This is a NOI that NIH plans to award a contract to Avidity Science for a Sole Source Brand Name only contract.

This request is to provide and install 48 additional fittings known as quick disconnects to the Automated Animal Drinking Water System (ADWS) in Bldg. 103 at the NIHAC.

The existing ADWS was installed in 2004 by Avidity Sciences as part of a major renovation project in Bldg. 103. And most recently in 2023, Avidity upgraded the chlorine proportioner, controls, pumps and holding tanks all of which are still under warranty. The ADWS serves 72 non-human primate holding rooms in 103. Animal holding rooms to include non-human primates (NHPs). The functionality of the ADWS is an extremely critical for the health and well being of the animals. In order to install the additional quick disconnects, the water system will need to be taken off line while the work is being performed. After installation is complete, the system will then need to be brought back on line. Avidity technicians have specialized training on the ADWS to successfully perform these critical operations.

Avidity Sciences automated watering components are the only type that is compatible with the existing system installed in the building. Their technicians are the only ones who can perform this work without voiding the warranty on the recently installed equipment. The pricing listed on the attached quote is considered fair and reasonable for this type of product. Parts or equipment supplied by other vendors are not readily compatible and replacement equipment by others can make the current system difficult to maintain and problematic to operate. Avidity Sciences has been a leader in the field of automatic watering systems for animals and it has been the experience of the DVR that they provide a superior quality product and services.

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