--Laerdal Medical Training Simulators - Intent to Award

The Mission and Installation Contracting Command Center-Fort Bragg, North Carolina intends to award, on a sole source basis in accordance with 10 USC 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, a contract to Laerdal Medical Corporation, 167 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590-3827, for Medical Simulators. This procurement is to include the acquisition of both the Laerdal Virtual I.V. system and the SimMan 3G Patient Simulator. Market research has revealed that the Laerdal Virtual I.V. arm simulator is a one of kind device not made by any other company. In addition to the uniqueness of the apparatus used, this system is also the only computer aided I.V. simulator. The addition of a computer screen allows the Student to see where they are inserting the catheter from both an internal and external prospective. The Laerdal system also has software specifically tailored for use by military students. This product allows for a realistic training environment while also allowing a margin of error for the typical student which usually experiences anxiety or nervousness while perfecting this skill. There are other low-fidelity mannequins available in the market but they do not provide as realistic a training experience. The mannequins are not as an effective training tool because a Student can tell where to insert the catheter based on where previous Students have left a mark. Also, a virtual apparatus substantially decreases the cost of maintaining and replenishing training equipment and medical supplies. In addition to the Laerdal I.V. arm simulator, this award will also include the SimMan 3G Patient Simulator which is a tetherless mannequin. As with the I.V. simulator, the tetherless mannequin is a more effective training tool which simulates a more realistic training environment than comparable products. The tetherless mannequin allows the Student to treat and transport the same mannequin. Alternative mannequins which are available are tethered and require the Student to treat one mannequin and then move to another mannequin to continue the simulation as if it is the same patient. The SimMan 3G Patient Simulator also allows the Instructor to control the mannequin at a distance and evaluate the student without having to be in his or her immediate proximity. This allows the student to react as he or she would in an actual combat situation. The available tethered alternatives require that the Instructor be next to the student in order to evaluate his performance and control the mannequin. This then becomes a negative training for the Soldier because this is not how he would react in combat. The only comparable product that does not have these deficiencies is the METI iStan which is extremely costly (over $150K just for the mannequin itself). This product is still in the testing phases and is currently being pilot tested by other training centers. It is the mission of the 18th ABC Surgeon Office to effectively train Soldiers to be competent and confident in all the medical skills they may need to render in combat. Both of these products will greatly assist in facilitating a realistic simulated learning environment in which the Soldiers can develop the competencies and confidence necessary to perform these skills without sacrificing the well-being of an actual patient. This is not a request for Competitive Proposals. No contract will be awarded on the basis of offers received in response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. If you feel your firm possesses the ability to provide these supplies, you must respond by demonstrating your firms technical capability to meet the requirement. If no affirmative written response is received, the supplies will be awarded without further notice. Detailed capabilities must be submitted to the email address provided below no later than 05 August 2008, 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time. POC for this notice is Brandon Hawkins, Email: contact@example.gov