NIH, OPM, 6120 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20892-7260

66 -- PORTAPRES SOL 263-96-Q-0250 POC Christine Albin, Purchasing Agent, (301) 402-3355. The National Institute of Health, NIH, intends to procure on a firm fixed price, sole source basis in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) a Portapres from TNO-BMI International Marketing, Decavee 12, B1790 Affligem, Belgium. Clinical Neurochemistry Section (CNS) develops and applies methods for assessing the function of central and peripheral catecholaminergic systems and the coordination of these systems with other homeostatic systems in health, stress, and disease. The research includes clinical diagnostic evaluations of patients with known or suspected disorders of the sympathetic nervous system. These studies have led to pathophysiological and therapeutic hypothesis testable by clinical trials of directly and indirectly acting vasoactive drugs. Such clinical trials require a means to follow hemodynamic variables such as blood pressure and pulse rate non-invasively for extended periods of time--up to 24 hours--with frequent assessments of responses to acute manipulations such as performance of the Valsalva maneuver. Appropriate measurements of blood pressure during the Valsalva maneuver depend on beat-to-beat, continuous recordings. Thus, the research requires a non-invasive means to follow ambulatory blood pressure and pulse rate continuously for extended periods. In addition to providing continuous, non-invasive, beat-to-beat measurements of blood pressure and pulse rate for periods of at least several hours, the unit shall allow easy detection of an interaction of drug treatment (e.g., Sinement), ambulation, and the post-prandial state in producing symptomatic hypotension in automatic failure patients, and allow assessment of the efficacy and duration of the action of an experimental therapeutic agent (e.g., miodorine) in those patients. The unit shall include a waist band, pump unit and battery compartment, a control configuration unit, a front end unit, six (6) cuffs, an AC power adapter, five (5) non-rechargeable lithicum battery packs, installation, and training in the use and operation of the unit. It is the Government's belief that these requirements can only be met by TNO-BMI International Marketing. Concerns that respond to this notice will be considered only if responding with clear and convincing documentation demonstrating their ability to meet all the requirements of this synopsis. Written responses should contain sufficient technical information to permit agency analysis establish a bona-fide capability to meet the stated requirements. Responses should be received by COB 15 days after date of publication. Any late responses will not be accepted. See note 22 (0102)

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