Inactive

Characterizing Neural Responses to Hyperoxia 1.0 Description 1.1 The Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton (NAMRU-D) is seeking information from qualified contractors to propose a methodologic approach t... Characterizing Neural Responses to Hyperoxia 1.0 Description 1.1 The Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton (NAMRU-D) is seeking information from qualified contractors to propose a methodologic approach to characterize neurovascular responsiveness, ventilatory traits and acid-base physiology, in humans, while breathing hyperoxic gas mixtures @ 1 ATM. 1.2 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit NAMRU-D to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, NAMRU-D is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondees are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement. 2.0 Background High-altitude hypobaric aviation is accompanied by risks of environmental hypoxia, venous gas emboli and decompression sickness. Neuroprotection against those hazards is conferred by providing a continuous fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) between 60-100% (hyperoxia). Defining the duration, specificity, and functional impacts of hyperoxia upon neural function is necessary to safeguard high-altitude aviators and aircrew, especially since hyperoxia has been shown to cause a significant drop in cerebral perfusion. As cerebral perfusion is a primary component of central nervous system integrity and cognitive performance, a sustained reduction could lower the brain's threshold of tolerance against in-flight stressors such as dehydration and + Gz hypoperfusion. To further define the impact of hyperoxia upon systems physiology, NAMRU-D requires licensed clinician contractors with demonstrable expertise in advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with simultaneous high density electroencephalography (HD-EEG). Clinical and experimental expertise assessing acid-base status and respiratory physiology, and advanced knowledge of pharmacodynamics techniques used to define hyperoxia dose-response relationships are also required. 2.1 Delivery Period: The period of performance is 12 months. 2.2 Limitations: The total number of human study participants shall be no less than 20 and no more than 25. The dollar value available to fund the contract is no more than $240,655. 3.0 Responses 3.1 Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. 3.2 White papers in Microsoft Word for Office 2016 compatible format are due no later than 12 June 2019, 17:00 EST. 3.3 Section 1 of the white paper shall provide administrative information, and shall include the following: Name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, and e-mail of designated point of contact. 3.4 Section 2 of the white paper shall provide an outline of proposed data collection and analyses methodologies, personnel experience and licensures, and evidence of expertise with all proposed techniques and analyses. 3.5 Responses shall be limited to 3 pages for Section 2 and submitted via e-mail only to Commander Tatana Olson, [tatana.olson@us.af.mil] 4.0 Summary THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide Characterizing Neural Responses to Hyperoxia. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. NAMRU-D has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.