The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a sole source procurement for an IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System, manufactured by TSE Systems, Inc., valued at $968,417.20, to support neuro-metabolic toxicological phenotyping research at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. This specialized equipment is essential for studying the effects of military-associated toxicant exposures on neurocognitive and metabolic disease risks in mice, as it uniquely measures 13C isotopes, methane, and hydrogen gases, which are critical for assessing microbiome function and conducting integrated research. The procurement is grant-funded under the VA's Shared Equipment Evaluation Program Military Exposures Research Program, and interested parties can contact Contracting Officer Erica Grimslid at Erica.Grimslid@va.gov or 414-844-4800 for further information.

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36C25225Q0713_1.docx

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing a special notice for a sole source, grant-funded procurement of an IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System manufactured by TSE Systems, Inc. This system, valued at $968,417.20, is essential for comprehensive neuro-metabolic toxicological phenotyping in mice at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. The equipment will enable researchers to study the impact of military-associated toxicant exposures on neurocognitive/neuropsychiatric and metabolic disease risks. The justification for a sole source award under FAR 12.201-1 is based on the unique capabilities of the TSE Systems equipment, specifically its ability to measure 13C isotopes, methane, and hydrogen gases, which is critical for microbiome function assessment and integrated neuro-metabolic research. Market research confirmed no other vendor offers a system with comparable integrated capabilities. The VA will continue market research for future acquisitions.

36C25225Q0713.docx

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a Sources Sought Notice (36C25225Q0713) for a Brand Name or Equal – TSE Systems IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System. This notice, primarily for market research, seeks qualified vendors capable of providing an integrated behavioral and metabolic phenotyping platform. The system is crucial for preclinical research on rodents to determine the impact of military-associated toxicant exposures on neuro-metabolic and neuropsychiatric disease risks. Key requirements include simultaneous testing of behavior in up to 16 mice per group across four IntelliCages, simultaneous testing of 16 single-housed mice in PhenoMaster Cages for energy expenditure, microbiome activity, food/water intake, body weight, and 3D activity. The system also requires three climate control chambers. Interested vendors must submit company information, business size, technical documentation, past performance, and GSA/FSS contract numbers by October 31, 2025, to Erica Grimslid at Erica.Grimslid@va.gov.

