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Automated Stereotaxic Instrument

Waiver type - Procurement: Nonavailability

Agency: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (7529) • Product Service Code (PSC) : 6640 | Last Modified: 09/09/2024

Procurement Summary

Statement of Need The LMS is in need of an automated stereotaxic instrument. This instrument is used to do viral microinjections into mouse brains or do any brain surgeries, such as those needed for in vivo calcium imaging experiments. The instrument automatically measures the mouse brain orientation, creates the necessary windows for the injections, and injects into the brain at a steady and controlled rate. The instrument is needed for cell and brain region specific viral injections to overexpress a receptor, called GPR110, being studied by the lab. Due to the number of mice being used for this experiment, the automated stereotaxic machine will help reduce time, increase reliability, and reduce error during these injections. RWD Life Science Inc., a small business, located in San Jose, California, USA and incorporated in Delaware, USA, manufactures the needed 71001-S model of Automated Stereotaxic Instrument in China. To our knowledge the RWD Life Science Inc. is the only supplier of the RWD 71001-S Automated Stereotaxic Instrument and Automated Injection in the market.

Waiver Rationale Summary

The needed 71001-S Automated Stereotaxic Instrument is considered commercially available off the-shelf (COTS) item(s) as defined in FAR 2.101. The contracting office reviewed Madeinamerica.gov and found a waiver submitted by NIH on 8/26/2022 for similar Automated Stereotaxic equipment, which was found consistent with policy. Additionally, the contracting office conducted market research by reviewing online search results, product literature and Government acquisitions databases. As a result of this market research, RWD Life Science Inc. has been identified as the only source of the needed equipment and the equipment is manufactured in China, therefore we are unable to identify a domestically manufactured item capable of satisfying the Government’s needs. Based on these findings, the Automated Stereotaxic Instrument from RWD Life Science Inc. is not mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. Therefore, we determined, consistent with FAR 25.103(b), that these items are non-available and we request a waiver.

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?

No

OMB Determination

Consistent with Policy

Product

LABORATORY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

NAICS

334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Date Submitted

08/30/2024

Procurement Instrument Identifier (PIID)

Solicitation ID

N/A

Procurement Stage

Pre-solicitation

Expected Maximum Duration of the Proposed Waiver

0 - 6 months

Waiver Coverage

Individual Waiver

Funding Agency

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH