NIH, National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute, Procurement Section, Contracts Operations Branch, Rockledge Building (RKL2), Room 6143, 6701 ROCKLEDGE DR MSC 7902, BETHESDA MD 20892-7902

66 -- BIPLANAR GRADIENT COIL SOL NHLBI-HL-P-95-109 POC Kathleen J. Van Steelant, Contract Specialist, (301) 435-0366. It is the intent of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to acquire a Biplanar Gradient Coil for installation in the Laboratatory of Cardiac Energetics in Bethesda, Maryland. The instrument must meet the following minimum specifications: 1) GENERAL: A complete y (vertical transverse) and z (axial) biplanar gradient set using the winding pattern that will be provided; the completed unit must fit within a 60 cm diameter bore tube; interplane spacing must allow a clear 31 cm for patient access; the biplanar gradient set must have a hinged top or similar design to allow rapid and easy placement and removal of patients; the biplanar gradient set should be incorporated into a patient table to allow easy insertion and removal of the gradient set with the patient in place; the overall length of the unit will be determined by requirements for patient placement and comfort; no electrical leads to the gradient may be exposed for patient safety; shims will be provided externally by the whole body gradient/shim set, so no shims are necessary for the biplanar set; 2) STRENGTH: Conductors must be secured to the gradient assembly and be able to withstand a minimum lifting force of 150,000 N/m} (17.4 psi); gradient supports and planes must be able to withstand a minimum of 1200 N m of torque as measured from any support to the center of the gradient; 3) ELECTRICAL: Gradient must be able to withstand a peak current of 300 Amperes with a 60% duty cycle over one minute, or 15% duty cycle continuously; inductance of the gradient set will depend on the final design, but should not exceed 310 microhenries for the z gradient; 4) PERFORMANCE: Gradient linearity, inductance, and efficiency are determined by the design, and exact specifications will be given when the final interplane spacing of the conductors is decided. However, the gradients should be linear to within 5% over a central cubic volume of 18 cm on a side, with an efficiency of 0.21 mT/m/A for the y gradient and 0.16 mT/m/A for the z gradient; rise times will depend on the final design and the gradient power source, but should be less than 75 microseconds for each gradient strength increase of 10 mT/m, up to the full gradient strength for the preexisting gradient drivers; and 5) OTHER: Gradient set should incorporate a radiofrequency shield; acoustic noise should be less than 100 dB when the gradient set is driven maximally; insertion of the biplanar gradient assembly should not adversely affect the preexisting static magnetic field homogeneity; inherent induced eddy currents should be less than 0.5% 100 microseconds after switching the gradients; patient table/gradient assembly must lock in position for safety and eddy current reasons. Proposals will be evaluated based on the proposed gradient performance including gradient strength, rise times, linearity, and resulting field homogeneity; demonstrated understanding of the problems associated with the manufacture, installation, and operation of imaging gradients; demonstrated evidence of the qualifications, experience and availability of professional technical personnel comprising the necessary project staff; and demonstrated management organization and management plan to provide appropriate assurance that project milestones will be met in a timely manner. A firm fixed-price type contract will be negotiated for this instrument. Delivery and installation of the instrument is anticipated within six (6) months after the contract award. Only a fully installed and functional instrument will be accepted. Tests will be performed to ascertain that the instrument is functional before final acceptance. It is anticipated that Request for Proposal (RFP) NHLBI-HL-P-95-109 will be issued on or about June 22, 1995. Copies of the RFP may be obtained by writing to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Contracts Operations Branch, Procurement Section, 6701 Rockledge Drive (RKL2), Room 6143, Mail Stop Code 7902, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7902, Attention: Kathleen J. Van Steelant, Contract Specialist. (0158)

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