A--Intent to Sole Source Research services with academic affiliate

The Department of Veterans Affairs, RPO East, intends to negotiate a sole-source contract with Case Western Reserve University for specialized research services supporting the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. This requirement supports the study "Hybrid Drug-Eluting Microfluidic Neural Probe for Chronic Drug Infusion," which aims to improve signal stability from intracortical microelectrodes used by individuals with spinal cord injuries to control robotic limbs or computers. Under solicitation number 36C24E19R0018, engineers from the Advanced Platform Technology Center will perform work involving electrode implantation animal experiments and rodent electrophysiology protocols.

The acquisition is classified under NAICS 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and PSC code A. This notice of intent is issued pursuant to FAR 6.302-5, citing the collaboration between the medical center and its academic affiliate. The specialized techniques required for the study necessitate the use of engineers specifically trained at the Advanced Platform Technology Center.

While this notice does not constitute a request for competitive proposals, the government will consider capability statements from responsible sources submitted by May 20, 2019, at 4:00 PM EST. Submissions must be directed via email to Lynn Portman at [email protected], as telephone responses are not accepted. The final determination regarding whether to compete the requirement based on received responses remains at the sole discretion of the government.