Contact Points
Secondary Contracting Officer
Background Information and Objective:
The influence on light on mood disorders has been well established. Seasonal and time of day fluctuations are associated with both acute mood changes as well as patterns of incidence of depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder (BPD) has been shown to have increased reactivity to light at both the individual and aggregate levels. Our recent finding that environmental light at night was associated with bipolar disorder and sleep disturbances in a large general population study of US adolescents provided evidence that light sensitivity may emerge as early as the teen years. (Paksarian, 2020). For example, recent studies that have shown that higher nighttime illuminance is associated manic/hypomanic symptoms (Esaki, 2020).
There has been growing evidence for enhanced light sensitivity in people with BPD in experimental studies as well. Several studies that have examined the pupillary response to light in BPD patients. For example, the melanopsin-driven post-illumination pupil response (PIPR) to blue light, an indicator of individual melanopsin sensitivity, was associated with mood symptoms in a clinical sample of people with bipolar disorder. (Madsen, 2021). More direct evidence of melatonin suppression by short-wavelength light in BPD has also been reported. For example, exposure to blue light in the evening in euthymic patients, those with BP-1 exhibited greater melatonin phase shifts in the subsequent DLMO (Ritter, 2022).
There are abundant anecdotal reports of enhanced light sensitivity among people with BPD across the life span. However, none of these studies have specifically compared the reactivity to specific levels of intensity of light exposure among people with BPD, MDD, and controls, nor the extent to which enhanced photosensitivity may comprise a state versus trait marker of mood disorder subtypes.
Through a collaborative effort between the National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, the Oregon Health Sciences Institute, and the Bascom Palmer Institute in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami, we will systematically examine photosensitivity in people with BPD, MDD and controls in the NIMH Intramural Program Rhythms and Blues Research Protocol. We will examine both males and females across the age spectrum to test whether there are gender and developmental differences in photosensitivity. Correlates of photosensitive will include patterns of DMLO on prior night, olfactory sensitivity, heart rate reactivity, mood states and sleep. The study will also examine the stability of phonocentricity at two week and three-month intervals
Purchase Description: Ocular Photosensitivity Analyzer
Salient Characteristics:
In order to conduct this study, the NIMH IRP seeks to purchase the Ocular Photosensitivity Analyzer, which is an advanced, transportable instrument designed for photosensitivity. Central to its operation is a sturdy, motorized cart powered by a 110VAC supply, ensuring mobility and stability in diverse settings. The system includes a high-performance laptop for data processing and analysis, seamlessly integrated with an LED stimuli/control box that delivers precise light stimuli essential for accurate photosensitivity assessments. User interaction is facilitated through an ergonomic hand-held push-button, while data security is ensured with a reliable USB external hard drive. The device features an integrated near-infrared (NIR) camera for precise ocular imaging and monitoring, and a comfortable chin- forehead rest to maintain patient stability. To ensure accurate stimulus delivery, the system includes a lux meter, and optimal environmental conditions are maintained with a temperature and humidity gauge. All components are powered by a 110VAC cord and protected during transport by a durable Pelican case, making the analyzer both functional and portable.
Interested parties may identify in writing their interest and capability in response to this requirement. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.
All responses must be received by closing date and must reference the announcement. Responses may be submitted electronically to the attention of the contract specialist. Fax responses will not be accepted.
All responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency.