6515--Inhalation exposure system - VA Pittsburgh Healthcare

2 Any reference to a brand name product herein is provided solely for descriptive purposes and shall not be construed as an intention by the Department of Veterans Affairs to procure that specific product. When a brand name product is identified, or certain features, prospective vendors shall treat such reference as a benchmark for design, performance, or quality standards. This is meant to increase competition not restrict it. STATEMENT OF WORK Background: The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) is in need of an inhalation exposure system to support controlled experimental exposure studies involving aerosolized particulates, vapors, and gaseous agents. The system shall be designed to enable reproducible delivery of defined aerosolized or gaseous exposures to in vivo animal models and in vitro cellular systems under controlled laboratory conditions. This shared research resource will enhance the capability of 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): This fast-acting, high-accuracy humidifier conditions the diluent gas stream and can also provide additional humidity to the generator air stream, which must otherwise remain dry during aerosol generation. It enables precise humidity control and allows the system to achieve high relative humidity levels when required. Cell Exposure System (CellExpo1): This system will be housed within the Toxicant Exposure Chamber during exposure procedures. During operation, the Cell Exposure System will be surrounded by test toxicants, which will be monitored using standard gas and aerosol monitoring instrumentation. Toxicant-laden air will be drawn into the Cell Exposure Chamber using a dedicated sample pump. It includes: A pre-humidifier to add additional humidity to the toxicant stream before entering the Cell Exposure Chamber MedTec Model 625S CelTox Exposure Chamber Electrostatic precipitation option for enhanced aerosol deposition on cell samples Sample Pump with pre-filter to pull toxicants into Cell Exposure Chamber Dry Powder Acoustical Aerosol Generator (HP AG): This modular aerosol generator will be used in conjunction with the Base Toxicant Inhalation Exposure System during inhalation exposure studies. Bulk dry powder is loaded into the generator, where acoustical energy is used to deagglomerate and aerosolize the material. The system also includes a Venturi pump, which serves as a secondary particle deagglomeration stage to further improve aerosol dispersion and uniformity. The Light Scattering Device integrated with the base system may be used to monitor and control aerosol concentration thr