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 2020 NIMH Strategic Plan for Research’s top goal is to “define brain mechanisms underlying complex behaviors”. The goal of the study entitled, “Role of GABAergic transmission in auditory processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder” is to define the brain mechanism underlying a core behavioral deficit of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), language processing through an experimental therapeutics approach. The transcranial magnetic stimulation system will allow for the targeted stimulation of language processing networks within the brain in order to transiently modulate the putative brain mechanism, GABAergic transmission. In doing so, we aim to define the causal link between the putative mechanism and the neurological and behavioral phenotype of ASD. Statement of Need and Purpose: A transcranial magnetic stimulation system (Brand name or equal ) is needed to support the Study entitled, “Role of GABAergic transmission in auditory processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder”. The study has been reviewed and approved by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) committee for the Scientific Review of Protocols (CSRP) and is now being reviewed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Institutional Review Board (IRB). Purchase Description: Brand name or equal MagProX100 with MagOption Magnetic Stimulator System Items supplied: MagVenture MagProX100 with MagOption Magnetic Stimulator Isolation Transformer Active and Blinded Sham Coils Coil Cooler for to prevent from overheating Software to allow for blinding of coils Cart with wheels and coil holder to allow for portability of the system Miscellaneous Cables and Connectors Shipping and Insurance Salient Characteristics: Capable of delivering bi-phasic, bi-phasic burst, and mono-phasic waveform stimulation at frequencies of between .1 and 100Hz, with the ability to define stimulation frequency with .1Hz resolution. Capability to empirically measure and display current discharge through the transducer coil circuit (di/dt). The di/dt value is a measurement of the electrical flux through the coil and is measured, displayed and can be recorded for every stimulation. This is important to ensure that the device is calibrated and delivering the prescribed amount of stimulation. Capability to capture, record, and display EMG recordings coordinated with delivery of magnetic stimulation pulses. This will allow for efficient identification of motor threshold (appropriate intensity of stimulation for that individual participant). Inclusion of flexible arm for positioning and holding the stimulation coil stable anywhere on the participant’s scalp. Inclusion of a “figure of eight” coil with state-of-the-art focality. Capability of supporting double blind delivery of experimental TMS, including ability to utilize a transducer coil that facilitates delivery of active TMS, and sham TMS with concurrent electrical stimulation and a sham noise generator to mask the acoustic noise produced by the TMS coil (to mimic the auditory and somatic sensation of active TMS). The TMS coils generate a lot of current in order to produce the magnetic field strengths needed, therefore equipment safety is of utmost importance. Thus, system must include a tracking system with real-time diagnostic monitoring of the status of the coil (i.e. Coil temperature, magnetic field strength delivered, etc.) in order to optimize patient as well as operator safety. Inclusion of coil cooling system and a refrigeration cooling unit that keeps the coils from overheating and maintains the temperature of the coils between 18 and 20°C at all time. Security system designed to limit/ prevent unauthorized use. This is critical as the device will be stored in a secured yet shared space. Compatibility with Brainsight Neuronavigation System. Portability. This device fits on a wheeled cart suitable for easy and safe transport from the storage space to the exam room where it will be used. Anticipated Delivery Period: Contractor shall deliver and install within 60 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 the following; 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 ); Identify where equipment and parts are manufactured; identify if the proposed equipment is available on GSA; and Provide any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. The information submitted 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 must be received by the closing date and time of this announcement and must reference the solicitation number. The response must be submitted electronically to Kris Jenkins, Contract Specialist, at
[email protected] . Facsimile responses are NOT accepted. 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).