The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Station Support/Simplified Acquisition (SS/SA) Branch, on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)-Cellular Neurophysiology Unit intends to negotiate, on a non-competitive basis and award to Technical Manufacturing Corporation, 15 Centennial Drive, Peabody, MA, 01960-7993 for a STACIS iX laser table vibration isolation system. The STACIS iX active vibration isolation system will be critical for constructing an imaging/electrophysiology system that is free of mechanical vibrations. The Cellular Neurophysiology Unit at NINDS conducts research focused on the ionic mechanism of action potential firing and the excitability of neurons in the reward system. The STACIS iX laser table-base system will enhance the researchers’ ability to perform sensitive imaging experiments by dramatically reducing mechanical vibrations, which can blur optical images. In addition, this table will provide stable recording conditions that are necessary for electrophysiological recordings from fine processes or long-term recordings. A number of these experiments will examine the contribution of ion channels located in axons and dendrites to neuronal excitability. In order to perform these experiments, NINDS is constructing a two-photon laser scanning system that will allow imaging of neuronal processes in deep-tissue. These imaging experiments require maximal isolation from mechanical vibrations that may be transmitted mainly through the floor of the building. The STACIS iX system is needed to conduct sensitive electrophysiology and two-photon imaging experiments. The table is designed especially for active vibration isolation which will be used to dampen substantially low-frequency vibrations. Technical Manufacturing Corporation is the sole manufacturer of the STACIS iX laser table vibration isolation system. This system is a two-stage isolation system designed especially for active vibration isolation at both high and low-frequencies. It is the most advanced active vibration cancellation system for optical tables that is commercially available. Since vibrations, especially low frequency vibrations, can interface with image collection and limit the duration of healthy recordings, it is imperative to use this table. The acquisition is being conducted under simplified acquisition using FAR Part 12 procedures and exempt from the requirement of FAR Part 6, Competition Requirement. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotation. The determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Comments to this announcement, referencing synopsis number 2054545, may be submitted to the NIDA, Station Support/Simplified Acquisition Branch, 31 Center Drive, Room 1B59, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2080 and Attention: Jasmine Snoddy, Contract Specialist or email to [email protected] .

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