6640--Equipment, NeuroPlex BLACKROCK Device/System- Research, Cle

The VISN 10 Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Blackrock Microsystems the manufacturer. This is for the acquisition of the NeuroPlex BLACKROCK Device/System required by the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center at 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-1702. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 334516. The Government believes that Blackrock Microsystems is the only contractor that can satisfy the current requirement of the agency. Therefore, the Government intends to proceed with a sole source for the required equipment. This procurement is for 1 EA of; 4566 Array Multiport, CerePort 128-ch 6 EA STERI Service, Electrode sterilization 6 EA 10907 NeuroPlex, Headstage E-series, 128-ch, Sterile 3 EA 9083 Accessory, Packaged NeuroPlex Digital Hub 128, 110-240 V 3 EA 4469 Inserter, Wand and trigger assembly, 1.5 mm,

sterile 2 EA 8282 NSS, Digital Neural Signal Simulator with multiple connectors, 128-ch 1 EA The items are expected to be delivered within 120 days ARO / ASAP. utilizing FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items and specifically FAR 13.501 Special Documentation Requirements, where acquisitions conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6, but still require a justification using the format of FAR 6.303-2. 41 USC §3304(a)(5), 38 U.S. Code § 8127(c), as implemented by FAR 6.302-5 (Authorized or Required by Statute). To the best of our knowledge, Blackrock Microsystems is the only source that can provide the required equipment. The requested equipment is essential to develop brain controlled neuroprosthesis technologies that will give Veterans with chronic and complete paralysis the ability to regain function of their paralyzed arm and hand through direct brain control. This equipment will enhance the productivity of the ReHAB (Reconnecting the Hand and Arm to the Brain) program develop brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, that when combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology, will restore arm and hand function to Veterans who are paralyzed due to spinal cord injury (SCI). The BCI technology research hardware consists of microelectrode arrays implanted inside the brain to record cortical activity related to desired movement, as well as the surgical equipment required to implant these electrodes, and associated hardware for connecting the implanted electrodes to our recording bioamplifiers . This purchase will ultimately lead to development of novel BCI neuroprostheses that will restore a level of independence and function to Veterans living with paralysis due to chronic SCI. The Government s technical experts conducted market research by reviewing the market and querying the manufacturer of the existing solution. This market research is an ongoing process and continuously being conducted, as recently as August 2022. Based on continued market research, the Government s technical experts determined that fitment and function requirements limit the requirement to the system described above. The VA Subject Matter Experts regularly review industry trade publications and conduct internet research to ascertain if any other solutions are available. Based on all of these market research efforts, the Government s technical experts have determined that only the Blackrock Microsystems System can meet all of VA s needs. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. No solicitation document is available; however, any firm that believes it can meet these requirements may give written notification to the Contracting Officer within five (5) business days from the date of publication of this synopsis. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the above requirements. Information can be sent to the Contracting Officer via email at christopher.callihan@va.gov. Responses received will be evaluated however a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, on or before COB September 6, 2022, the VA will proceed with the sole source award to Blackrock Microsystems System for the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. THIS SYNOPSIS DOES NOT COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTRACT FOR ANY SUPPLY OR SERVICE. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION OR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS SYNOPSIS.