SAM #36C24E26R0022

Sole Source Research Services for Neuroimaging Biomarkers Brain Connectivity Study

This notice announces the Department of Veterans Affairs' intent to award a sole source contract for specialized research services: - Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, James J. Peters VA Medical Center (RPO EAST 36C24E) - Sole Source Vendor: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) - Purpose: Research services to identify neuroimaging biomarkers for brain connectivity as part of the VA Merit Award research - Justification: NJIT is the only responsible source due to: - Unique scientific qualifications in fNIRS-based brain connectivity research - Access to proprietary datasets and validated research methods - Established history of collaboration with VA investigators - No specific products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are listed - Requirement is for expert research services, not hardware or software - Not open for competitive proposals, but capability statements from other sources are invited - Opportunity is a sole source justification, not a competitive solicitation

Key Details: - Focus is on advanced neuroimaging research, not equipment procurement - Other institutions may submit capability statements if they can meet the requirement - No defined period of performance or contract value provided

Description

The Department of Veterans Affairs, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) under the authority of 41 U.S.C. §3304(a)(3), as implemented by FAR 6.103 3, which permits other than full and open competition when a requirement involves industrial mobilization, engineering, developmental or research capability, or expert services that can be satisfied only by a single responsible source. The VA requires highly specialized research capability developed over four years of collaboration between VA investigators and NJIT, including the creation of unique datasets, validated methods, and specialized research techniques that are critical to the continuation of the VA Merit Award research. NJIT possesses unique scientific qualifications, including world renowned expertise in fNIRS based brain connectivity research and multiple peer reviewed publications central to the Merit Award s aims. Other institutions with fNIRS do not have the proximity, specialized data, and demonstrated expertise needed to execute the required research without unacceptable delays or loss of scientific integrity. NJIT is therefore the only responsible source capable of fulfilling this VA research requirement. This is a notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement to the contracting office no later than Thursday, August 10th, 4pm, EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent to Lynn Portman at lynn.portman@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement IAW 6.103 3 is solely within the discretion of the Government.

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