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ORGAN BATH SYSTEM

Waiver type - Procurement: Nonavailability

Agency: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (7529) • Product Service Code (PSC) : 6640 | Last Modified: 07/14/2023

Procurement Summary

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) requires an organ bath system to measure various aspects of vasculature studied from mouse models of the chronological onset of senescence in the aging vasculature, and atherosclerosis -induced cellular senescence on vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. The organ bath system is a more complex device that allows researchers to study the intact blood vessel and its surrounding tissues in a physiological environment. The system consists of a chamber filled with a physiological solution, where a blood vessel is mounted and subjected to different experimental stimuli, such as neurotransmitters or drugs. The system provides measurements of vascular diameter and tension, enabling researchers to study the complex interactions between different cell types and surrounding tissues in vascular function. The organ bath system is particularly useful for studying larger blood vessels and investigating the effects of different experimental conditions on vascular responses. The salient characteristics of the required organ bath system are as follows: - Chamber volume range of 4.0 ml – 8.0 ml - 4 separate chambers - Chamber material must be acid resistant stainless steel - Tissue size for ring mount a minimum of 250 µm - Tissue size for strip mount a minimum of 1 mm - Mounting type for tissue either pins or clamps - Temperature range for the bath must be between 15.0 – 50.0 oC with a resolution of 0.1 oC and a stability of +/- 0.2 oC. - The transducer must have an output reading in either mN or g with a range of +/-200/+/- 400/+/-800/+/-1600 mN with a resolution of 0.01 mN. - Force output data should be available in both analog or digital format - The dimensions (LWD) of the instrument must be able to fit within 50 x 30 x 20 cm range - Software must be included - The force transducers should be programmable - Built-in vacuum - Option for gas bubbling - Automatic refilling of chambers - Option for addition of compounds to chambers during testing

Waiver Rationale Summary

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older adults through research. While the specific use of an organ bath system may not be explicitly mentioned in the NIA's mission, it can contribute to achieving their overall goals by advancing our understanding of cardiovascular health in older adults. An organ bath system is a scientific instrument used to measure and record the mechanical properties of cardiac muscle tissue, such as contractile force and relaxation. By studying the heart's performance using a myograph, researchers can gain valuable insights into the functioning and abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, which is particularly relevant in the context of aging. Here's how the use of an organ bath system can contribute to the NIA's mission: 1) Identify age-related changes: Aging is often accompanied by physiological changes, including alterations in cardiovascular function. By using an organ bath system, researchers can assess how the mechanical properties of the heart change with age. This knowledge helps in identifying normal age-related changes in cardiac function, distinguishing them from pathological conditions. 2) Understand cardiovascular diseases: Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension, are more prevalent in older adults. By studying cardiac muscle tissue with this system, researchers can investigate the underlying mechanisms and pathology of these diseases specific to older individuals. This knowledge aids in the development of targeted interventions and treatments. 3) Assess drug efficacy and safety: The NIA aims to promote healthy aging by evaluating interventions, including medications, that can improve older adults' health. An organ bath system can be used to assess the effects of drugs on cardiac tissue, providing valuable information about their efficacy and potential adverse effects. This data helps researchers make informed decisions about drug development and treatment strategies for older individuals. 4) Inform preventive measures: Understanding the cardiovascular changes associated with aging can help identify potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in older adults. By studying cardiac muscle tissue using this system, researchers can identify markers of disease progression and potential interventions for prevention. This knowledge can inform the development of preventive measures to maintain and improve cardiovascular health in older adults. Overall, the use of an organ bath system in research aligns with the NIA's mission by advancing our understanding of cardiovascular health in older adults. It contributes to the development of evidence-based strategies for improving the health and well-being of older individuals, ultimately supporting the NIA's goal of promoting healthy aging.

Did / Will the solicitation include one of the standard BAA provisions announcing the agency’s intention to provide a price preference for domestic end products and construction material?

Yes

Was a sources sought or Request for Information issued?

Yes

OMB Determination

Consistent with Policy

Product

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

NAICS

334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Date Submitted

07/10/2023

Procurement Instrument Identifier (PIID)

Solicitation ID

N/A

Procurement Stage

Pre-solicitation

Expected Maximum Duration of the Proposed Waiver

Instant Delivery Only

Waiver Coverage

Individual Waiver

Funding Agency

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH