66--NIR Video Fear Conditioning System for Rats--Intent to Sole Source

Under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13.106-1(b) for commercial items, the United States Army Medical Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to negotiate, on a sole source basis, with MED-Associates Inc, PO Box 319, St Albans, VT 05478, for the NIR Video Fear Conditioning System (VFC) for rats and its proprietary software interface for this system. MED-Associates has been identified as the responsible source that can fulfill this particular requirement. USAMRAA will issue a firm-fixed price contract award for this requirement; NAICS 334515/500. This is a logical follow-on procurement for equipment and proprietary interface software. USAMRICD's laboratory has been using the MED-Associates VFC system and its related software for several years to acquire behavioral data from rodents that have been impaired. A large data base has been developed using this particular equipment and related software. Changing the equipment and software would completely nullify all previous research conducted and its historical data, compromise the quality of the data and also significantly impact the ability to reach critical milestones. Competing this requirement is not in the best interest of the Government since substantial duplication of costs to the Government will be incurred and this cost is not expected to be recovered through competition. Any responses to this notice must show clear and convincing evidence that competition will be advantageous to the Government. In doing so, interested sources must submit technical capabilities, pricing and other information which demonstrates the ability to meet the Government's need. This information must be received no later than (NLT) 23 SEP 2013 at 1000 hrs EST. A determination by the Government not to compete based on responses to this notice is sole within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Detailed capabilities may be emailed (using PDF, MS Word, Excel attachments, no ZIP files) to, Jacklyn McGurk, email: [email protected]. Email statements are preferred. No telephone calls will be accepted. Statements are due NLT 1000hrs, EST, on 23 SEP 2013.