Racks with Marmoset Cages for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Veterinary Medicine and Resources Branch (VRMB)

1. Solicitation Number: NIHDA201800125 2. Title: Racks with Marmoset Cages for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Veterinary Medicine and Resources Branch (VRMB) 3. Classification Code: 6640 - Lab Equipment and Supplies 4. NAICS Code: 334516 5. Description: This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background: The VRMB at NIMH supports investigators who use animals in their research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. Animal caging must be fabricated and maintained in a manner consistent with regulatory guidance. Racks and cages must be easily subitizable and robust enough to withstand the rigors of mechanical washers. Cages must be adequately ventilated, allow observation of the animals, prevent their escape and allow them to engage in species-typical behaviors. Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this acquisition is to procure 32 racks with one-over-one marmoset cages for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Veterinary Medicine and Resource Branch (VRMB) Project requirements: The Contractor shall provide 32 racks with one-over-one marmoset cages [Lenderking model number: MARM303139-101] that meet following specifications: Racks - Racks shall be made of Type 304, 1" square stainless-steel tubing, and welded water tight. Each rack will utilize a one-over-one cage design attached to the mobile rack. - Rack dimensions shall be 32-3/4" wide x 30-3/4" deep x 89-1/2" high and equipped with suspended runners under each cage to hold an excreta pan. - Racks shall be constructed with four- 4" stainless steel castors and wheel rigs containing stainless steel bearings on each axle, which can be autoclaved. - Racks shall contain two wheel brakes, (with greased fittings), that lock wheels and rotate at the same time. Cages - Cages shall be constructed with Type 304 stainless steel. Each cage shall be 30" wide x 31" deep x 39" high, contain one hinged door that is 12" wide x 16" high, and centered on front of a cage with two spring loaded latches to lock the door. - Cages shall have sides, front, ceiling and floors made of 14 gauges, 1" x 1/2" welded wire mesh and reinforced with 1/4" diameter rod frames with the cage backs made of a solid stainless-steel sheet. - Cages shall have two, six-inch-wide perches made of 14 gauges 1" x " welded wire mesh that are supported by steel angles that run along the front of the cage edge. The first perch shall hang 14" above the cage floor and run from front to rear on either side of the cage. The second perch shall be 12 inches wide, hang 24" above the floor, positioned at the rear of the cage, and run from left to right. - Cages shall have a " diameter cylinder running front to rear in the upper portion of the cage to suspend enrichment devices. - Cages shall have the ability to suspend water bottles. Anticipated Delivery Period: Contractor shall deliver within 90 days after receipt of order (ARO). Capability statement /information sought: Contractors that believe that they possess the ability to provide the required equipment, should submit documentation on their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contract Specialist. The Contractor should directly and specifically state in the, capabilities statement, which project requirements can be meet and/or supplied. The Contractor must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. The information submitted must be must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. The response is limited to two (2) page limit. The 2-page limit does not include the cover page or executive summary. The response must include the respondents' technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted. The response must be submitted to Michelle C. Morelli, Contract Specialist, at michelle.morelli@nih.gov The response must be received on or before April 2, 2018 at 5 pm, Eastern Time. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).