X-RAY IRRADIATOR

1. 1. - Background Information

Since 1848 the University of Ottawa has been Canada’s university and the largest bilingual university in Canada.  At the University of Ottawa, we understand our past and our desired future. The University of Ottawa is a major player in the cultural and economic development of the National Capital Region.

The University of Ottawa is one of Canada's leading research-intensive University. The University of Ottawa fosters excellence and success in research, whether the research is basic or applied, of intrinsic value or of commercial importance. The University of Ottawa considers itself to be Canada's university of the 21st Century by launching new initiatives in emerging areas, promoting collaboration within and across faculties, and providing the milieu in which creativity can flourish.

Further information regarding the University of Ottawa can be found on the Web site http://www.uottawa.ca/ 

We hereby invite your company (proponent) to partner with the University of Ottawa in this great project funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund by submitting an offer to this Request for Proposals and by including an in-kind contribution.

The pre-clinical x-Ray irradiator to allow irradiation of small animals in-vivo, ex-vivo specimens, and in-vitro applications to study tumour biology, transplant biology, and immune system function.

Please find attached the Request for Proposals documentation with specifications and the CFI guidelines pricing format to be completed and returned with your proposal.
 

1. 2. - Scope of Project

The requested x-Ray irradiator is a critical piece of infrastructure required to allow irradiation of small animals (e.g., mice, rats, guinea pigs, small rabbits, and zebra fishes) – anaesthetized or not –  in-vivo, ex-vivo specimens, and in-vitro applications (in microplates, petri-dishes, etc.) to study tumour biology, transplant biology, and immune system function. The x-Ray irradiator is a necessary tool in cancer research, stem cell research, x-Ray sterilization, and x-Ray virus inactivation. Understanding the biophysical and biological factors involved in irradiation studies is critical for optimizing model performance and improving experimental results.
 

1. 3. - General Description:

X-Ray irradiators have demonstrated that they can be used as successfully as gamma irradiation in studies of radiation cytotoxicity, with equivalent effects on cells and animals for biomedical research. Compared to gamma technology, x-Ray technology is easier to use and maintain, thanks to a stable non-nuclear source that can be shut down when not in use, available self-shielding, and no need for costly safety procedures and specialized staff. It also allows for use of lower radiation dose to acquire the same biological effect.

The system generates x-Rays when initiated and allows treatment for the whole body and targeted irradiation of samples, cells, tissues, and small animals. A cathode generator with a power electronics module and anode generator are used to generate the negative and positive high voltages used to excite the x-Ray tube. Electrons are generated in equipment with a high energy at a high power. They are then focused on a specific metal target of high atomic number. The x-Ray radiation is generated through a process called Bremsstrahlung to create electromagnetic energy (photons) with an energy in the same range as gamma.
 

1. 4. - Requirements:

Specifications and Standards:

1. The proposed system must be capable of performing in-vivo, ex-vivo specimes, and in-vitro irradiation of small animals or other applications (e.g., cells).
2. The proposed system must produce a dose output of at least 3Gy/min at 320kV at 50cm source-to-sample distance with Aluminum filtration or at least 1Gy/min with the Thoraeus filter.
3. The proposed system must be able to provide any dose between 10mGy and 100Gy.
4. The operational voltage & current of the system must come up to at least 320kVp and 10mA (i.e., 3200W), respectively.
5. The proposed system must come with a real-time dosimeter integrated allowing specifying the exact dose (Gy) to be delivered and automatically stop exposure when the dose has been reached.
6. The proposed system must have a programmable height adjustable shelf with a turntable.
7. The proposed system must allow for whole-body and targeted irradiation e.g., a single limb, brain, or multiple regions.
8. The proposed system must allow adjusting the exposure field in X and Y directions at a fixed height.
1. The proposed system must allow for irradiation of at least 10 non-anesthesized animals (mice) at once using a pie cage.
10. The proposed system must have a laser to indicate the centre of the irradiation field.
11. The proposed system must have an integrated gas anesthesia platform with an animal breather and a scavenging system.

1. 5. - Technical, Operational and Organizational Environment

The irradiator will be housed within the PCIC, located within the Animal Care and Veterinarian Services at the Roger Guindon at the University of Ottawa.
 

1. 6. - Other requirements:

Training: We expect to have on-site training with real animal subjects that will provide proof of concept.

Warranty expectations: 5 years

Specifications listed in Appendix A – Technical Specifications Compliance Form of this RFP are the mandatory minimum requirements for the pre-clincal x-Ray Irradiator .
 

1. 7. - Requirements

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.

Bidding and Documents are available on http://www.merx.com. Fees may apply; See https://www.merx.com/public/pricing for more information.