Purchase of an ultrasound system for preclinical research

The purchase is of one (1) Visualsonics Vevo F2 LAZR-X Preclinical Imaging System. The system offers a wide range of ultrasound imaging, allowing for comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation, study of oncology, nephrology, saturation, vascular function and neurobiology. Additionally, the incorporated laser allows for photoacoustic imaging, facilitating visualization of tissue oxygenation and …

CPV: 33112300 Ultrasound scanners, 33110000 Imaging equipment for medical, dental and veterinary use, 33112000 Echo, ultrasound and doppler imaging equipment, 33112100 Ultrasonic heart detector, 33112200 Ultrasonic unit
Place of execution:
Purchase of an ultrasound system for preclinical research
Awarding body:
Aarhus Universitet
Award number:
2024-0776152

1. Buyer

1.1 Buyer

Official name : Aarhus Universitet

2. Procedure

2.1 Procedure

Title : Purchase of an ultrasound system for preclinical research
Description : The purchase is of one (1) Visualsonics Vevo F2 LAZR-X Preclinical Imaging System. The system offers a wide range of ultrasound imaging, allowing for comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation, study of oncology, nephrology, saturation, vascular function and neurobiology. Additionally, the incorporated laser allows for photoacoustic imaging, facilitating visualization of tissue oxygenation and assessment of hemoglobin, which will use to evaluate tissue perfusion and potential injury in hypoxia and/or stroke. The purchase will be made based on these requirements: The imaging platform combines high frame rate and ultra-high frequency transducers (≤70 MHz) allowing imaging resolution down to 30 μm, with the opportunity of co-registering laser signals (e.g. oxygen and hemoglobin) with the same level of anatomic accuracy, thus combining anatomical (ultrasound) and molecular (photoacoustic) images in real-time. The system can be used for a wide variety of research interests, including oncology, cardiology, molecular biology and neurobiology. The laser for photoacoustic imaging operates at a wide range of wavelengths: 680-970 nm and 1200-2000 nm. There is possibility for automated characterization of the photoacoustic signal through the entire spectrum of available wavelength ranges. Feasible for up to 5 photoacoustic signal sources to be displayed simultaneously allowing for multifactorial studies. The system offers contrast imaging and the use of microbubbles, as well as study of vascularization including blood flow velocity, hypoxia and ischemia. A great variety of transducers (5mHz-70mHZ) are available, allowing for customization of study protocols, with several transducers also covering the photoacoustic and contrast modalities, all of which can easily be used with the same imaging system. The imaging platform comes with relevant workflow-oriented software for researchers with highly advanced measurements and annotations, e.g. cardiac hemodynamic parameters, vascular function, analysis of structures in 3D and 4D, and the overlay and analysis of Doppler signals in any image. There is advanced post-processing capabilities; review, analysis and export of generic measurements and annotations; export of avi, tiff, bmp, gif, raw, csv, DICOM, and MP4 files. The system has comprehensive echocardiographic features, i.e. B-Mode, M-Mode, Color/Power and Tissue Doppler, 3D and 4D imaging and corresponding analysis software, including opportunities for strain and pressure-volume loop analysis. Ultrasound and Doppler images can be co-registered in real time. Cine loop image reconstruction ranging up to 10,000 fps, with live on-screen ECG tracing with advanced ECG detection, for detection and description of the cardiac cycle in high cardiac frequencies, e.g. for mice. Automated left ventricle trace analysis for B- and M-mode, with feasibility of creating PV-loops with pressure recordings. The system comes with an animal physiology platform, allowing for registration of real-time ECG, warming and temperature monitoring, fixing of anesthesia mask and stereotaxis, and the optional integration of blood pressure measurements. Live on-screen ECG tracing with ECG displayed for three clinically relevant leads, with ECG-gated image acquisition and analysis opportunities. Live and post-processing opportunities for respiration-gating. The system can be connected to a network with min 100Mb Ethernet connection, and come with USB 3.0 ports to allow for fast data transfer. Storage of min. 1TB with a SATA 7200RPM hard drive. Acknowledgement of the system in relevant research publications within the last year. A thorough investigation has been performed looking into biomedical research literature and available ultrasound systems. No other system which has been used in relevant research fulfils the above criteria; they are either lacking in user interface, and/or lack the adaptability and technical characteristics that VisualSonics can deliver. Other rodent systems do not provide the needed functions and image versatility with the same high-quality results; and systems for clinical/human imaging will produce poor results for rodents due to the low frequency. Visualsonics is the only manufacturer that can deliver an ultrasound system that integrates photoacoustic and contrast imaging for animals as small as rodents. They are the only manufacturer that are able to offer such a system with a simple user interface, software tools and customer support.
Procedure identifier : 165a49f1-51c1-4d33-a22e-7ce7ff61f75c
Internal identifier : 2024-0776152
Type of procedure : Negotiated without prior call for competition

