Inactive

1.0 RFI TITLE: STEM Behavioral Test Platforms. 2.0 AGENCY: United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) 3.0 OFFICE: Laboratory Services Branch, Research Support Divisio... 1.0 RFI TITLE: STEM Behavioral Test Platforms. 2.0 AGENCY: United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) 3.0 OFFICE: Laboratory Services Branch, Research Support Division 4.0 LOCATION: Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD 5.0 CONTRACTING OFFICE: U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD. 6.0 SUBJECT: The USAMRAA on behalf of USAMRICD is conducting market research to identify available commercial solutions that meet the requirements for Support Services for Behavioral Test Platforms. This market research may also assist with the further development and/or refinement of the requirements. 7.0 DISCLAIMER: This is an RFI as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to ascertain whether a commercial item exists that provides the capabilities described herein. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this RFI. Responses to this notice are not offers and will not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. In keeping with the standards of FAR Part 10, the Government may request additional information from responders. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI or any follow-up information request. All information received in response to this RFI or any follow-up information request that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. At this time, questions concerning the composition and requirements for a future request for proposal will not be entertained. 8.0 DESCRIPTION: The USAMRICD is a world-class organization and clear leader in medical research. The USAMRICD utilizes Behavioral Test Platforms in experimentation performed onsite. These platforms, procured previously under contracts W81XWH-10-P-0723 and W81XWH-16-P-0212, require periodic assembly, maintenance, upgrade, repair and replacement as they become unserviceable from use or the units require modification to better perform the behavioral assessment tasks for which they are intended. Each platform houses a touchscreen monitor, a pellet dispenser that delivers a calorically complete pellet as a reinforcer, a food cup illuminated with a LED, a clear acrylic door attached to a microswitch (requiring ~1.7 N of force to operate), and a notebook computer that controls experimental events and collects data via a custom-written software program. Pellet dispenser operation, LED illumination, and detection of food cup door switch movements (i.e., open or closed) are managed by a USB relay I/O interface connected to the computer. When multiple panels are required for an operant assessment platforms can be wired together via their USB relay I/O interface. In these cases, multiple platforms will be accessible to a single subject and the behavioral assessment will be conducted with multiple screens, laptops, etc. Platforms are designed to be affixed and secured to current animal caging, Platforms are robust, designed to perform precisely and responsively to interaction across hundreds of individual trials during daily sessions with various, potentially aggressive, animal species. Platforms can withstand daily disinfection (i.e. PREempt TRU wipes), and sanitization every 14 days using a nonspecific bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal compound. The USAMRICD currently maintains an inventory of approximately fifty (50) behavioral test platforms and requires the use of a private company to provide assembly, maintenance, upgrade, repair, and parts replacement of these and future units. The USAMRICD seeks assembly, maintenance, repair, replacement and upgrade services on specialized equipment (Behavioral Test Platforms) used onsite. The objective is to avoid equipment and research loss by providing maintenance and assembly services in a timely manner. The contractor shall provide a written report of services provided as requested by the Government. The Government reserves the right to inspect the contractor’s work to verify the performance and to ensure compliance with all Federal, state, and local regulations, laws, and ordinances. 9.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Responses from all capable and qualified sources are encouraged to respond to this request. White papers should adhere to the following formatting and outline instructions: All submissions shall be made electronically and be in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. Entities interested in submitting a response must furnish in writing, a 2-3 page (not including cover page, index or list of references) synopsis of their capability to provide the described product, including any necessary lead time. Companies responding to this notice must provide complete contact information (telephone, address, email address). Responders must identify their company’s business size (based on the NAICS size standard), business status (i.e. small business, disadvantaged, HUB zone, woman owned, service disabled veteran owned). Please also include information regarding any prior experience with U.S. Government contracts and experience performing this type of service. At this time no solicitation exists; therefore, please do not request a copy of the solicitation. 10.0 SUBMISSION CONTACT INFORMATION: Interested entities shall forward submissions electronically through email to Nicholas Dankanich at Nicholas.j.dankanich.civ@mail.mil no later than 4:00pm EST Friday, 11 February 2022. NO PHONE CALLS will be accepted. No evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents. It is the responsibility of any potential offeror to monitor this site for the release of any solicitation or synopsis that follows this RFI.