Mouse Behavior Research Equipment and Supplies

Sought VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF -NETWORK CONTRACT (36C245) NT AND SUPPLIES

Place of Performance Department of Veterans Affairs Baltimore VA Medical Center Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of

This is not a solicitation but rather a Request for Information (RFI/Sources Sought) for market research purposes only. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Network Contracting , is issuing this Sources Sought in order to identify capable firms and obtain information for planning purposes only. Responses must be submitted by 12:00 PM EST, July 23rd, 2026. Submit responses to this Sources Sought via email to [email protected] All SDVOSB and VOSB firms that respond shall include proof of SBA certification via https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/All small business firms that respond shall include proof of small business status via their Representations and Certifications in accordance with (FAR 4.1102 Policy). While SDVOSB/VOSB firms are preferred, all capable firms are welcome to respond to this Sources Sought. All respondents to this Sources Sought shall include as part of their response answers to the below

questions and provide any additional pertinent information that supports the answers. If there are any ambiguities in this Sources Sought, please identify them in your response. The results of this market research will assist in the development of (1) the requirement, and (2) the acquisition strategy (e.g., socioeconomic set-aside, full and open competition, etc.). VA assumes no responsibility for any costs incurred associated with the preparation of responses. Suggested NAICS: 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing Suggested PSC: 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Open to suggestions from the market as to a more proper NAICS and/or PSC, as well as any potential GSA/FSS Schedule SIN categories. Product ID# Product Quantity 58000-4 Ugo BasilePPI/Startle3.0, 4 Cages 1 58000M Ugo BasileStartlePPI Mouseplatform w/twoMouse restrainers 4 50012-UB UB Care12 Month Extended Hardware Warranty for StartlePPI 1 NS1-NEURO Ugo BasileAir-PuffKit, for Startle/PPI 3.0 Unit 4 NS2-NEURO 4-ChannelUgo BasileAir-PuffDispenser, for Startle/PPI System 1 NS3-NEURO Ugo BasileB/W USBCamera for 58000 4 NS4-NEURO Ugo BasileI/Obox for TTL signalfor Startle PPI 3.0 for 58000 1 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) 1. Contract Title. Rodent Behavior System for the Research & Development Service Waddell Laboratory 2.

Background. Jaylyn Waddell, PhD, has received a VA Merit research award titled Facilitating inhibition of fear with psilocybin: Mitochondria Dynamics and Mechanisms of Enhanced Plasticity to investigate the effects of psychoactive substances on fear in rodents to better understand psychedelics and basic brain biology and apply those findings to improved functional outcomes for Veterans. To perform the experiments, Dr. Waddell requires a behavioral system which tests and measures startle reflex and fear conditioning in mice and rats. The system will include: 4 steel floor sound attuning chambers; rodent tubes with harnesses; an acoustic startle reflex component that delivers noise bursts to capture and measure the startle/movement data with a load cell; and a fear potential startle accessory to deliver pure tone acoustics, noise bursts, and a generator for foot shocks. There are commercially available systems that also use puffs of air to induce startle/fear reflexes however Dr. Waddell does not find the data collected by these systems to be as reliable. 3. Scope. Minimum specifications that were identified: Sound Attenuating Chamber size: 22 in W x 27.5 in H x 14 in D Db range for noise bursts: 70-120 Hertz range for pure tone: 100 Hz-70 kHz Watts for electrical stimulation: 0.1 mA-1 mA High Sensitivity Load Cell: 0-4096 Units, digitized scale Small, medium and large (mouse to adult rat) capability 4. Specific Tasks. The vendor will provide delivery of the behavioral system, installation and training within 60 days of contract award. The

place of performance is: VA Maryland Health Care System Research and Development Service Wadell Laboratory 10 N. Green Street 3C-134 Baltimore, MD 21201 4.1 Task 1 - Enterprise Management Controls. 4.1.1 Subtask 1 - Integration Management Control Planning. Provide the technical and functional activities at the required level for integration of all tasks specified within this SOW. Include productivity and management methods such as quality assurance, progress/status reporting and program reviews. Provide the centralized administrative, clerical, documentation and related functions. The contractor will provide the complete mouse behavior system with: Acoustic startle reflex package including data acquisition software Sound Attenuating Chamber with steel floors Accessory package to deliver pure tone acoustics, noise bursts and a generator for foot shock High Sensitivity Load Cell to measure movement 12 month warranty The COR should inspect and discuss with vendor to confirm that contracting tasks have been progressed and performed in accordance with SOW and in timely manner. He/She should report to evaluate the work in relation to contractual