Sources Sought Notice
Brand Name or Equal TSE Systems IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System
Notice Type:Â Sources Sought
NAICS Code:Â 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
PSC Code:Â 6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies
Introduction:
This is aÂ Sources Sought NoticeÂ issued solely forÂ market researchÂ andÂ planning purposes. It doesÂ notÂ constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Proposal (RFP), nor does it guarantee a future solicitation or contract award.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seekingÂ qualified sourcesÂ that can provide theÂ TSE Systems IntelliCage-PhenoMaster SystemÂ or anÂ equal productÂ that meets the Government s minimum technical requirements.
Background:
The IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System is a specialized, integrated behavioral and metabolic phenotyping platform used in preclinical research. It allows for automated, high-throughput monitoring of group-housed rodents in a home-cage environment, minimizing stress and improving data quality.
Funds were provided to purchase a TSE Systems IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System that has been customized to provide the necessary components for conducting comprehensive neuro-metabolic toxicological phenotyping in mice to determine the impact of military-associated toxicant exposures on neurocognitive/neuropsychiatric and metabolic disease risk while accelerating testing of interventions to mitigate these risks.
Salient Characteristics:
1) Simultaneous testing of behavior in 4 groups of up to 16 mice each (4 IntelliCages), with two acclimation cages (for housing prior to testing).
2) Simultaneous testing of 16 single-housed mice (16 PhenoMaster Cages) for:
Energy expenditure (EE) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) (O2 and CO2 sensors)
Microbiome activity (H2 and CH4 sensors
Food and water intake (with programmable access control)
Body weight changes
Three-dimensional activity
3) 3 medium Climate Control Chambers (programmable to dynamically control temperature, light, and humidity), one will house 4 IntelliCages, and two will house the PhenoMaster cages (8 each).
The number of cages requested allows simultaneous assessments of 4 groups in a 2 x 2 matrix: control vs. toxicant-exposed and placebo vs. intervention. Thus, we will be able to run treatments and controls concurrently, which will facilitate statistical analyses should batch effects emerge. The climate control chambers will allow us to simulate extreme environmental conditions during service-related toxin exposure, that includes high and low temperatures and high and low humidity.
The necessary components (model numbers, shown in quote) to allow for detailed NeuroMetabolic Toxicology Studies are grouped below by purpose. Numbers shown in ( ) the quantities of each component required.
1. The main PhenoMaster Cages and Controls:
258000-PM-016-PhenoMaster Control (1)
994620-CSP-WS-16 CaloSys (1)
994620-CSP-SFPC-CaloSys SureFlow (1)
258001-PM-CC-001-PhenoMaster Universal Cage Control(16)
994621-CSM-01-PhenoMaster Climate Sensor (16)
994621-PM-HC-M-TP-PhenoMaster CaloCage Mouse TP Cage(16)
995101-CC-M-AC-NB-115V Climatic Chamber, 8 cages per unit (2)
999901-12-09-Installation / Instruction /initial Training on-site
700600-FI-DISK-01-Filter Disk (5)
700600-FI-SCH-05-Filter Unit 5" (5)
These components are the base elements and controlling system of the PhenoMaster cages that allow for the analyses capable with the additional equipment below. These items are required for all PhenoMaster studies.
2. Gas measuring components for RER/EE, 13/12C isotope, and Microbiome:
994620-CS-HSP-03-CaloSys (2)
994620-CS-12/13C-CO2-Gas Sensor (2)
994620-CS-H2-Gas Sensor (2)
994620-CS-CH4AB-Gas Sensor (2)
Each sensor listed above can monitor 8 PhenoMaster cages. These components of the PhenoMaster allow for in-depth measurements of metabolism using gas and isotope sensors. This includes: 1) measurements of energy expenditure (EE) to understand whether toxicants increase obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes risk by reducing the burning of calories; 2) measurements of the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) to understand whether toxicants specifically impair the ability to utilize specific macronutrients (carbohydrates or fat); 3) measurements of gases produced by the gut microbiome [hydrogen gas (H2) and methane (CH3)] to provide a functional assessment of the impact of toxicants on the gut microbiome that may also serve as a marker of intervention-mediated improvements in microbiome function; and 4) measurements of stable isotope-labeled substrates that will allow the research team to specifically interrogate whether toxicants induce deleterious changes in metabolic flux that are a marker of diabetes and fatty liver risk as well as potential measures for assessing the utility of targeted interventions.
