This contract action is for the acquisition of supplies for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901 as supplemented by the procedures in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 13.5. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Office of Acquisitions (OA) intends to award a sole source purchase order to Phenosys Gmbh, Eichborndamm 167, Berlin, Berlin, 13403, Germany for a JetBall Virtual Reality System for mice.

Catalog#                         Description                                                                              Qty

1001-0103             PhenoSys JetBall Virtual Reality System                             1 ea.

                                  for mice (basic setup with TFT screens

1005-0301             Liquid reward - for 20 cm JetBall Holder                            1 ea.

1005-0501             Air Puff System - for 20 cm JetBall Holder                         1 ea.

1005-0701             Dual Whisker Stimulation System - for 20                         1 ea.
                                  cm JetBall Holder

1005-0101             Brake System - for 20 cm JetBall Holder                             1 ea.

1005-1101             Stereo Sound System                                                                  1 ea.

1002-0601             8 Channel Analog Card (12 bit)                                                1 ea.

1008-0201             Set of 8 balls for mice (20cm)                                                   1 ea.

1003-0101             Virtual T-Maze (TFT) - for 20cm Ball.                                    1 ea.
                                  Predefined experiment for decision making

1003-1701             Virtual customized maze (TFT)                                              1 ea.

9010-0202             JetBall online training course including                           1 ea.
                                   first experiment

9101-0103             Packaging, handling and export declaration                   1 ea.
                                  for large units

1006-0101             Headpost stand for JetBall 20cm                                          1 ea.

 NIEHS is interested in combining highly precise neurorecordings, electrode placements and optical capabilities with behavior; in the mouse model. Some of these surgeries are not compatible with freely moving mouse behavior. Using an air cushioned spherical treadmill allows a restrained animal to navigate in a virtual world. Brain function can be examined with electrophysiological, imaging and optogenetic methods while the animal performs behavioral tasks employing navigation, cognition, learning, or memory.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing and a size standard of 1000.

NIEHS will solicit and negotiate directly with PhenoSys GmbH and no solicitation will be issued.  This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotations; however, if an interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities.  The statement of capabilities must be submitted in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the Government to determine if the party can perform the requirement.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.  All interested parties must express their interest and capabilities in writing via email to [email protected] within five (5) days after the date of publication of this notice.  No faxed documents will be accepted.  If no responsive statements are received within five (5) days, an award will be made to PhenoSys GmbH.