41169-3A-RFP - INSTRUMENTED TREADMILL WITH SPLIT BELT AND VARIABLE INCLINE TO MEASURE FORCES A

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

1. 1. - Background Information

1. 2. - Statement of Requirements
      1. The University of Ottawa is pleased to invite qualified proponents to submit a proposal for a split-belt instrumented treadmill. A split belt with separate sensors for each belt will allow us to measure the forces and torques beneath each foot simultaneously and independently. The incline feature will allow us to study uphill and downhill walking and running by inclining/declining the belts. Instrumented handrails that measure the 3D forces applied to the hands will allow us to study the elderly population and individuals with poor balance. An overhead safety structure and harness will ensure participant safety.

1. 1. 2. The split-belt instrumented treadmill will allow us to measure the forces and torques applied between the feet and the ground during walking and running. We will measure the forces and torques beneath each foot during walking and running over a broad range of conditions, including at different constant speeds, at different incline/decline angles, and starting/stopping. We will study gait over a broad range of populations, including healthy adults, individuals with poor balance, individuals who use various types of orthoses and prostheses, and individuals carrying backpacks and other equipment. Synchronizing data collection with optical motion capture equipment will be necessary.

1. 1. 3. The instrument should allow for the measurement of the forces and torques applied between each foot and the ground. The forces and torques should be measured for each foot synchronously as separate signals, with minimal cross-talk, at a rate of at least 1,000 Hz. The dimensions of the total walking/running surface should be sufficient to allow for walking and running of children and adults (e.g., approx. 1 m wide). The force and torque sensors should be capable of measuring forces and torques generated during high-speed running of an adult (e.g., capable of measuring vertical forces of up to at least 5,000 N). The speed of the belts should be adjustable up to at least 5 m/s (18 km/hr, 11.2 miles/hr) and should be programmable to follow a specified speed profile over time. The acceleration of the belts should be at least 15 m/s² for studying trip/slip conditions. The walking/running surface should be capable of inclining at least 14°. Handrails should be removable and provide measurements of applied forces as three components (Fx, Fy, Fz). An overhead safety structure and harness should be provided. The instrument should operate on 3-phase power at 208 V, 60 Hz, with a NEMA 15-50P plug. The measurement software should be capable of synchronizing with Vicon Nexus.

1. 1. 4. The environment in which the instrument will be placed is a regular motion lab at the University of Ottawa. Surrounding equipment includes motion capture cameras, exoskeletons and associated power/actuation equipment, and imaging devices such as biplanar x-ray fluoroscopy.

1. 1. 5. A separate document with clear answers to all statements in Appendix A and B is desirable.

1. 1. 6. Specifications listed in Appendix A – Technical Specifications Compliance Form of this RFP are the mandatory minimum requirements for an INSTRUMENTED TREADMILL WITH SPLIT BELT AND VARIABLE INCLINE TO MEASURE FORCES AND TORQUES APPLIED TO THE FEET DURING WALKING AND RUNNING

1. 1. 7. Should any equipment included in a proposal be superseded by a newer model during the period between the award of contract and the delivery date, the successful Proponent will be required to inform the University of Ottawa of the new specifications, the newer model pricing will remain the same as what was offered in the RFP. At its sole discretion, the University of Ottawa may opt to make changes from the list of equipment by altering, adding, or deducting some equipment.

264102. 2: General Information and SUBMISSION Instructions
        1. - Submission Instructions
           1. Proposals must be submitted exclusively through Merx EBS (Electronic Bid Submission). Each Proponent will submit only one (1) electronic copy of its proposal using Merx Electronic Bid Submission (EBS). The latest version submitted will supersede all others.

1. 1. 2. Each Proponent is solely responsible for the delivery of submissions in the manner and time prescribed. The University is not responsible for computer malfunctions, uploading delays or technical difficulties using Merx EBS. Proponents should note that responses are not available to the University for viewing from Merx until after the submission deadline.

1. 1. 3. Proposals will only be accepted up to the date and time listed in section 2.2.

1. 1. 4. Questions and clarifications regarding this RFP must be submitted through Merx using the Question-and-Answer Module, up to the time and date listed in section 2.2. No unsolicited calls, communication or visits will be allowed during the RFP process. Any Proponent who does not conform will be disqualified.

1. 1. 5. Proponents submitting proposals for this RFP must adhere to the terms and conditions of this RFP. Any suggested deviations or changes must be submitted during the Question period of the RFP process (see section 2.2) and will be addressed by the University via addenda. Any deviations or changes not submitted during the question period will not be considered during this RFP process.

1. 1. 6. Proposal documents must be filled out in accordance with the requirements of this RFP document and addenda (if any).

1. 1. 7. Proposals shall be signed by an authorized signatory of the Proponent. If the Proponent is an incorporated company, the corporate seal of the Proponent shall be affixed or a certified true copy of a resolution of the corporation naming the person(s) concerned as authorized to sign agreements on behalf of the corporation shall be attached to the proposal.

1. 1. 8. Proponents who are sole proprietorships or partners shall sign their proposal in such a way as to irrevocably bind the Proponent in an authorized manner.

1. 1. 9. While the University of Ottawa will not consider more than one proposal from a Proponent under the same or different names, the University of Ottawa may consider, in addition to the original proposal, alternative proposals submitted within the same proposal package providing such are clearly marked as alternatives.

1. 2. - Timetable

1. 3. - Proposals Submitted Only In Prescribed Manner

1. 1. 1. The Proponent’s proposal must be submitted in the following manner:

1. 1. 2. The Proponents must submit their proposal using Merx EBS no later than the time and date stated in section 2.2 – Timetable. No other forms of delivery will be accepted by the University.

1. 1. 3. The Proponent must provide two (2) separate attachments (files) containing the Proponent’s proposal labelled in the following manner:

1. Attachment #1 Technical/Qualitative Proposal: 41169-3A-RFP-Insert Company Name
2. Attachment #2 Financial Proposal: 41169-3A-RFP-Insert Company Name

1. 1. 4. Attachment #1 – Technical/Qualitative Proposal must include the following mandatory documents:

1. Appendix A (Technical Specifications Compliance)
2. Appendix B (Rated Criteria)
3. Appendix C (Equipment, Utility, and Environmental Requirements) and all the referenced associated documents
4. Appendix D (Supplemental Information)
5. Appendix E (Reference Consent Form)
6. Appendix F (Submission Declaration Form)
7. Appendix I (Proponent’s Checklist Form)
8. All supporting technical documentation for the proposal
9. Detailed quotation without pricing
10. Bottom of every page of RFP initialled

1. 1. 5. Attachment #2 – Financial Proposal must include the following mandatory documents:

1. Appendix G (Pricing Structure Form)
2. Appendix H (Price Schedule Form)
3. Detailed quotation with pricing