3. Food/drink body weight and access control:
259999-SEN-DFBW-01-PhenoMaster, for measurement of 3 endpoints per cage: intake of liquid or food or body weight (48)
259999-DRI-BOT-M-PV allowing for two different liquid choices (bottles) per cage 32
259999-FEED-BAS-SP-M-PhenoMaster (16)
259999-FEED-BAS-PP-M-PhenoMaster (16)
259999-AC-M-PhenoMaster Access allowing two different food choices per cage 32
259999-BW-HOUS-M-PhenoMaster (16)
These components of the PhenoMaster system will allow us to determine whether toxicants increase or decrease food and/or water intake while also allowing us to quantify how toxicant exposures affect body weight and obesity risk. Furthermore, the controllers included here will allow us to conduct sophisticated studies in which we can control food access, a feature critical in metabolic disease risk for distinguishing between metabolic changes induced by increased food intake versus changes mediated by altered metabolism of food.
4. Three-dimensional activity:
302022-XY-M-PhenoMaster ActiMot3 XY-Frame (16)
302022-Z-M-PhenoMaster ActiMot3 Z-Frame (16)
302022-XYZ-M-TP-PhenoMaster Homecage Template (16)
These components will allow us to assess three-dimensional activity, which is important for several reasons: 1) activity burns energy, and these assessments will allow us to ascertain whether toxicants disrupt metabolism by altering energy utilization; 2) activity can be a sign of toxicity; and 3) changes in activity patterns over a 24-hour day (circadian rhythms) can indicate specific pathways of toxicity.
5. IntelliCage System:
290000-SB-2IC-00003-IntelliCageÂ® by NewBehavior Bundle for 2 Intellicage cage setup (includes computer)
290000-EB-2IC-00004-IntelliCageÂ® by NewBehavior Bundle for 2 Intellicage cage extension (2 extension cages to be connected to item 24.
acclimation cages
90000-IC-50100-IntelliCage cage body (2)
po 290000-IC-HC-2000-IntelliCageÂ® by NewBehavior IntelliCage home-cage set (2)
Stand-alone climate chamber for IntelliCages
995101-CC-M-AC-WB-115V Climatic Chamber (1)
258001-PM-SW-EC-PhenoMaster Software License for 1 Environmental Chamber (required for stand-alone chamber system (i.e. not used with PhenoMaster) (1)
RS485 Cable (to connect the chamber to the computer) (1)
IntelliCage training and installation
999901-12-25-Application Training/remote
999901-12-05-Installation / Instruction/on-site
The IntelliCages are a critical component of this system because they will allow us to link neurocognitive function with metabolism, two domains of health increasingly linked to toxicant exposures and each other. The IntelliCages have many marked advantages over our traditional neurocognitive/neuropsychiatric behavioral testing approaches. These include: 1) automated, high-throughput screening protocols that allow for testing of up to 16 mice at the same time; 2) high standardization and reproducibility; 3) reduced operator-dependence, which reducing variability and workload; 4) improved validity due to minimal human interference; 5) programmed, validated behavioral testing paradigms; 6) flexibility to design additional testing schema; 7) testing under group-housed conditions, which reduces testing-induced artifacts from stress; and 8) assessments across the 24-hour day to identify alterations in circadian rhythms of behavior. These advantages result in better data faster, allowing for more toxicants and their interventions to be tested.
Submission Instructions:
Interested vendors must submit the following information via email toÂ Erica Grimslid at Erica.Grimslid@va.govÂ no later thanÂ October 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST:
Company name, address, and DUNS/UEI number
Business size and socio-economic status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, etc.)
Product brochure or technical documentation showing how the proposed item meets or exceeds the salient characteristics
Past performance or experience providing similar systems
GSA/FSS contract number (if applicable)
Disclaimer:
This notice is forÂ informational purposes onlyÂ and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with responding to this notice. Responses will be used solely to determine the availability of qualified sources.

