Description
The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System, intends to negotiate a commercial (FAR Part 12) sole source contract with Cortech Solutions Inc. under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Please refer to the Sole Source Justification. This is not a solicitation; it is notice of intent to sole source a requirement.Inquiries/information received after the established deadline shall not be considered. The submission of any data for review shall not impede award of this contract as planned. The Government does not intend to pay for information solicited. This synopsis is issued pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION *1. Identification of the service/department and the transaction/requisition #: VA Boston Healthcare System: Boston research program. 9176-0739 *2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved: Purchase of 64-channel EEG system *3. Description of the supplies/services required to meet the agency's needs (including the estimated value): $63,109.53 Biosemi ActiveTwo EEG system 4. Identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition: FAR Part 6.302-1, Only one responsible source. *5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor's unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited: This EEG system will be used for recording high-frequency (gamma) brainwaves from patients (chronic schizophrenics) and healthy control subjects. The nature of the research requires that a dense electrode array (64 channels) be used for accurate topographic mapping and source localization. While traditional low-impedance EEG systems can provide a high signal-to-noise ratio, which is critical for measuring gamma brainwaves, the electrode application procedure used with these systems is burdensome and tedious for subjects, especially patients. Each electrode location must be cleaned by abrading the skin, a process which is uncomfortable and can take a long time. For dense electrode arrays, electrode application can take more then 30 minutes, particularly for patients whose hair may not be clean. Also, traditional electrode caps are not very comfortable for subjects. In recent years, high-impedance EEG systems have been developed which have claimed to reduce the time of the electrode application process. However, these systems have suffered from low signal-to-noise ratios, which make them poorly-suited for recording gamma brainwaves. The ActiveTwo EEG system is the only high-impedance EEG system that can provide 1) a high signal-to-noise ratio; 2) fast setup time; and 3) improved subject comfort. What makes this system unique is that it utilizes state-of-the-art active electrode recording technology, so that no skin abrasion is necessary. The high signal-to-noise ratio is made possible by using fiber optics and battery-powered electronics. After the cap is fitted, each electrode position is filled with a small amount of gel (smaller than with traditional systems). Our experience with this system has shown that electrode application for the ActiveTwo takes less than half the time required for a traditional system. Furthermore, our subjects greatly prefer the ActiveTwo electrode cap to the traditional cap, as it is lighter and more comfortable to wear. Since the electrode application process is shorter and more enjoyable, our subjects perform better and have a much more enjoyable experience in the laboratory. For all of these reasons, the ActiveTwo EEG system is the ideal EEG system for our research. It is also important to note that it is important to purchase this particular system for collaborations between this laboratory and EEG labs at the Bedford and Brockton VA campuses. These labs use the same system and therefore collaborating with them would not be possible without it. *6. Describe the efforts that have been made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a Commerce Business Daily notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 (copy attached) and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies: The following vendors (include phone number and contact name) were contacted, however were unable to provide these services: 1. No other vendors were contacted because there is only one manufacturer of this type of equipment, and only one vendor. 7. Determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable: Vendor cost to the consumer is based on an educational price list. Vendor has stated that these are the best rates given for this type of equipment for the VAMC for research and sciences. *8. Description of the market survey that was conducted (i.e. names of firms and the date(s) the firms were contacted) and the results or a statement of the reasons a market survey was not conducted: No other firm/vendor has expressed an interest in this purchase. *9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition, such as - an explanation as to why technical data packages, specifications, engineering descriptions, statement of work, or purchase descriptions suitable for competition have not been developed or are not available. This type of EEG system is unique - it is only manufactured by Biosemi, and the only vendor in the US is Cortech Solutions. *10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed an interest in the acquisition: None to date *11. A statement of the actions, if any, that the department/service may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies/services is required in the future: Contracting Activity will continue to encourage brand name or equivalent specifications.