SAM #36C24426Q0725

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare seeks modular inhalation exposure system for research

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4 (VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System), is seeking a modular inhalation exposure system for advanced research involving aerosolized particulates, vapors, and gaseous agents. - Government Buyer: - Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; brand references are for descriptive/benchmark purposes only - Products/Services Requested: - Modular inhalation exposure system supporting both in vivo (animal) and in vitro (cellular) studies - Includes Cube 150 Stainless-Steel Exposure Chambers (for up to 12 rats or 36 mice) - Air-cleaning system modules (pressure regulator, air dryer, carbon and HEPA filters) - Multiple mass flow controllers (generator, diluent, gravimetric sampling, exhaust) - Monitoring devices (temperature/humidity probes, CO2 monitors, light scattering device, photo ionization detector) - Custom stainless-steel aerosol and gas disperser - Specialized generators: dry powder acoustical aerosol generator, high pressure nebulizer, jet fuel liquid combustion generator (with heated vapor modification), e-cig puff vape generator - Cell exposure system (MedTec Model 625S CelTox Exposure Chamber, pre-humidifier, sample pump, electrostatic precipitation option) - Custom stainless steel cages for mice and rats - Control and automation: laptop computer, custom software, multi-function I/O board, USB hub, power supply, emergency shut down button - Heating and cooling system for exposure chambers - Services: - System installation, integration, and validation at customer site - Three days of on-site training plus unlimited remote support - Annual service contract with four scheduled maintenance visits (preventative maintenance, filter/sensor replacement, system updates) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - System must enable reproducible, defined exposures for both animal and cellular models - Integrated controls for airflow, temperature, humidity, aerosol/gas concentration, and exposure duration - Compliance with institutional safety standards - Delivery and installation required within 8-12 weeks after award

Description

Any reference to a brand name product herein is provided solely for descriptive purposes and shall not be construed as an intention by the Department of Veterans Affairs to procure that specific product. When a brand name product is identified, or certain features, prospective vendors shall treat such reference as a benchmark for design, performance, or quality standards. This is meant to increase competition not restrict it.

STATEMENT OF WORK Background: The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) is in need of an inhalation exposure system to support controlled experimental exposure studies involving aerosolized particulates, vapors, and gaseous agents. The system shall be designed to enable reproducible delivery of defined aerosolized or gaseous exposures to in vivo animal models and in vitro cellular systems under controlled laboratory conditions. This shared research resource will enhance the capability of investigators at VAPHS to conduct translational and preclinical studies related to respiratory health, toxicology, military exposure research, environmental exposure science, and related biomedical research areas. Scope: The Contractor shall construct and install a modular inhalation exposure system capable of providing reliable and reproducible exposure conditions suitable for a variety of inhalation research applications, including aerosolized particulates, vapors, and gaseous agents, while supporting appropriate environmental control, monitoring, and safety requirements. The system shall support both in vivo animal models and in vitro cellular systems, with integrated controls for airflow, temperature, humidity, aerosol/gas concentration monitoring, and exposure duration. It shall incorporate multiple safety features to minimize risk and ensure compliance with safety standards. Deliverables/Technical Requirements The inhalation exposure system shall include: Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System (BExp1): This includes: Cube 150 Stainless-Steel Exposure Chamber to hold up to 12 rats or 36 mice Air-cleaning System Module (pressure regulator, air dryer, carbon filter, HEPA filter) Generator Mass Flow Controller Diluent Mass Flow Controller Gravimetric Sampling Mass Flow Controller Mass Flow Controller Hub Temperature and Humidity Probe CO2 Monitor USB Hub 24 Volt Power Supply Exhaust Mass Flow Controller Exhaust HEPA Filter with Housing Exhaust Activated Carbon Filter with Housing Generator Pressure Transducer Exposure Chamber Pressure Transducer Custom Stainless-Steel Aerosol and Gas Disperser Light Scattering Device to estimate real-time aerosol mass concentration Photo Ionization Detector to estimate real-time VOC gas levels Emergency Shut Down Button Multi-function input/output board for computer interface Laptop computer Custom Base Software for monitoring, control, and recording All associated cables and tubing Instruction manual Low-Noise Exhaust Vacuum Pump with Sound Shield (VPump) Automatic Super Humidifier Controller (HumLab1): Conditions diluent gas stream and provides additional humidity during aerosol generation, enabling precise humidity control. Cell Exposure System (CellExpo1): Housed within the Toxicant Exposure Chamber, includes: Pre-humidifier MedTec Model 625S CelTox Exposure Chamber Electrostatic precipitation option Sample Pump with pre-filter Dry Powder Acoustical Aerosol Generator (HP AG): Used with the base system for aerosolizing bulk dry powder, includes Venturi pump and monitoring devices. Small High Pressure Acoustical Generator (HP-AG-0.5): For studies with limited dust quantities, similar to larger generator but for smaller scale. High Pressure Nebulizer Liquid Aerosol Generator (Neb1): Produces liquid droplets from bulk liquids, monitored with Light Scattering Device. Jet Fuel Liquid Combustion Generator (LiqComG): Combusts jet fuel or similar liquids, emissions monitored with Photo Ionization Detector. Heated Vapor Generator (VapMod1): Vaporizes heated liquids for exposure, monitored with Photo Ionization Detector. E-Cig Puff Vape Generator (Puff): Produces user-defined puffs from ENDS devices, emissions monitored with Photo Ionization Detector and Light Scattering Device. Base Control Inhalation Exposure System (Expo1): Includes: Rotameter for airflow Cube 150 Stainless-Steel Exposure Chamber Exhaust HEPA and Activated Carbon Filters Exhaust system Automatic Control Inhalation Exposure System (AutoCon): Fully automated system with: Temperature and Humidity Probe CO2 Monitor Input Air Mass Flow Controller Multi-function input/output board Laptop Computer Custom Control Software Heating and Cooling System (ChHeCo2): Supports heating and cooling of the exposure chamber for specialized studies. Additional Equipment: Includes stainless steel cages for mice and rats, system installation, training, and maintenance services as detailed in the document. Contractor Requirements: System Delivery and Installation: Complete delivery, assembly, and verification. System Validation and Performance Verification: Functional verification, calibration, and performance validation. Training Requirements: Three days of on-site training plus remote support. Preventative Maintenance and Service Support: Annual maintenance visits and support. Documentation: Operation manuals, maintenance procedures, calibration protocols, and user guides. Safety and Compliance: Adherence to safety standards and regulations. Other Requirements: Service hours, identification, parking, smoking policies, and period of performance details. Place of Performance: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) Research Office Building B30 4071-4089 University Dr. C Pittsburgh, PA 15219 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS: The information above is descriptive, not restrictive. Responses should include company details, NAICS code, business size, manufacturing/distribution status, and compliance information. Responses are due by 4:00 PM ET on July 10, 2026, via email to andrew.taylor3@va.gov. Include the Source Sought number 36C24526Q0725 in the subject line. This is for market research only and not a solicitation for quotes. DISCLAIMER This RFI is for information and planning purposes only, not a solicitation. Proprietary information will be handled accordingly. Responses are not offers and do not obligate the government. Expenses incurred are the responsibility of the respondent. All responses should be sent in writing via email to andrew.taylor3@va.gov with the subject line including 36C24426Q0725. This notice does not commit the government to any contract.

Additional Links: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare

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