6515--Inhalation Exposure System Pittsburgh Research (PACT Act)

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): Cell Exposure System (CellExpo1): Dry Powder Acoustical Aerosol Generator (HP AG): Small High Pressure Acoustical Generator (HP-AG-0.5): High Pressure Nebuilzer Liquid Aerosol Generator (Neb1): Jet Fuel Liquid Combustion Generator (LiqComG ): Modification to allow Jet Fuel Liquid Combustion Generator to also function as a Heated Vapor Generator (VapMod1): E-Cig Puff Vape Generator (Puff): Base Control Inhalation Exposure System (Expo1): Automatic Control Inhalation Exposure System (AutoCon): Heating and Cooling System for the Control Inhalation Exposure Systemm(ChHeCo2): Automatic Super Humidifier Controller for the Control Inhalation Exposure System (HumLab1): Custom Stainless Steel Mouse Cage for 36 Individually Housed Mice (MCAGE1): Custom Stainless Steel Rat Cage for 12 Individually Housed Rats (RCAGE1): System installation at customer site (INST1): System use training (TRN1): Annual Service Contract (ServQuad): 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: Six (6) months from date of award Place of Performance: VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) Research Office Building B30 4071-4089 University Dr. C Pittsburgh, PA 15219