This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

Background:

This project originates from the NIH MRI Research Facility (NMRF) in the intramural program of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD.
NMRF is trans-NIH resource for high-field human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy studies. Its function is to serve as a resource by which all NIH institutes can perform MRI studies that further the understanding of healthy and diseased brain anatomy, function and physiology. The NMRF currently operates a 3T human MRI system.
Over the last few years, MRI at 7 T has advanced significantly. To continue to support cutting-edge research performed by NIH researchers, it is necessary that the NMRF have the most modern equipment available to provide researchers with access to the latest equipment, tools, and techniques for their experiments.

Purpose and Objectives:

Acquisition of a 7 T MRI system to replace the current 3 T MRI system. This system will be used for clinical and preclinical research.

Please see the attached sources sought notice for complete details of the MRI unit that is being requested.