66 -- 66-INSTRUMENTS & LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

Notice Date

October 25, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Br., 6120 Executive Blvd. EPS Room 604, Rockville, MD, 20852

ZIP Code

20852

Solicitation Number

RFQ-NCI-20012-1-NQ

Response Due

November 23, 2001

Point of Contact

Cynthia Brown, Purchasing Agent, Phone (301) 496-8608, Fax (301) 402-4513, Email cb106x@nih.gov -- Gail Zois, Contract Specialist, Phone (301) 496-8613, Fax (301) 402-4513, Email gz23u@nih.gov

Description

The National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Laboratory of Neural Control (LNLC), proposes to contract with ALA Scientific Instruments, Inc., for a Multi-Electrode Array MEA60 system configuration for the study of interneurons responsible for generating the pattern of locomotion and for understanding the neural mechanisms of the mamalian spinal cord. The array system shall be procured as a commercial item in accordance with FAR Part 2, and in accordance wit the test program for using simplified procedures for certain commercial items as authorized in FAR 13.5 to use simplified procedures for commercial acquisitions. The LNLC is devoted to understanding the mechanisms of rhythmic activity in the spinal cord. A physiological and pharmacological analysis of locomotor activity has been completed and imaging studes are in progress to further understand these networks. This project will dissect the locomotor network by identifying the last order exicitatory and inhibitory interneurons responsible for the alternating rhythmic synaptic drive to motoneurons. The laboratory will employ multi-site electrode recordings from the cut transverse face of the lumbar spinal cord using the MEA60 multi-electrode array system. These recordings will be obtained together with intracellular records from motoneurons. The strategy will be to isolate the excitory or inhibitory components of the synaptic drive inmotoneurons and to use the multi-electrode recordings to identify the sources of the synaptic drive. This will be achieved by cross-correlating the inhibitory and exitatory synaptic potentials in motoneurons with the electrical signals recorded from the multi-electrode array. The complete system includes the following components: 1) MEA-1060 Amplifier-small in size to fit onto the stage of an inverted microscope; 2) MEA-DISH-contains the electrode arrays, allows simultaneous recording, three-dimensional; 3) MC CARD-PCIbased, handles up to 128 channels simultaneously, exceeding a transfer rate of 6 MHz, high sampling frequency that is essential for sampling asynchronous extracellular spike trains which have a high frequency content; 4) MC RACK-analysis software for the multi-channel data ranging from 8-128 channels, fully customizing of monitor displays, data streams; 5) HPT-1 Heated Perfusion Tube and MTC-20/2S temperature controller-allows for precise temperature control of the MEA array chamber (high flow rates (10ml/min); 6) MCS STG1008 8 Channel Stimulus Generator-8 channel stimulator which ncludes 1 external sync output and 1 external trigger input; and ALA LL-2 Level Lock fluid controller and ALA VWK Vacuum Waster Kit-offers the ability to control the fluid level in a very small chamber with minimal surface disturbance and sub-millimeter accuracy down to 0.1 mm. ALA Scientific Instruments, Inc., is the only source now to NINDS researcher(s) that can provide the above components as one complete system; the system offers great flexibility, and can be expanded easily to 120 channels with an upgrade. The sample rate is 50kHz/channel. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The capability statement and any other furnished information must be in writing and must contain material insufficient detail to allow NINDS to determine if the party can fully meet the requirements herein. Capability statements must be received in the contracting office no later than 2:00 PM EST on Novermber 23, 2001. If you have any questions, please contact Cynthia Brown, Purchasing Agent, (301) 402-4509. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based on responses to this notice is solely with in discretion of the Government. Information received shall be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. No collect calls will be accepted.

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/RCB/RFQ-NCI-20012-1-NQ/listing.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011029/66SOL007.HTM (D-298 SN511597)