AN12--CO2 Sensor Prototype Development and Physiologic Gas Monitoring

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks to address a technology gap in noninvasive CO2 monitoring to improve the diagnosis of sleep-related hypoventilation and respiratory depression. The goal is to enable miniaturized CO2 sensing for remote monitoring, home-based diagnostics (like sleep testing devices), and portable sensors for facility-based monitoring outside of intensive care units. Additionally, the project aims to improve oxygen saturation sensing accuracy across diverse skin pigmentation levels.

The contractor shall design, execute, and analyze experimental approaches to investigate and evaluate novel noninvasive CO2 sensing methods that can be miniaturized. Potential approaches include spectroscopic sensing, active resonator-based detection, and signal modulation techniques. The contractor will also investigate and evaluate methods for improving oxygen saturation sensing accuracy across different skin tones, aiming to reduce melanin-related bias. Specific tasks include developing a Project Work Plan, conducting literature and market updates, building CO2 and oxygen sensing testbeds, developing experimental protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and producing quarterly progress reports and a final technical report.

Key deliverables include:

• Project Work Plan

• Literature and Market Update

• CO2 Sensing Testbed

• CO2 Modulation Protocol

• Oxygen/Melanin Sensing Testbed

• Reference Measurement Plan

• Experimental Data Package

• Statistical Analysis Report

• Quarterly Progress Reports

• Final Technical Report

• Final Briefing

• Technical Artifacts (code, algorithms, etc.)

• Period of Performance: One twelve-month base period from the date of contract award (Estimated Start Date: September 25, 2026; Estimated End Date: September 24, 2027).

• Place of Performance: Primarily the contractor's laboratory facilities, which must be equipped for experimental work and approved in the Project Work Plan.

• Contractor Qualifications: Must demonstrate technical capability in designing, building, and evaluating novel noninvasive physiologic sensing systems, including signal extraction and quantitative comparison against clinical reference measurements.

• Compliance: Must comply with VA research compliance requirements, including potential IRB/IACUC approvals, VA Records Management, VA research publication policy, and the VA Invention Disclosure Process.

• Key Personnel: The Principal Investigator (PI) is a key person and any changes require prior written approval.

• Invention Disclosure: A VA invention disclosure (No. 2026-270) related to miniaturizing CO2 sensing has been filed.

• Publications: All publications require VA review and approval.

• Human Subjects: IRB approval requirement is to be determined prior to award.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) research and development services contract, or other type as determined.

• Acceptance Criteria: Requires completion of the approved experimental plan, provision of complete data and analysis, quantification of accuracy and response characteristics, identification of limitations, and a feasibility recommendation. Does not require an FDA-cleared device.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the VHA Regional Procurement Office East R&D for market research purposes. The government is seeking information on capabilities for Miniaturized CO2 Sensor Prototype Development and Novel Physiologic Gas Monitoring.

• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology))
• PSC Code: AN12 (Health R&d Services; Health Care Services; Applied Research)
• Small Business Size Standard: 1000 employees

Respondents must provide:

1. Company name
2. SAM UEI number
3. Company’s address
4. Point of Contact information (title, phone, email)
5. Company’s capability to meet the requirement and supporting information
6. Company’s business type (small/large) and socioeconomic status (SDVOSB, VOSB, Hubzone, 8(a), WOSB, etc.). SDVOSB and VOSB must be SBA verified.

• Format: Written response via email only.

• Deadline: No later than 10:00 AM (ET) on May 26, 2026.

• Email Address: renee.kale@va.gov

• Contact Person: Ms. Renee Kale

• Note: Facsimile or telephonic responses will not be accepted.

• This is for information and planning purposes only and is NOT a solicitation.

• The government will not pay for information solicited.

• Failure to provide requested information will be interpreted as an inability to provide the service or comply with the requirement.

• No question-and-answer period will be held for this sources sought.

• Responses are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract.

• Responders are responsible for all associated expenses.

• See attached document: SOW_CO2_Sensor_5-11-2026.