AF31--Research and Testing - Cooling Vest Prototype for SPiRE

Regional Procurement Office (RPO) - East intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Picasso Intelligence, LLC, to purchase expertise services in biomechanics and robotics to further develop and test initial protype of a novel, self-regulating smart cooling vest designed for persons with higher levels of spinal cord injury (above the 6th thoracic vertebrae: Hi-SCI). STATEMENT OF WORK Background: This project will leverage the expertise of Picasso Intelligence in biomechanics and robotics by further refining a prototype originally developed by Dr. Hao Su to prevent the rapid increase in Tcore in individuals with spinal cord injury during exposure to the typical warm seasonal temperatures of the Northeast USA. Picasso Intelligence is committed to safety in developing devices for humans, as well as quality and customer satisfaction. Picasso Intelligence specializes in design, customization, prototyping, and human testing of smart sensors, smart actuators, electronics, and intelligent control of human-machine systems, including wearable sensors, wearable exoskeletons, and human-in-the-loop control systems. Picasso Intelligence has the required expertise, equipment, and talents to successfully carry out the proposed work. Additionally, Dr. Hao Su is listed within the grant proposal approved for developing this cooling vest. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. Any responsible sources who wish to identify their interest and capability to provide this equipment or equipment that is compatible must notify this Contracting Officer at millicent.covert@va.gov NLT Tuesday, March 28, 2023, by 11:59 AM EST. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Upon receipt of the interested parties' notification, the Contracting Officer will determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with sole source