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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 inhalation exposure system shall be capable of supporting both in vivo animal models and in vitro cellular, as required by specific study designs, as well as include integrated controls for airflow, temperature, humidity, aerosol/gas concentration monitoring, and exposure duration. The system shall also incorporate multiple engineering and procedural safety features intended to minimize risk and ensure compliance with institutional safety standards.
Deliverables/Technical Requirements
The inhalation exposure system shall include:
Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System (BExp1): This system 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 and 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 that estimates the real-time mass concentration of the aerosols in the exposure chamber
Photo Ionization Detector to estimate the real-time volatile organic compound gas levels in the exposure chamber
Emergency Shut Down Button
Multi-function input/output board that interfaces with the computer to digitize analog signals
Laptop computer
Custom Base Software that acts as a graphical user interface to monitor, control and record exposure variables
All associated cables and tubing -Instruction manual
Low-Noise Exhaust Vacuum Pump with Sound Shield (VPump)
Automatic Super Humidifier Controller for the Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System (HumLab1): This fast-acting, high-accuracy humidifier conditions the diluent gas stream and can also provide additional humidity to the generator air stream, which must otherwise remain dry during aerosol generation. It enables precise humidity control and allows the system to achieve high relative humidity levels when required.
Cell Exposure System (CellExpo1): This system will be housed within the Toxicant Exposure Chamber during exposure procedures. During operation, the Cell Exposure System will be surrounded by test toxicants, which will be monitored using standard gas and aerosol monitoring instrumentation. Toxicant-laden air will be drawn into the Cell Exposure Chamber using a dedicated sample pump. It includes:
A pre-humidifier to add additional humidity to the toxicant stream before entering the Cell Exposure Chamber
MedTec Model 625S CelTox Exposure Chamber
Electrostatic precipitation option for enhanced aerosol deposition on cell samples
Sample Pump with pre-filter to pull toxicants into Cell Exposure Chamber
Dry Powder Acoustical Aerosol Generator (HP AG): This modular aerosol generator will be used in conjunction with the Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System during inhalation exposure studies. Bulk dry powder is loaded into the generator, where acoustical energy is used to deagglomerate and aerosolize the material. The system also includes a Venturi pump, which serves as a secondary particle deagglomeration stage to further improve aerosol dispersion and uniformity. The Light Scattering Device integrated with the base system may be used to monitor and control aerosol concentration throughout the exposure process.
Small High Pressure Acoustical Generator (HP-AG-0.5): This modular aerosol generator will be used in conjunction with the Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System during inhalation exposure studies. It is functionally similar to the larger Acoustical Generator; however, it is specifically designed for studies in which only limited quantities of dust are available for aerosol generation and exposure.
High Pressure Nebuilzer Liquid Aerosol Generator (Neb1): This modular liquid aerosol generator will be used in conjunction with the Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System during inhalation exposure studies. Bulk liquids are introduced into the generator, where liquid droplets are produced using a high-velocity air jet. The Light Scattering Device integrated with the base system may be used to monitor and control aerosol concentration throughout the exposure process.
Jet Fuel Liquid Combustion Generator (LiqComG ): This modular liquid aerosol generator will be used in conjunction with the Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System during inhalation exposure studies. Jet fuel or similar liquid accelerants are pumped from a reservoir and dripped into a high temperature chamber where combustion occurs. The Photo Ionization Detector measurement with the base system may be used to monitor and control the emissions.
Modification to allow Jet Fuel Liquid Combustion Generator to also function as a Heated Vapor Generator (VapMod1): Bulk liquid is delivered into a heated block using a computer-controlled syringe pump. As the liquid is heated, it is vaporized and mixed with diluent air to generate vapors of interest. The Photo Ionization Detector integrated with the base system may be used to monitor and control vapor emissions throughout the exposure process.
E-Cig Puff Vape Generator (Puff): This modular e-cigarette puff generator will be used in conjunction with the Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System during inhalation exposure studies. The system is compatible with a variety of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and vape liquids. The generator utilizes a custom-machined stainless-steel piston to produce user-defined puffs that activate the ENDS device and draw the resulting emissions into the piston chamber. The piston then delivers the emissions into the diluent air stream before they enter the exposure chamber. The Photo Ionization Detector and/or the Light Scattering Device integrated with the base system may be used to monitor and control emissions throughout the exposure process.
