SPECIAL NOTICE
Q -- Intent to Sole Source University of Texas at Austin Development and analysis for a torque controlled robotic hand exoskeleton controller.
- Notice Date
- 8/24/2022 2:24:00 PM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541690
— Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- RPO EAST (36C24E) PITTSBURGH PA 15212 USA
- ZIP Code
- 15212
- Solicitation Number
- 36C24E22Q0263
- Archive Date
- 09/07/2022
- Point of Contact
- Michael Haydo, Contracting Officer, Phone: (412) 822-3158
- E-Mail Address
-
michael.haydo@va.gov
(michael.haydo@va.gov)
- Awardee
- null
- Description
- The Veteran s Administration (VA) Office of Research and Development, Regional Procurement Office East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with The University of Texas at Austin based in Austin, TX on behalf of the VA Healthcare System in Charleston, SC. The requirement is to provide development and analysis for a torque controlled Robotic hand exoskeleton controller. The services are for the planned study Feasibility of Using Maestro Exoskeleton for Improving Veteran s Rehabilitation Outcomes After Stroke. Task 1: All labor and materials to develop and evaluate feasibility of two novel controllers for Aim 1. Develop a task assistance (TA) controller. This controller is to enable high intensity robotic assistive training. The TA controller will apply assistive joint torques to directly help stroke patients achieve finger tasks with correct coordination. Develop a compensation avoidance (CA) controller. This controller is to enable intensive training of fine finger tasks while preventing compensatory grasping strategies to improve hand function. The CA controller will apply joint torques to push the patients away from the compensatory joint coordination, only interfering with the movements once the subject initiates a compensatory movement strategy. For both controllers, the torques in the finger joints will be modulated to match the individual patient s ability, impairment, and progression throughout the training via robot control program. Materials and supplies should be purchased as necessary to develop these controllers. Assist implementing Maestro hand exoskeleton with the CA and TA controllers at VA Charleston. Improve Maestro hand exoskeleton with the CA and TA controllers per the following performance criteria. The following performance criteria will be evaluated by VA Charleston: For both controllers, ensure the amount of torques applied to the joints should be consistent with the control laws and safe for human interaction. The applied torque and range of joint angles should be within the safety thresholds (0.2 Nm for maximum torque and joint-dependent anthropometric range of motion for angle). For the TA controller, the error between the desired and achieved joint trajectories will be measured. The FboNotice mean square (RMS) error for the distance between the vectors of desired and achieved joint angles must be smaller than 8.5 degrees. For the CA controller, deviation of the finger joint velocities from the compensatory velocities will be measured. The average distance between the compensatory and CA-based joint velocity vectors must be bigger than 5.6 deg/s. Applied torque should meet the requirements and the safety/feasibility criteria should be met for the TA and CA controllers in two consecutive patients with moderate and severe impairment. Deliverables: Maestro hand exoskeleton with the CA and TA controllers. The system should have the function to adjust/modulate torques per individual patients abilities. The interface and usability should be adequate for therapists to operate the system and for patients to put on and perform hand grasping training. The above performance criteria should be met. Estimated Timeline: 12 months Task 2: Evaluate feasibility of using the two controllers to train stroke patients for hand functional tasks for Aim 2. Analyze feasibility of training using CA and TA controllers with stroke survivors using data provided by VA Charleston. Specifically, assess if coordination improved with reduction of the amount of torque applied to the fingers during training, and if joint coordination improved immediately after vs. before each training with the robot in transparency (i.e., zero-torque) mode. Deliverables: Manuscripts and scientific presentations. Estimated Timeline: 5 months The requirement will take place at a VA facility Charleston, SC. The sole source is pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement and supporting documentation to the contracting office no later than Monday, August 29, 2022, (10:00 AM, EST). Interest/capability statements may be sent to Michael Haydo at Michael.haydo@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/a51c897ed4bb4c95a9d382d1c85be69b/view)
- Record
- SN06438272-F 20220826/220824230115 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's SAM Daily Index Page |