2.1.1 Purpose

Main nature of the contract : Supplies
Main classification ( cpv ): 33112300 Ultrasound scanners
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33110000 Imaging equipment for medical, dental and veterinary use
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33112000 Echo, ultrasound and doppler imaging equipment
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33112100 Ultrasonic heart detector
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33112200 Ultrasonic unit

2.1.2 Place of performance

Postal address : Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10
Town : Aarhus C
Postcode : 8000
Country subdivision (NUTS) : Østjylland ( DK042 )
Country : Denmark
Additional information : Aarhus University The Skou Building (building 1115, room 416)

2.1.4 General information

Legal basis :
Directive 2014/24/EU

5. Lot

5.1 Lot technical ID : LOT-0000

Title : Purchase of an ultrasound system for preclinical research
Description : The purchase is of one (1) Visualsonics Vevo F2 LAZR-X Preclinical Imaging System. The system offers a wide range of ultrasound imaging, allowing for comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation, study of oncology, nephrology, saturation, vascular function and neurobiology. Additionally, the incorporated laser allows for photoacoustic imaging, facilitating visualization of tissue oxygenation and assessment of hemoglobin, which will use to evaluate tissue perfusion and potential injury in hypoxia and/or stroke. The purchase will be made based on these requirements: The imaging platform combines high frame rate and ultra-high frequency transducers (≤70 MHz) allowing imaging resolution down to 30 μm, with the opportunity of co-registering laser signals (e.g. oxygen and hemoglobin) with the same level of anatomic accuracy, thus combining anatomical (ultrasound) and molecular (photoacoustic) images in real-time. The system can be used for a wide variety of research interests, including oncology, cardiology, molecular biology and neurobiology. The laser for photoacoustic imaging operates at a wide range of wavelengths: 680-970 nm and 1200-2000 nm. There is possibility for automated characterization of the photoacoustic signal through the entire spectrum of available wavelength ranges. Feasible for up to 5 photoacoustic signal sources to be displayed simultaneously allowing for multifactorial studies. The system offers contrast imaging and the use of microbubbles, as well as study of vascularization including blood flow velocity, hypoxia and ischemia. A great variety of transducers (5mHz-70mHZ) are available, allowing for customization of study protocols, with several transducers also covering the photoacoustic and contrast modalities, all of which can easily be used with the same imaging system. The imaging platform comes with relevant workflow-oriented software for researchers with highly advanced measurements and annotations, e.g. cardiac hemodynamic parameters, vascular function, analysis of structures in 3D and 4D, and the overlay and analysis of Doppler signals in any image. There is advanced post-processing capabilities; review, analysis and export of generic measurements and annotations; export of avi, tiff, bmp, gif, raw, csv, DICOM, and MP4 files. The system has comprehensive echocardiographic features, i.e. B-Mode, M-Mode, Color/Power and Tissue Doppler, 3D and 4D imaging and corresponding analysis software, including opportunities for strain and pressure-volume loop analysis. Ultrasound and Doppler images can be co-registered in real time. Cine loop image reconstruction ranging up to 10,000 fps, with live on-screen ECG tracing with advanced ECG detection, for detection and description of the cardiac cycle in high cardiac frequencies, e.g. for mice. Automated left ventricle trace analysis for B- and M-mode, with feasibility of creating PV-loops with pressure recordings. The system comes with an animal physiology platform, allowing for registration of real-time ECG, warming and temperature monitoring, fixing of anesthesia mask and stereotaxis, and the optional integration of blood pressure measurements. Live on-screen ECG tracing with ECG displayed for three clinically relevant leads, with ECG-gated image acquisition and analysis opportunities. Live and post-processing opportunities for respiration-gating. The system can be connected to a network with min 100Mb Ethernet connection, and come with USB 3.0 ports to allow for fast data transfer. Storage of min. 1TB with a SATA 7200RPM hard drive. Acknowledgement of the system in relevant research publications within the last year. A thorough investigation has been performed looking into biomedical research literature and available ultrasound systems. No other system which has been used in relevant research fulfils the above criteria; they are either lacking in user interface, and/or lack the adaptability and technical characteristics that VisualSonics can deliver. Other rodent systems do not provide the needed functions and image versatility with the same high-quality results; and systems for clinical/human imaging will produce poor results for rodents due to the low frequency. Visualsonics is the only manufacturer that can deliver an ultrasound system that integrates photoacoustic and contrast imaging for animals as small as rodents. They are the only manufacturer that are able to offer such a system with a simple user interface, software tools and customer support.
Internal identifier : 2024-0776152

