1. Solicitation Number: HHS-NIH-NIDA-SSSA-SS-2015-573

2. Title: Mouse Metabolic Chamber System

3. Classification Code: 66

4. NAICS Code: 334516- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

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 National Institute on Aging utilizes the Columbus Instruments' Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System (CLAMS) in its intramural research program for measuring metabolism in mice. The proposed acquisition is for additional metabolic chambers to double the current capacity, an environmental enclosure to regulate temperature (an integral part of metabolism studies), metabolic treadmills for the measurement of oxygen consumption and metabolism during exercise, and for an upgrade of the oxygen measurement hardware and software to quadruple the current capabilities..

Purpose and Objectives:
The purpose of this requirement is to purchase an additional a Mouse Metabolic Chamber System, inclusive of environmental chambers, metabolic treadmills hardware, and software, compatible and fully interchangeable with the Columbus Instruments' Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System (CLAMS).

Project Specifications:
The contractor shall provide and install the Mouse Metabolic chamber system, environmental chambers and metabolic treadmills hardware and software. The contractor shall provide all training on new equipment and integration of current equipment with new equipment.

The government's essential features of the Mouse Metabolic Chamber System are as follows: (1) Compatible and fully interchangeable with the Columbus Instruments' Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System (CLAMS); (2) 16 Station System; (3) Network Interface and Software; Calorimeter for mice and high speed gas analysis; (4) Photocell activity monitor; (5) Standard Mouse Chamber; (6) Temperature and Light Controlled Enclosure; (7) Modular 1 to 4 Lane Treadmill; (8) Modular Enclosed Treadmill for Mice Slave Lane; (9) Modular Enclosed Treadmill for Mice Shock Stimulus; and (10) High -Speed Gas Analysis Capability.

Anticipated period of performance: 60 days after receipt of contract award.

Capability statement /information sought. Interested organizations must provide clear and convincing documentation of their capability of providing the item(s) specified in this notice. Interested organizations that believe they possess the ability to provide the required items must submit specific documentation of their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contract Specialist.

The respondent must also provide their 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 and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.

One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2" x 11" paper size, with 1" top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.

The information submitted must be 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 ten (10) page limit. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.

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 to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.

The response must be submitted to Rodney Brooks, Contract Specialist at e-mail address [email protected] and [email protected]. .

The response must be received on or before August 17, 2015 12 pm eastern time.

"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)."