--It is the Department of Army's intention to award a sole source for CRI NuanceTM Multisprectral Imaging System to Cambridge Research & Instrumentation Inc.

Cambridge Research & Instrumentation Inc. (CRI) is identified as the sole manufacturer of patented nematic liquid crystal tunable Lyot filters (LCTF) and related spectral imaging systems, offering unique technical capabilities such as apertures larger than 20 mm, extensive wavelength ranges from 400nm to 2450nm, USB computer control, and image-preserving optics with narrow bandpasses under 30nm. Their proprietary technology includes the Nuance multispectral imaging system and the Maestro in-vivo imaging system, both equipped with exclusive software algorithms for advanced data analysis, including the Compute Pure Spectrum algorithm designed to accurately eliminate autofluorescence. Additionally, CRI provides patented liquid crystal-based polarization imaging systems utilizing specific algorithms for quantitative birefringence imaging. The Department of the Army recognizes CRI as the only supplier capable of fulfilling the unique VetMed requirements of USAMRIID. This contract notice, issued on January 25, 2006, expresses the Army’s intent to award a sole-source contract for the CRI Nuance Multispectral Imaging System to CRI without a request for proposal at this stage. However, other qualified vendors with similar or superior equipment are invited to submit detailed technical capabilities along with pricing to assess potential future competition. Submissions are due by February 3, 2006, and will be used solely to evaluate market options. The contract is associated with NAICS code 333314, and communications are directed to the contract specialist, signaling a tightly controlled yet open-ended acquisition process based on the unique technology CRI offers.