Contract Specialist

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

6840--PhenoMaster Control System (VA-26-00008877) - (Grant Funded)

Effective Date: 11/15/24 Page 1 of 9
REVISION: 01
Acquisition ID#: 36C252-26-AP-0227
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION UNDER SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 12.201-1
Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C252-26-AP-0227
Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 12, Great Lakes Acquisition Center, 115 South 84th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214-1476 for the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612-4223
2237 #: 537-26-1-1527-0002
Nature and/or Description of the Action Being Processed: This procurement is for a one-time grant funded purchase of phenotyping equipment, to be awarded as a new firm-fixed-price contract, funded by the VA ShEEP-MERP (Shared Equipment Evaluation Program Military Exposures Research Program.
Description of Supplies/Services Required to Meet the Agency s Needs: The facility requires the purchase of an IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System manufactured by TSE Systems, Inc. with the capability of measuring 13 C isotopes as well as methane and hydrogen gases. IGCE: $968,417.20
This equipment has been customized to provide the necessary components for conducting comprehensive neuro-metabolic toxicological phenotyping in mice to determine the impact of military-associated toxicant exposures on neurocognitive/neuropsychiatric and metabolic disease risk while accelerating testing of interventions to mitigate these risks. The order includes the following:
The main PhenoMaster Cages and Controls:
258000-PM-016-PhenoMaster Control (1)
994620-CSP-WS-16 CaloSys (1)
994620-CSP-SFPC-CaloSys SureFlow (1)
258001-PM-CC-001-PhenoMaster Universal Cage Control(16)
994621-CSM-01-PhenoMaster Climate Sensor (16)
994621-PM-HC-M-TP-PhenoMaster CaloCage Mouse TP Cage(16)
995101-CC-M-AC-NB-115V Climatic Chamber, 8 cages per unit (2)
999901-12-09-Installation / Instruction /initial Training on-site
700600-FI-DISK-01-Filter Disk (5)
700600-FI-SCH-05-Filter Unit 5" (5)
Gas measuring components for RER/EE, 13/12C isotope, and Microbiome:
994620-CS-HSP-03-CaloSys (2)
994620-CS-12/13C-CO2-Gas Sensor (2)
994620-CS-H2-Gas Sensor (2)
994620-CS-CH4AB-Gas Sensor (2)
Food/drink body weight and access control:
259999-SEN-DFBW-01-PhenoMaster, for measurement of 3 endpoints per cage: intake of liquid or food or body weight (48)
259999-DRI-BOT-M-PV allowing for two different liquid choices (bottles) per cage (32)
259999-FEED-BAS-SP-M-PhenoMaster (16)
259999-FEED-BAS-PP-M-PhenoMaster (16)
259999-AC-M-PhenoMaster Access allowing for two different food choices per cage (32)
259999-BW-HOUS-M-PhenoMaster (16)
Three-dimensional activity:
302022-XY-M-PhenoMaster ActiMot3 XY-Frame (16)
302022-Z-M-PhenoMaster ActiMot3 Z-Frame (16)
302022-XYZ-M-TP-PhenoMaster Homecage Template (16)
IntelliCage System:
290000-SB-2IC-00003-IntelliCageÂ® by NewBehavior Bundle for 2 Intellicage cage setup (includes computer)
290000-EB-2IC-00004-IntelliCageÂ® by NewBehavior Bundle for 2 Intellicage cage extension (2 extension cages to be connected to item 24.
acclimation cages
90000-IC-50100-IntelliCage cage body (2)
po 290000-IC-HC-2000-IntelliCageÂ® by NewBehavior IntelliCage home-cage set (2)
Stand-alone climate chamber for IntelliCages
995101-CC-M-AC-WB-115V Climatic Chamber (1)
258001-PM-SW-EC-PhenoMaster Software License for 1 Environmental Chamber (required for stand-alone chamber system (i.e. not used with PhenoMaster) (1)
RS485 Cable (to connect the chamber to the computer) (1)
IntelliCage training and installation
999901-12-25-Application Training/remote
999901-12-05-Installation / Instruction/on-site
Statutory Authority Permitting Restricted Competition: FAR 12.201-1 Simplified Procedures. The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures of FAR 12.201 is 41 U.S.C. Â§ 1901 and is implemented by FAR 12.102(b) for restricting competition on this procurement. Â  Â Competition is restricted to this procurement for the reasons below:
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  (X) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  (Â  )Â  Unusual and Compelling Urgency
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  ( ) Industrial Mobilization, Engineering, Developmental or Research Capability or Expert Services
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  (Â  )Â  International Agreement
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  ( ) Authorized or Required by Statute
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  (Â  )Â  National Security
Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  (Â  )Â  Public Interest
Demonstration that the Contractor s Unique Qualifications or Nature of the Acquisition Requires the Use of the Authority Cited Above (applicability of authority):
There is no commercial alternative for the IntelliCage System. No other vendor provides equipment that allows for the assessment of murine behavior in group-housed, free-living mice in a non-invasive manner. The IntelliCage System is unique, and will conduct high-throughput, cutting-edge studies of neurotoxicity. An alternative vendor was identified selling metabolic cages like the PhenoMaster System (indirect calorimetry systems); however, their system was incapable of meeting the VA s scientific needs. Specifically, their system is unable to measure the function of the microbiome, while the PhenoMaster System can assess this function through the measurement of hydrogen and methane gases. Because of the importance of microbiomes in the VA s studies of NeuroMetabolic toxicity (with funded research projects specifically focused on the microbiome), this capability that is unique for the PhenoMaster System is essential. Also unique to the PhenoMaster System is the ability to control humidity in each cage essential for accurate gas analysis and rapid integration of gas analysis to allow for 30 second samplings of each cage to increase real-time data collection.
