UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO - NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SINGLE SOURCE CONTRACT: 18-050
Indirect Ophthalmoscope Simulation equipment
The University of Waterloo (UW) intends to award a single source contract to VRmagic Inc., of Cambridge, MA, USA, for the purchase of the Eyesi Indirect Ophthalmoscope Simulator (BIO) augmented reality simulator.
This is an Advanced Notice indicating to the supplier community that UW intends to award a contract for these goods to a pre-identified supplier. If no other supplier submits, on or before the closing date of this notice, a statement of specifications that, at a minimum, equals or exceeds the stated requirements set out in this Notice, the competitive requirements of the University are considered to have been met. Following notification to any suppliers not successful in demonstrating that their statement of specifications meets the requirements set out in this Notice, the contract may then be awarded to the pre-identified supplier.
If other potential suppliers submit statements of specifications during the fifteen calendar day posting period, and meet the requirements set out in this Notice, UW will proceed to a Request for Proposal process, in order to award the contract.
BACKGROUND
University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science
In order to provide new and dynamic teaching opportunities and clinical training, simulation technology is a top priority. This teaching technology enables students to practice skills like BIO and slit lamp biomicroscopy to attain competency without having to depend on others to be dilated. Students reach the same level of competency prior to entry to clinic enabling them to see patients with greater confidence and efficiency. Simulation technology supplements lab training with faculty to take our learners from good to great.
A benefit of the simulation technology is that it includes modules of progressive difficulty that can match the curriculum across multiple years in the program, advancing and evolving as the students’ knowledge and skills expand. It begins with mastering the technical skills to image the fundus, and later incorporates real cases and images for examination and diagnosis.
Students can practice as much as they need to master the skills while learning at their own pace. Faculty members can monitor each student’s progress on-line and match hands on clinical skills labs to target areas where students are showing they need additional instruction. More importantly, valuable lab time with instructors can focus on more advanced clinical techniques that cannot be simulated such as scleral depression.
It is the intention of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science to create a Simulation Center. We propose that this will be initiated with the acquisition of three Eyesi® Indirect Ophthalmoscopes (BIO) and related equipment (e.g. tables, software)). This will be followed shortly thereafter with the acquisition of five Eyesi® Slit Lamps, which are still under development but are expected to include gonioscopy and laser procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Eyesi® Indirect Ophthalmoscope Simulator (BIO) is an augmented reality simulator for training of binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. It includes a head-mounted stereo display on an ophthalmoscope headband, two diagnostic lenses, and a model patient head. The actual examination procedure resembles a real examination and has an authentic look and feel. When trainees put on the BIO, they see a high-fidelity, three-dimensional virtual patient, and their own hand holding the virtual lens. All ophthalmoscope settings are always available on the user-friendly touch screen interface.
The budget for this initial purchase (3 simulators) is approximately $200,000 USD, not including HST.
SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION
There is only one company known to us that makes simulation equipment and technology that is tailored to eye care professionals; VRmagic http://www.vrmagic.com/index.php?id=1446.
The BIO is proven technology from VRmagic at many optometry schools as an integral part of their curriculum. The University of Waterloo aims to continuously elevate the teaching and learning experience in order to be competitive for the best students in the country, and offer the new standard in optometric education.
Process
Suppliers who consider their equipment fully compliant and available within budget may submit a statement of specifications, in writing, to the contact person identified in this Notice on or before the closing date of this Notice. The statement of specifications must unequivocally demonstrate how the supplier meets these advertised requirements within budget.
Date of issue: Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Closing Date: Thursday, May 17, 2018
Contact
Christine Wagner, CPPB, CSCP – Research Coordinator and Senior Buyer
Procurement and Contract Services
University of Waterloo
Ph: 519-888-4567 ext. 32074
Email – cpwagner@uwaterloo.ca, or, procure@uwaterloo.ca
