General Information:

This is an RFI as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to ascertain whether a commercial item exists that provides the capabilities described herein.   

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI will be treated as business confidential information.  Nonetheless, submitters should properly mark their responses if the information is confidential.  Responses to the RFI will not be returned.  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 expense associated with responding to this RFI.

RFI Response and due date: 23 January 2025

Instructions to Responders:

Responses from all capable and qualified sources are encouraged to respond to this request. 

White papers should adhere to the following formatting and outline instructions:

1.   All submissions shall be made electronically and be in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF.

2. Cover Page (1page)

• Title
• Organization
• Responders technical and administrative points of contact (names, addresses, phone, fax number and email addresses)
• Topic area(s) addressed
• NAICS Code

3.   Interested parties are asked to respond to this RFI and submit a capabilities statement that supports the focus of this RFI to include supporting documentation as an Authorized Reseller for the Brand Name requirement.  Please review the place of performance requirements. Please submit written responses via email in Microsoft Office 2000 or later format.  All responses should be complete: in 12-point font; and not to exceed 3 pages total, including graphics, tables, and appendices.

No hardcopies shall be accepted. No written solicitation document is available at this time. Telephone requests will not be honored, and no bidders list shall be maintained. No inquiries regarding any potential future acquisition activities shall be entertained.

Responses are due to the Point of Contact, Brenda Mena at email: brenda.i.mena.civ@health.mil

 no later than 10:00AM ET, Thursday, 23 January 2025.

Background/Overview:  The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience (CMPN), Brain Trauma Neuroprotection Branch (BTNB) requires a lifecycle replacement of a Brand Name Noldus EthoVisionXT automated video tracking and motion analysis system.  The system detects and follows one or more animals or objects in a video image, tracks their location and movement, and provides analysis of locomotion and behavior in one or multiple arenas. The data is then transformed into a series of dependent variables quantifying the behavior of the subjects. The system will allow for continuance of collecting and analyzing animal tracking data at the level outlined in existing and newly funded protocols

This requirement shall include an EthoVision XT system comprised of two (2) EthoVision license upgrades with Multiple Arena Module, two Color GigE Cameras (lens and mounting plate, PC connection cable, and surge protector), two Dell PC professional desktop workstations, and associated components and parts, including monitor, keyboard, mouse, and network card. In addition to the hardware and software, professional support shall be included that covers software upgrades and unlimited technical/hardware support via phone and email for the first year, with options to extend software and hardware maintenance, support, and repairs for up to three additional years.

Period of Performance:

Base period:  4/8/2025 to 4/7/2026

Option 1:   4/8/2026 to 4/7/2027

Option 2:   4/8/2027 to 4/7/2028

Option 3:  4/8/2028 to 4/7/2029

Minimum Essential Characteristics (MECs).

Noldus EthoVision System

Required Specifications for Noldus EthoVision XT System:

• Replacement video tracking system that visually tracks and analyzes the behavior, movement, and activity of small animals in small testing areas such as open field, Y/T maze, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze.
• System shall include digital camera, computer controller, and data acquisition and analysis software.
• Camera shall be capable of consistent high frame rate with high resolution such as a GigE camera.
• Computer shall be capable of directly interfacing with high speed/resolution camera and software, high performing processor such as i7, 8