Preventive Maintenance Services for One (1) SpinAligner Hyperpolarizer

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Urologic Oncology Branch (UOB) and a series of other laboratories at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR), plans to procure, on a sole source basis from: Polarize APS Asmussens Alle 1 1808 Frederiksberg C Denmark The response close date of the notice for this requirement is in accordance with FAR 5.203(b).

This acquisition will be processed under FAR Part 12 – Acquisition for Commercial Items and will be made pursuant to the authority in FAR Part 13.106-1 (b)(1) and is exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6. The North American Industry Classification System code is 811210 and the business size standard is $34.0 million. The SpinAligner hyperpolarizer is a highly specialized piece of equipment which is used by NCI/CCR/RBB for metabolic MRI studies.

The SpinAligner is based on dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization technology. The instrument is equipped with a superconducting dry magnet, cooled by a pulse-tube coldhead and compressor, and has a closed-cycle, continuous helium circulation system. Dynamic nuclear polarization is achieved by irradiation with microwaves. All of these components and technologies require in-depth knowledge for their proper maintenance.

The proprietary control system of the SpinAligner includes pulse sequence library, hyperpolarize sequence/procedure, and coils. Additionally, the latest drivers and software updates are solely available through the original manufacturer, Polarize ApS, who designed and developed this instrument. The SpinAligner system is heavily used by RBB investigators; appropriate maintenance service of this hyperpolarizer is critical for a series of preclinical and clinical research projects conducted at the NCI and the NIH.

The NCI concludes that consistent analysis results from this instrument can only be guaranteed by acquiring maintenance services through the original equipment manufacturer, Polarize ApS.