6640--Intent to Sole Source to Psychology Software Tools. Research Phantoms Supplies with Support Services

The Veteran s Administration (VA) Office of Research and Development, Regional Procurement Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Psychology Software Tools based in Sharpsburg, PA on behalf of the VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System. The requirement is to provide MRI calibration phantoms and services, to be used in VA research on traumatic brain injuries (TBI) research. In MRI imaging, a Phantom is a precisely manufactured object of known size and composition that is imaged to test, adjust or monitor an MRI system s homogeneity, quantitative precision, and shape geometry for the purpose of quantification and correction of both measurement accuracy and quality. These phantoms attach to MRI scanners to collect and calibrate diagnostics for brain imaging. The VA research office currently uses phantoms supplied by Psychology Software Tools and must continue to use the same phantoms to maintain the integrity of research results. Too many variables

from other phantoms can skew the research data and some include proprietary magnets and not compatible with the current system. The phantoms require calibration to the necessary proprietary format and require anisotropic diffusion, which is critical to diffusion imaging required by VA research. Technical Requirements Anisotropic Hollow textile fibers (1 to 12 microns inside diameter) simulating axons Taxons Variable packing densities Multiple tract sizes (1 10mm per side) Tract crossings of 90, 45, and 30 degrees Variable packing densities of 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 Isotropic 40+ NIST certified isotropic solutions Multiple calibrated concentrations of fluids to measure T1, T2, PD, and ADC Accessories Heater to maintain operational temperature of 37 degrees C Removable lipid layer Integrated leveling and alignment system New Device Specifications -MRI Calibration Phantom Universal Phantom enclosure filled with deionized water with multiple internal test disk. One (1) Anisotropic Diusion Disk - includes anisotropic test points with micron scale (inside diameter) hollow fiber to simulate diusion characteristics of human axons for assessment of FA, AD, RD, MD. One (1) Isotropic Diusion Disk - includes NIST characterized fluids for assessment of T1,T2,T2*,PD,ADC One (1) Spatial Homogeneity Disk - includes hollow fibers in X, Y, Z orientations to assess spatial homogeneity of diusion One (1) Pressure Compensation Disk & Thermometer - maintains stable internal pressure during unit heating/cooling and shipping; internal thermometer (range of 30-44°C). Included Accessories: Heated Storage Cabinet, Insulating Cover, Stabilization Device with high resolution alignment levels, Head Coil Alignment Adapters, Insulated Hard Shell Rolling Shipping/Transport Case. ADDITIONAL SERVICES ON NEWLY ACQUIRED DEVICES -Service, Recondition, MRI Calibration Phantom: Return of unit service aft er 1 year of use for evaluation, reconditioning/recalibration, and component upgrades. Includes free upgrade of any internal components to any improved models/revisions. - Storage & Shipping: Secure temperature-controlled storage of inventory units for up to one year with multiple shipments to test sites as directed. The requirement will take place at a VA facility in Salt Lake City, UT. The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the contracting office no later than Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023 (10:00 AM, EST). Interest/capability statements may be sent to Michael Haydo at Michael.haydo@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.