HIGH DENSITY MICROELECTRODE ARRAY (MEA) SYSTEM

Request for Information (RFI): High-Density Microelectrode Array (MEA) System

Synopsis:

This notification is for market research purposes only to identify potential contractors who have the skills, experience, and knowledge required to successfully complete this requirement and it is not to be construed as a solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of the RFI or otherwise pay for the information requested; and responses will be treated as information only and not as a proposal. The issuance of this RFI and responses thereto do not imply a commitment to release a solicitation. A determination by the Government not to compete any or all portions of the work discussed in this RFI rests solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will not pay for time, effort, materials, or any other costs that arise as a consequence of responding or providing information related to this RFI.

The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems Code is intended to be 334516 for Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, which has a corresponding size standard of 1000 employees and a Product Service Code 6640, (Laboratory Equipment and Supplies). The Government is interested in all small business, to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, historically underutilized business zone (Hubzone), and Women-Owned small business concerns.

Introduction:

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is seeking information on the availability of a commercial, off-the-shelf High-Density Microelectrode Array (MEA) system, along with a compatible training, warranty, and shipping package. The system is required for detecting, monitoring, and analyzing intracellular electrochemical activity and membrane potentiation in various biological models.

Background:

USAMRICD requires a complete system that enables high-resolution electrophysiological recordings from 3D biological models and excised tissues. This system is critical for research involving the functional imaging of neuronal activity and understanding complex cellular interactions under controlled environmental conditions.

Requested Information / Minimum Essential Characteristics:

We are seeking information on systems that meet the following minimum characteristics. Please describe your company's ability to provide a system that includes the following components and features:

• High-Density Microelectrode Array (MEA) System (Quantity: 1)
  • Primary Function: Capable of detecting, monitoring, and analyzing intracellular electrochemical activity and membrane potentiation.
  • Performance:
    * Electrode density greater than 1,000 electrodes.
    * Simultaneous recording, readout, and stimulation capabilities.
    * Minimum sampling frequency of 10 kHz per electrode.
    * Integrated stimulation from at least two (2) separate programmable channels.
  • Compatibility:
    * Compatible with 3D tissue penetration technology (e.g., micropillars) for recording activity within spheroids, organoids, and tissue slices at depths greater than a single layer.
    * Suitable for use with excised tissue slices, including brain, heart, and skeletal muscle.
  • Environmental Control:
    * Includes an associated mini-incubator or housing with active heating and cooling to maintain a stable environment of 37°C with 5% CO2 for long-term recording sessions.
• Compatible Sample Holders and Plates
  • Sample Holders (Quantity: 1): A set of holders with various net sizes, including 1000/60, 1000/90, 300/60, and 300/90, to accommodate different test objects.
  • Single-Well Microchip Plates (Quantity: 5): Plates incorporating 3D tissue technology with a well size of at least 25mm in diameter.
  • Integration Components (Quantity: 1): All necessary components to integrate the sample holders, nets, and plates with the primary MEA device.
• Software and Workstation (Quantity: 1)
  • Software:
    * Must be capable of sorting and analyzing spikes from all electrodes without requiring external support or additional programming requirements (e.g., Python).
    * Includes a perpetual license that is compatible with future software versions.
  • Workstation:
    * A high-performance workstation operating on Windows 11.
    * Includes a 4TB Solid State Drive (SSD) and a GDDR5 graphics card.
    * TAA compliance is preferred.
  • Monitor: A high-resolution monitor (>2000x1000) suitable for viewing imaging data.
  • Interface: All necessary interfaces for the complete integration of MEA components, system, and software.
• Services and Delivery
  • Training: A comprehensive training session on system function and use to be conducted no later than thirty (30) days after USAMRICD confirms receipt of all items. Training may be performed remotely or on-site.
  • Delivery: All items must be delivered within 12 weeks post-award.

• Extended Warranty
  • Please provide information on availability extended warranties.

Response Instructions:

This RFI is issued solely for informational and planning purposes. The information in this notice is current as of the publication date but is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Oral submissions of information are not acceptable.

If your organization has the potential capacity to provide the required supply and components and perform the required services, please provide a white paper (limited to 4 pages) with sufficient information to substantiate that respondents can successfully perform to and fulfill all requirements. The following shall be addressed in white paper submissions:

• Company Name and Address
• Cage Code
• Unique Identifier
• Company business size by NAICS code
• Small Business Type (s)
• How the eligibility requirements are met
• Point of Contact for questions and/or clarification
• Telephone Number and email address
• Teaming Partners (if applicable)

All white papers shall be submitted to Nicholas VanDevander via email to Nicholas.a.vandevander.civ@health.mil.

Disclaimer:

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled as such. A response to this notice is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.