Base Control Inhalation Exposure System (Expo1): This system assumes similar conditions to Toxicant Chamber. It includes:
Rotameter for airflow
Cube 150 Stainless-Steel Exposure Chamber to hold up to 12 rats or 36 mice Rotameter to set chamber airflow.
Exhaust HEPA Filter with Housing.
Exhaust Activated Carbon Filter with Housing
Automatic Control Inhalation Exposure System (AutoCon): This system is fully automated. It includes:
Temperature and Humidity Probe
CO2 Monitor
Input Air Mass Flow Controller
Multi-function input/output board that interfaces with the computer to digitize analog signals
Laptop Computer
Custom Control Software that acts as a graphical user interface to monitor, control and record exposure variables
Heating and Cooling System for the Control Inhalation Exposure Systemm(ChHeCo2): This system provides the capability to heat and cool the exposure chamber, supporting applications such as cell exposure experiments, heat stress studies, and other environmental exposure research protocols.
Automatic Super Humidifier Controller for the Control Inhalation Exposure System (HumLab1): This fast-acting, high-accuracy humidifier conditions the control chamber air stream and enables precise humidity regulation. This option allows the system to achieve and maintain high relative humidity levels when required.
Custom Stainless Steel Mouse Cage for 36 Individually Housed Mice (MCAGE1): Two custom stainless-steel cages will be acquired: one for use within the Toxicant Exposure Chamber and one for use within the Control Chamber. Each cage is designed to accommodate up to 36 individually housed mice during exposure studies.
Custom Stainless Steel Rat Cage for 12 Individually Housed Rats (RCAGE1): Two custom stainless-steel cages will be acquired: one for use within the Toxicant Exposure Chamber and one for use within the Control Chamber. Each cage is designed to accommodate up to 12 individually housed rats during exposure studies.
System installation at customer site (INST1): The Contractor shall deliver, install, and set up the equipment at the laboratory site. Delivery is included as part of the installation cost.
System use training (TRN1): Training includes three (3) full days of on-site instruction provided by the Contractor representative, along with unlimited email and telephone support.
Annual Service Contract (ServQuad): This annual service contract includes four (4) on-site maintenance visits per year. During each visit, preventative maintenance will be performed including filter replacement, sensor calibration, replacement of disposable parts showing wear, and updates/tuning of exposure control systems. Any equipment issues or failures will be identified during these visits; however, the cost of replacing any damaged or non-functional equipment will be the responsibility of the Customer.
Contractor Requirements:
System Delivery and Installation
The Contractor shall deliver all system components to the designated laboratory site and perform complete installation. Installation shall include assembly, integration of modules, connection to facility utilities as required, and verification of full system functionality and operational readiness.
System Validation and Performance Verification
The Contractor shall perform full system validation, including: functional verification of all system components; calibration of sensors and monitoring devices; validation of aerosol, gas, and vapor generation performance; confirmation of exposure control stability and reproducibility; and demonstration of proper operation of all safety and control systems
Training Requirements
The Contractor shall provide comprehensive on-site training for end users. Training shall include three (3) full days of instruction covering system operation, maintenance, safety procedures, troubleshooting, and data acquisition/analysis. Unlimited remote support (email and telephone) shall also be provided.
Preventative Maintenance and Service Support
The Contractor shall provide an annual service agreement including four (4) scheduled on-site maintenance visits per year. During each visit, preventative maintenance will be performed including filter replacement, sensor calibration, replacement of disposable parts showing wear, and updates/tuning of exposure control systems. Any equipment issues or failures will be identified during these visits; however, the cost of replacing any damaged or non-functional equipment will be the responsibility of the Customer.
Documentation Requirements
The contractor shall provide full system documentation, including operation manuals, maintenance procedures, calibration protocols, and software user guides.
Safety and Compliance
The system shall comply with applicable institutional, occupational, and laboratory safety standards and regulations. The Contractor shall ensure the system is suitable for operation in controlled inhalation exposure research environments involving aerosols, gases, vapors, and other experimental toxicants.