5.1.1 Purpose

Main nature of the contract : Supplies
Main classification ( cpv ): 33112300 Ultrasound scanners
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33110000 Imaging equipment for medical, dental and veterinary use
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33112000 Echo, ultrasound and doppler imaging equipment
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33112100 Ultrasonic heart detector
Additional classification ( cpv ): 33112200 Ultrasonic unit
Quantity : 1

5.1.2 Place of performance

Postal address : Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10
Town : Aarhus C
Postcode : 8000
Country subdivision (NUTS) : Østjylland ( DK042 )
Country : Denmark
Additional information : Aarhus University The Skou Building (building 1115, room 416)

5.1.3 Estimated duration

Other duration : Unlimited

5.1.6 General information

Procurement Project not financed with EU Funds.
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) : yes

5.1.7 Strategic procurement

Green Procurement Criteria : No Green Public Procurement criteria

5.1.10 Award criteria

Description of the method to be used if weighting cannot be expressed by criteria : As there is only one supplier in the world capable of delivering an instrument that lives up to the requirements set forth by Aarhus University, the contract has been awarded directly
Justification for not indicating the weighting of the award criteria :

5.1.15 Techniques

Framework agreement :
No framework agreement
Information about the dynamic purchasing system :
No dynamic purchase system

5.1.16 Further information, mediation and review

Review organisation : Klagenævnet for udbud
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure : Aarhus Universitet
Organisation providing offline access to the procurement documents : Aarhus Universitet
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures : Konkurrence- og Forbrugerstyrelsen
Organisation whose budget is used to pay for the contract : Aarhus Universitet
Organisation executing the payment : Aarhus Universitet
Organisation signing the contract : Aarhus Universitet
TED eSender : Mercell Holding ASA

6. Results

Value of all contracts awarded in this notice : 889 480 Euro
Direct award :
Justification for direct award : The contract can be provided only by a particular economic operator because of an absence of competition for technical reasons
Other justification : A thorough investigation has been performed looking into biomedical research literature and available ultrasound systems. No other system which has been used in relevant research fulfils the above criteria; they are either lacking in user interface, and/or lack the adaptability and technical characteristics that VisualSonics can deliver. Other rodent systems do not provide the needed functions and image versatility with the same high-quality results; and systems for clinical/human imaging will produce poor results for rodents due to the low frequency. Visualsonics is the only manufacturer that can deliver an ultrasound system that integrates photoacoustic and contrast imaging for animals as small as rodents. They are the only manufacturer that are able to offer such a system with a simple user interface, software tools and customer support.

