Post Date/ Solicitation Issue Date
Closing Response Date
Proposed Award Date
Project Title
Purchase of an Optogenetics System
Contracting Office
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Contact Points
NAICS Code Number
3359
The Laboratory of Neuropsychology at NIMH is requesting to procure a NeuroLux Optogenetics System, a wireless and batteryless optogenetic tool. This device allows us to wirelessly activate micro-LEDs chronically implanted for light deliveries in optogenetic experiments in non-human primates.
Optogenetics is a modern tool that gives us an incredible ability to control neuronal activities by light illumination. Traditionally, fiber optics have been used to deliver light to different brain areas. However, development of chronically implantable illumination devices dramatically improved the quality of optogenetic experiments particularly in non-human primates. In the Laboratory of Neuropsychology (LN) at the NIMH, we have been using Opto-Array, a chronically implantable array of micro-LEDs for high-throughput optogenetic perturbation.
The main advantage of NeuroLux Optogenetics System is that the implanted micro-LEDs can be controlled wirelessly, the implants does not have external antennas, external connectors, any batteries, or external head mount. The micro-LEDs and power system are fully implantable and ultra-lightweight (less than a gram). The flexible light sources operate wirelessly, across nearly any experimental environment with user-definable pulse frequencies and durations. The system can be configured to meet the needs of many different circumstances. The complete system comes with a laptop and user-friendly GUI, and an initial set of disposable implants. Two control boxes provide RF wireless control and power delivery that are suitable for a wide variety of enclosures.
Optogenetics is a modern tool that gives us an incredible ability to control neuronal activities by light illumination. Traditionally, fiber optics have been used to deliver light to different brain areas. However, development of chronically implantable illumination devices dramatically improved the quality of optogenetic experiments particularly in non-human primates. In the Laboratory of Neuropsychology (LN) at the NIMH, we have been using Opto-Array, a chronically implantable array of micro-LEDs for high-throughput optogenetic perturbation.
The main advantage of NeuroLux Optogenetics System is that the implanted micro-LEDs can be controlled wirelessly, the implants does not have external antennas, external connectors, any batteries, or external head mount. The micro-LEDs and power system are fully implantable and ultra-lightweight (less than a gram). The flexible light sources operate wirelessly, across nearly any experimental environment with user-definable pulse frequencies and durations. The system can be configured to meet the needs of many different circumstances. The complete system comes with a laptop and user-friendly GUI, and an initial set of disposable implants. Two control boxes provide RF wireless control and power delivery that are suitable for a wide variety of enclosures.
Small Business Size Standard
Small Business
FPDS Classification Code
31034
Estimated Period of Performance
Minimum period of performance will be warranted for at least one year.
Delivery of Goods
Thirty days after the award of the contract.
Set-Aside Status
Not Set Aside
Set-Aside Type
Small Business (SB)
Competition Status
Brand Name Only
Vendor Name
NeuroLux, Inc
Vendor Address
191 Waukegan RD. STE 104
Northfield, Illinois
60093-2744, United States
Northfield, Illinois
60093-2744, United States
Rationale/ Salient Characteristics
The NeuroLux Optogenetics Smart Starter System listed herein is available from only one source, and competition is precluded for the reasons indicated below. There are no substitutes available.
This acquisition is restricted to: NeuroLux, 191 Waukegan Rd., Suite 104, Northfield, IL 60093 Email: sales@neurolux.org
This acquisition is restricted to: NeuroLux, 191 Waukegan Rd., Suite 104, Northfield, IL 60093 Email: sales@neurolux.org
Single-Sole Source Determination
The essential characteristics of the NeuroLux Optogenetics Smart Starter System that limit the availability to a sole source is: Chronically implantable electrophysiology devices for non-human primates often need external implants. NeuroLux Optogenetics System is a unique novel chronically implantable optogenetic tool that is wireless and does not require external implants. Only this suggested source can furnish the requirements, to the exclusion of other sources, because they are the sole manufacturer of wireless chronically implantable optogenetics devices and there are no substitutes available.
Furthermore, this system provides a less invasive approach for optogenetic experiments in non-human primates. External implants often shorten the life of implanted devices, since the external connectors in other light delivery tools make the tissue prone to local infection, and even the animal to systematic infections such as meningitis. Moreover, lightweight and small dimensions of these implants would solve the physical limitations that we had with our current optogenetic systems. Unlike other systems in the market, this system also allows us to perform in-cage optogenetic experiments in non-human primates without transferring them to the lab. This eliminates using head restraining devices requiring other invasive procedures for implanting head-post. In summary, the above-mentioned characteristics of this device creates less invasive and safer experiment design for optogenetic experiments in non-human primate. Additionally, this device opens the door to in-cage optogenetic experiments, where the animals are performing more natural behaviors.
Furthermore, this system provides a less invasive approach for optogenetic experiments in non-human primates. External implants often shorten the life of implanted devices, since the external connectors in other light delivery tools make the tissue prone to local infection, and even the animal to systematic infections such as meningitis. Moreover, lightweight and small dimensions of these implants would solve the physical limitations that we had with our current optogenetic systems. Unlike other systems in the market, this system also allows us to perform in-cage optogenetic experiments in non-human primates without transferring them to the lab. This eliminates using head restraining devices requiring other invasive procedures for implanting head-post. In summary, the above-mentioned characteristics of this device creates less invasive and safer experiment design for optogenetic experiments in non-human primate. Additionally, this device opens the door to in-cage optogenetic experiments, where the animals are performing more natural behaviors.
Background/Description of Requirement
Optogenetics is a modern tool that gives us an incredible ability to control neuronal activities by light illumination. Traditionally, fiber optics have been used to deliver light to different brain areas. However, development of chronically implantable illumination devices dramatically improved the quality of optogenetic experiments particularly in non-human primates. In the Laboratory of Neuropsychology (LN) at the NIMH, we have been using Opto-Array, a chronically implantable array of micro-LEDs for high-throughput optogenetic perturbation.
The main advantage of NeuroLux Optogenetics System is that the implanted micro-LEDs can be controlled wirelessly, the implants does not have external antennas, external connectors, any batteries, or external head mount. The micro-LEDs and power system are fully implantable and ultra-lightweight (less than a gram). The flexible light sources operate wirelessly, across nearly any experimental environment with user-definable pulse frequencies and durations. The system can be configured to meet the needs of many different circumstances. The complete system comes with a laptop and user-friendly GUI, and an initial set of disposable implants. Two control boxes provide RF wireless control and power delivery that are suitable for a wide variety of enclosures.
This system provides a less invasive approach for optogenetic experiments in non-human primates. External implants often shorten the life of implanted devices, since the external connectors in other light delivery tools make the tissue prone to local infection, and even the animal to systematic infections such as meningitis. Moreover, lightweight and small dimensions of these implants would solve the physical limitations that we had with our current optogenetic systems. This system also allows us to perform in-cage optogenetic experiments in non-human primates without transferring them to the lab. This might eliminate using head restraining devices requiring other invasive procedures for implanting head-post. In summary, the above-mentioned characteristics of this device creates less invasive and safer experiment design for optogenetic experiments in non-human primate. Moreover, this device opens the door to in-cage optogenetic experiments, where the animals are performing more natural behaviors.
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.