Although indirect calorimetry and C13-isotopes analysis (to assess energy expenditure as well as fatty acid and glucose utilization) is not unique to the PhenoMaster System, coupling it with methane and hydrogen gas output is unique and scientifically important since changes in the microbiome can alter how fatty acids and glucose are processed. This research project is focused on understanding the utilization of specific energy substrates; as such, the capability of the PhenoMaster System to measure C13-isotopes is critical for VA s ongoing scientific studies. Importantly, the research proposal integrates metabolic and neurological toxicity, which requires the integration of the IntelliCages with the PhenoMaster. No alternative system has this capability.
This purchase is supported by a Shared Equipment Grant from the VA s Military Exposure Research Program. The peer reviewed grant was awarded to support the establishment of preclinical NeuroMetabolic Phenotyping capabilities at Jesse Brown to study the impact of toxicant exposures on the development of interrelated neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders while also empowering intervention studies to mitigate the adverse effects of toxicant exposures. TSE Systems is the only manufacturer of complementary capabilities that allow VA researchers to study both neurotoxicity and metabolic toxicity in an integrated system. Per the Program Office the requested TSE Systems IntelliCage-PhenoMaster System is the only product capable of meeting the R&D requirement.
Description of Efforts Made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as deemed practicable: A sources sought notice was posted on October 20, 2025, and closed on October 31, 2025, there was one response not deemed capable of meeting the requirement.
Determination by the CO that the Anticipated Cost to the Government will be Fair and Reasonable: The CO anticipates that the cost the Government will be fair and reasonable based on comparison to past purchases and the IGCE.
Description of the Market Research Conducted and the Results, or a Statement of the Reasons Market Research Was Not Conducted: The Contracting Officer (CO) conducted comprehensive market research using the following databases: SBA, Medpdb, SCMC, NAC, and GSA. Searches were performed using the keywords neuro-metabolic toxicological phenotyping PhenoMaster, Phenotyping, CaloSys, CaloMax HS, Calorimetry, and IntelliCage System. A subsequent search of the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) using the keywords PhenoMaster and IntelliCage System identified several past sole source procurements awarded to TSE Systems, indicating a history of limited competition for these items. Additionally, the CO queried SAM.gov to determine the socioeconomic category of TSE Systems. TSE Systems is a small business. (Identify URL of database(s)/name of procurement instrument(s) identified):
The CO searched the SBA certification site with NAICS 334516 and keywords PhenoMaster, Phenotyping, CaloSys, CaloMax HS, Calorimetry, and IntelliCage System. There were 0 results
The CO searched GSA Advantage with keyword phenotyping and looked under the category of Scientific & Medical the following subcategories were produced: Rapid test kits, Specimen holder, Test tube closures or caps and Hypodermic needles; not the research and development cage systems we are seeking. The CO chose to still look at the phenotyping results within all the Scientific & Medical category. CO searched within the results with the keyword Calorimetry several reagents, test tubes and kits were produced. CO then added the keyword Cage no results were produced. CO conducted another search with keywords Rodent Cage System 2 products resulted, neither possess the IntelliCage System s capabilities.
The CO searched SCMC with keyword Phenotyping 147 results were produced, 115 are classified as services and the remaining appear to be blood products. CO then narrowed the search with Calorimetry , and no results were produced.
CO searched The NAC website with keyword Phenotyping one phenotyping immunology contract was produced. CO conducted a second search with keyword Calorimetry one software contract resulted.
CO searched MedPdb with keyword Phenotyping 3 reagents were produced. CO conducted a second search with keyword Calorimetry no results were produced.
Any Other Facts Supporting the Use of Other than Full and Open Competition: N/A
Listing of Sources that Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition: TSE Systems, Inc.
A Statement of the Actions, if any, the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome any Barriers to Competition before Making subsequent acquisitions for the supplies or services required: The Government will continue to conduct market research to ascertain if there are changes in the marketplace that would enable future actions to be competed.
Requirements Certification: I certify that the requirement outlined in this justification is a Bona Fide Need of the Department of Veterans Affairs and that the supporting data under my cognizance, which are included in the justification, are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
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Karen Lenhan Date
Research AO
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Approvals in accordance with the VHAPM Part 806.3 OFOC SOP:
Contracting Officer or Designee s Certification (required): I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
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Stacy Massey Date
NCO 12 Contracting Officer
Great Lakes Acquisition Center
One Level Above the Contracting Officer (Required over SAT but not exceeding $900K): I certify the justification meets requirements for other than full and open competition.
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Parris Weidenbach Date
NCO 12 Branch Chief- Supply
Great Lakes Acquisition Center
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Scott Ivy Date
NCO 12 Division Chief
Great Lakes Acquisition Center
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Paul Lauro Date
Director of Contracting, NCO 12
Great Lakes Acquisition Center
VHA RPO HCA Review and Approval: I have reviewed the foregoing justification and find it to be complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and approve ($900K to $90 million for other than full and open competition.
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Daryl A. Berg Date
Executive Director, RPO Central
Head of Contracting Activity

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