6.1 Result lot ldentifier : LOT-0000

6.1.2 Information about winners

Winner :
Official name : FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc.
Tender :
Tender identifier : 2024-0776152
Identifier of lot or group of lots : LOT-0000
Value of the tender : 889 480 Euro
The tender was ranked : no
Contract information :
Identifier of the contract : 2024-0776152
Date on which the winner was chosen : 11/11/2024
The contract is awarded within a framework agreement : no
Organisation signing the contract : Aarhus Universitet

8. Organisations

8.1 ORG-0001

Official name : Aarhus Universitet
Registration number : 31119103
Postal address : Nordre Ringgade 1
Town : Aarhus C
Postcode : 8000
Country subdivision (NUTS) : Østjylland ( DK042 )
Country : Denmark
Contact point : Tobias Gjerløff
Email : tog@au.dk
Telephone : 93508343
Internet address : https://www.au.dk/
Roles of this organisation :
Buyer
Organisation providing additional information about the procurement procedure
Organisation providing offline access to the procurement documents
Organisation signing the contract
Organisation whose budget is used to pay for the contract
Organisation executing the payment

8.1 ORG-0002

Official name : Klagenævnet for udbud
Registration number : 37795526
Postal address : Toldboden 2
Town : Viborg
Postcode : 8800
Country subdivision (NUTS) : Vestjylland ( DK041 )
Country : Denmark
Contact point : Klagenævnet for udbud
Telephone : +45 72405708
Information exchange endpoint (URL) : https://erhvervsstyrelsen.dk/klagenaevnet-for-udbud
Roles of this organisation :
Review organisation

8.1 ORG-0003

Official name : Konkurrence- og Forbrugerstyrelsen
Registration number : 10294819
Postal address : Carl Jacobsens Vej 35
Town : Valby
Postcode : 2500
Country subdivision (NUTS) : Byen København ( DK011 )
Country : Denmark
Contact point : Konkurrence- og Forbrugerstyrelsen
Telephone : +45 41715000
Information exchange endpoint (URL) : https://www.kfst.dk
Roles of this organisation :
Organisation providing more information on the review procedures

8.1 ORG-0004

Official name : FUJIFILM VisualSonics Inc.
Size of the economic operator : Large
Postal address : 3080 Yonge Street Suite 6100, Box 66
Town : Toronto
Postcode : M4N 3N1
Country : Canada
Telephone : +31 208082913
Information exchange endpoint (URL) : https://www.visualsonics.com/
Roles of this organisation :
Tenderer
Winner of these lots : LOT-0000
The winner is listed on a regulated market

8.1 ORG-0005

Official name : Mercell Holding ASA
Registration number : 980921565
Postal address : Askekroken 11
Town : Oslo
Postcode : 0277
Country subdivision (NUTS) : Oslo ( NO081 )
Country : Norway
Contact point : eSender
Telephone : +47 21018800
Fax : +47 21018801
Internet address : http://mercell.com/
Roles of this organisation :
TED eSender

11. Notice information

11.1 Notice information

Notice identifier/version : 1a6ad20a-4db5-40db-af3b-e4a7ff1e6b4b - 01
Form type : Direct award preannouncement
Notice type : Voluntary ex-ante transparency notice
Notice dispatch date : 15/11/2024 10:04 +00:00
Notice dispatch date (eSender) : 15/11/2024 10:06 +00:00
Languages in which this notice is officially available : English

11.2 Publication information

Notice publication number : 00702743-2024
OJ S issue number : 224/2024
Publication date : 18/11/2024