Other Requirements
Service Hours
The Contractor shall provide all required on-site services within the normal business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST) M-F), excluding holidays. Work performed outside the normal hours of coverage must be pre-approved by the Technical POC.
The Contractor representatives must be escorted at all times while on VA premises.
Identification and Parking
A compliant ID badge must be worn by the Contractor representatives at all times while on VA premises.
It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the VA Police-Security Service. VAPHS will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the contractor under any conditions.
Smoking
All VA Pittsburgh property is smoke-free. Contractor personnel will comply with VA Pittsburgh smoking policies. Violations will result in a warning and possible citation.
Period of Performance: Delivery and installation to be completed 8-12 weeks after the award.
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 identified above is intended to be descriptive, not restrictive and to indicate the quality of the supplies/services that will be satisfactory. It is the responsibility of the interested source to demonstrate to the government that the interested parties can provide the supplies/services that fulfill the required specifications mentioned above.
Responses to this RFI should include company name, address, point of contact, phone number, and point of contact e-mail, UEI Number, Cage Code, size of business pursuant to North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) 339114 Please answer the following questions:
Please indicate the size status and representations of your business, such as but not limited to: Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Hubzone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc.)?
Is your company considered small under the NAICS code identified under this RFI?
Are you the manufacturer, distributor, or an equivalent solution to the items being referenced above?
If not, can you provide additional information shown below. This is to confirm compliance with the non-manufacturer rule IAW 13 CFR 121.406(b) Nonmanufacturers.
Does your company exceed 500 employees;
Primarily engaged in the retail or wholesale trade and normally sells the type of item being supplied;
Take ownership or possession of the item(s) with its personnel, equipment or facilities in a manner consistent with industry practice;
Obtained an individual or class waiver?
If you are a large business, do you have any designated distributors? If so, please provide their company name, telephone, point of Contact and size status (if available).
If you re a small business and you are an authorized distributor/reseller for the items identified above or an equivalent solution, do you alter; assemble; modify; the items requested in any way? If you do, state how and what is altered; assembled; modified?
Must have an authorized distributor letter from the original equipment manufacture.
If you intend to subcontract any work on this contract, what portion of the total cost will be self-performed/will be performed by your organization? Please provide estimated detailed percentage breakdowns related to subcontracted work and completion of job.
Does your company have an FSS contract with GSA or the NAC or are you a contract holder with any other federal contract? If so, please provide the contract number.
If you are an FSS GSA/NAC contract holder or other federal contract holder, are the items/solution you are providing information for available on your schedule/contract?
General pricing of your products/solution is encouraged. Pricing will be used for the purpose of market research only. It will not be used to evaluate for any type of award.
Please submit your capabilities in regard to the salient characteristics detailed above and any information pertaining to equal to items to establish capabilities for planning purposes?
Please review salient characteristics/statement of work (if applicable) and provide feedback or suggestions. If none, please reply as N/A.
Equipment manufacture, Country of origin
Please provide your UEI number.
This RFI will be conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received via e-mail to andrew.taylor3@va.gov no later than, 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on July 10, 2026. This notice will help the VA in determining available potential sources only. Do not contact VA Medical Center staff regarding this requirement, as they are not authorized to discuss this matter related to this procurement action.
All questions will be addressed by the Contracting Officer, Andrew Taylor. Questions or responses will include the Source Sought number 36C24526Q0725 in the subject line. All firms responding to this Request for Information are advised that their response is not a request for quotes, therefore will not be considered for a contract award from this request.
Any interested business concern must submit a no longer that 10-page capability statement addressing its ability to meet the requirements listed above to Capability Statement shall include a statement regarding how the business concern is engaged in wholesale trade and normally sells the item being supplied and how the business concern will take ownership of the items being delivered. Vendors shall also provide certification, evidence that they are an authorized distributor of the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
If a solicitation is issued, information will be posted on the SAM web site for all qualified interested parties at a later date and interested parties must respond to the solicitation to be considered for award. This notice does not commit the government to contract for any supplies or services. The government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this Request for Information. Information will only be accepted in writing by e-mail to Contracting Officer at andrew.taylor3@va.gov include 36C24426Q0725 in the subject line.
DISCLAIMER
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice are not offers 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.
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