram (EEG) System compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) equipment. Project Requirements The NINDS Surgical Neurology Branch requires one (1) multimodality high density EEG recording system that is capable of recording EEG and other physiologic data in combination with fMRI and MEG recordings. The multimodality high density EEG system must meet the following requirements: 1. The system must allow for minimum recording of 64 channels of EEG, reference and ground. 2. The system must allow for continuous EEG recording in the setting of fMRI and MEG recordings. 3. The system must have the ability to record ECG. The system must also have the ability to be upgraded in the future, if desired in a later requirement, to add bipolar channels for EMG, OEG or other physiological variables (GSR, pulse, respiration) with the EEG 4. They system must offer integrated impedance measurement of all electrodes including ground and reference 5. The system's impedance values and recording setting of each recording must be written in a permanent file by the system and which may be attributed to each individual recording to assure proper documentation. 6. The system must make a note of electrode recording settings and impedance values for each recording. 7. The system must have the capacity to set gain and filters for each channel individually. 8. The system must have the ability to record DC EEG. 9. They system must offer a data sampling rate up to 5kHz per channel. 10. The system must have optical signal transmission that is MRI and MEG compatible. 11. The system must use a power supply that is magnetic resonance compatible and is decoupled from any external noise source which may contaminate a shielded recording environment. 12. The system must have the capacity to expand to higher channel numbers up to 256 electrodes without replacing the existing amplifiers, in the event that this should be desired in the future. 13. The system must be compatible with CTF-Brand Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Software such that the system generated data may be combined with MEG data. 14. The system must include magnetic resonance compatible EEG caps with subtemporal coverage in multiple sizes compatible with amplifiers and recording system 15. The system must include MEG compatible EEG caps with low profile electrodes (<4mm in height), appropriate cabling to fit in the MEG helmet (cable comes out the bottom), and the system must not create artifacts adversely affecting the MEG signal, and identical montage and recording profile to the MR compatible caps required as part of this order as in #14. 16. The system must offer integrated recording software to record the signal, check impedances, and allow for EEG data to be collected and synchronized with the internal MRI clock to ensure phase synchronized recording. 17. The system must have capability to utilize real time analysis software that allows for correcting EEG data acquired in the MR in real time, should such an upgrade be required in the future. 18. The system must have capability to add optional comprehensive software analysis abilities in the future if later desired and this capability must require limited to no programming for MRI artifact rejection. 19. The system must have data output that is compatible with MatLab. 20. The system must have the potential for future expansion to wireless recording or active electrode system for future research use without modifying the amplifier hardware. Wireless recording and active electrode systems are not required for this particular purchase, however. 21. The system must come with included hardware and software in-house technical support for 3 years, not time limited or restricted to a certain number of emails or phone calls with a site visit for initial set up and training, and subsequently as required if the issue cannot be resolved by email or phone support. 22. The system must have a 3 year warranty on software, amplifiers and electronics 23. The system must have a 2 year warranty on cap electrodes 24. The system for continuous EEG/fMRI recording must have proven capability which shall be demonstrated by use in more than 10 publications in journals with an impact factor >2 by multiple centers. The contractor shall be expected to deliver the equipment on a FOB Destination basis and to install the equipment at the customer site. Additionally, the contractor shall provide the customer with training on the use of the equipment. Period of Performance The contractor shall deliver and install the required equipment within 60 days after receipt of order. The equipment shall be delivered between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Bethesda, MD local prevailing time, Monday through Friday. Contract Type The Government intends to issue a firm fixed price purchase order for this requirement. APPLICABLE CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS All Offerors MUST be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items (April 2014), applies to this acquisition. FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items (October 2014) applies to this acquisition. A completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (March 2015), is required with any offer submitted. This requirement may be met by completion of the provision in the System for Award Management. FAR clauses 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (May 2015) and 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (May 2015) apply to this acquisition. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are not applicable to this requirement. EVALUATION CRITERIA FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items (October 2014) applies to this acquisition and the specific evaluation criteria to be included in paragraph (a) of that provision are as follows: The Government will award a delivery order resulting from this solicitation on the basis of best value, technical factors and price considered. Technical factors together shall be considered more important than price. The technical evaluation factors are as follows, in order of importance: 1. Factor 1: Technical Approach The Offeror shall detail in its technical proposal how it shall meet each of the project requirements. This shall include detailed specifications of the offered equipment and its capabilities, as well as a list of publications which indicate successful use of the equipment. The Government shall particularly evaluate for ability to meet or exceed the project requirements, and especially the demonstrated ability of hte proposed equipment to record high quality EEG within the MEG and fMRI environments safely, without noise artifacts, as indicated by published documentation. 2. Factor 2: Delivery, Installation, and Training The Offer shall detail in its technical proposal how it shall meet the delivery, installation, and training requirements. Quotations must include a delivery lead time and shall be particularly evaluated for ability to meet or exceed delivery schedule requirements. RESPONSE FORMAT Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror's capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the technical evaluation criteria. The offeror must submit a technical response and a separate price quotation. The technical response should be prepared in reference to the evaluation criteria identified in this solicitation and may be up to ten pages. The price quotation must include the project requirements listed above as well as associated pricing and a delivery, installation, and training lead time. Contractors must provide their Company Name, Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Business Size, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information in their responses. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov." NOTE Responses to this solicitation must include sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities of providing the product or service. The price quote shall include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery days after contract award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), product or catalog number(s); product description; and any other information or factors that may be considered in the award decision. CLOSING STATEMENT All responses must be received by the closing date of this announcement and must reference solicitation number HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-CSS-15-653. Responses shall be submitted electronically via email to Lauren Phelps, Contract Specialist, at contact@example.gov.