Specification of Requirements
for
Ventilated Cage Rack System
_____________________________________________________________________________
1.0 General
1.1
This specification comprises minimum requirements for purchase and installation of ten (10) each
Ventilated Cage Racks with full complement of 126 complete cage units each, and five (5) each
blower units complete with all components, parts, installation, connectors, trolleys, assembly,
labor and accessories, as required to provide a complete and functioning system including animal
cages to house mice. In addition to the Ventilated Cage Racks and Blower Units, the vendor shall
provide and deliver additional complete cage units equal to 50% of the base cage count (630
cages in additional to the 1,260 cages routinely provided as part of the 10 Ventilated Cage Racks
for a total cage count of 1,890) and water bottles equal to 150% of the base cage count (for a total
count of 1,890 water bottles).
1.2
Any deviations from the requirements of the specifications shall be clearly shown in the RFP with
reference to the specific clauses in the specification. Any additional information, including but
not limited to, manufacturer’s preprinted product literature, material qualities, proprietary details,
test reports, etc., not described shall be submitted as an attachment to the RFP.
1.3
When RFP’s are evaluated, an assessment will be made of the general design of the units,
including but not limited to choice of material proposed for manufacture of the ventilated cage
rack system, operational reliability, design details, in addition to the requirements of the
specification.
1.4
As part of the assessment of the RFP, emphasis will be placed on compliance with the
specification and on the total number of animals that can be kept in the ventilated cage racks
proposed, so that the animal rooms may be utilized both practically and optimally. The number
of animals that can be safely and efficiently housed depends on both the total number of cages
and the size of the animals housed. All cages shall comply with or exceed the minimum
standards contained in the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” (National
Research Council, 1996, National Academy Press, Washington, DC) for the number of animals
recommended per cage size.
1.5
All electrical equipment shall carry the UL or CE mark and shall comply with the National
Electrical Code (NEC) as applicable.
1.6
ISO 9002 must be in-force at the manufacturing facility at all times during manufacture of all
components of the ventilated cage rack system. The vendor shall provide evidence of ISO 9002
certification as an attachment the RFP response.
1.7
Use of Audible alarms shall not be permitted in Animal Holding rooms.
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2.0 Design
2.1
Cage Racks
2.1.1
Approved Manufacturers:
a.
Techniplast USA, Inc
180 Gordon Drive, Suite 109
Exton, PA 19341
484-875-0500
Fax: 484-875-0511
Contact: Bill Stacy, 218-240-5893
Fax 218-242-6294
b.
Allentown Caging Equipment Co., Inc.
PO Box 698, Rt. 526
Allentown, NJ 08501-0698
800-762-2243
Fax: 609-259-0449
Contact: William Bean, 888-779-9007
Fax 512-868-2987
c.
Lab Products, Inc.
742 Sussex Avenue, P.O. Box 639
Seaford, DE 19973
800-526-0469
Fax: 302-628-4309
Contact: Robert Graves, 214-544-0986
Fax: 972-542-0231
2.1.2
The ventilated cage rack shall be designed to hold cages designed for mice.
2.1.3
The ventilated cage rack system shall be designed to be used either single-sided or double-sided,
i.e. cages placed on one side or both sides.
2.1.4
All components of the ventilated cage rack system shall be designed to be cleaned, disinfected
and sterilized in a mechanical cage washer and/or autoclave.
2.1.5
All electrical components shall be mounted in water-resistant NEMA rated sealed boxes to
withstand disinfecting procedures.
2.1.6
All cage racks shall be provided with fully swiveling, lockable casters manufactured from a tread
material that does not damage, discolor, or otherwise mark or deface floor coverings or walls.
The dimension of the wheels (at least 4 inches) shall allow one person to easily maneuver the
cage rack without assistance.
2.1.7
The ventilated cage rack system shall coordinate with, and connect to the automatic watering
system, as manufactured and installed by Edstrom Industries, Inc. in the BSRB Facility. The
cage rack system shall incorporate integral animal drinking manifolds mounted directly to the
ventilated cage rack. The animal drinking manifolds shall incorporate on line rack flushing with
both supply inlet and discharge outlet on the same side of the rack. Digital photographs of the
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BSRB animal watering system are available upon request. Arrangement of animal watering
system components, including but not limited to valves, shall not obstruct view of cage interiors
and shall allow for tight stacking of cages during cleaning.
2.2
Animal Cages
2.2.1
Animal cages shall be provided in sizes suitable for mice. When in use, the cage base and filter
top will positively seal by means of an integrally designed gasket manufactured of nylon or other
suitable material.
2.2.2
The filter top shall be of “low profile” type easily mounted on the cage without use of specialized
tools or parts. The filter top shall include an integrally designed depression for a water
bottle that can be removed from the cage without requiring removal of the lid from the
cage, or the cage from the rack. When a bottle is in use, it shall seal against the inlet grommet.
The water bottle inlet seal shall be manufactured from silicone or some other inert plastic material
that remains flexible. When cages or bottles are removed from the ventilated cage rack, all
grommet openings shall seal by means of a self-closing device, which will be positive locking
and autoclavable.
2.2.3
The top shall not be permanently fixed to the cage rack in any way. When an animal cage is
removed from the ventilated cage rack system, the filter top shall remain in place on the animal
cage by means of a secure clip mechanism to preserve the barrier protection.
2.2.4
Filter tops shall be provided with 0.2 micron efficient filter paper.
2.2.5
The animal cages shall be easy to insert and remove from the ventilated cage rack system. When
the animal cage is placed in the correct position in the ventilated cage rack system, the cage shall
be ventilated automatically without additional manual adjustments being necessary.
3.0 Dimensions
3.1
The maximum external dimensions of the ventilated cage rack system shall not exceed 78 inches
x 35 inches including any protrusions such as rails or bumpers.
3.2
The total height of the ventilated cage rack system shall not exceed 82 inches (to permit
movement through doors and elevators).
3.3
Mouse cages shall be provided with a minimum floor area of 82 in.2, with a usable minimum
internal height of 5.5 inches. Rat cages shall be provided with a minimum floor area of 215 in.2,
with a minimum usable internal height of 8.3 inches.
4.0
Material and Surface Treatment
4.1
All metal used in the ventilated cage rack system shall be 304 Stainless Steel.
4.2
Casters shall be sealed (free of grease), shall be “maintenance free”, and shall be designed to
withstand autoclaving.
4.3
Animal cages and filter tops shall be molded of “Udel” (Polysulfone) plastic and shall be designed
to withstand routine cleaning and autoclaving. Cage unit components shall be completely
autoclavable without deformation so the barrier protection is maintained at all times.
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4.4
Ventilation tubes (air manifolds) shall be round or oval for optimal air circulation and static
pressure, and shall be easily removable from the rack. Manifolds constructed of square tubing are
not permitted. Ventilation tubes, manifolds and other components shall be designed for washing
and disinfection in a mechanical rack washer with a maximum working temperature of 2760 F
(1350 C). Each tube section, both vertical and horizontal, shall include access openings for ease
of tube cleaning. All access openings shall be sealed air-tight when in use.
5.0 Protective Function
5.1
The purpose of the ventilated cage rack system is to form a double-sided protective barrier around
the animals against the surrounding conditions, partly to protect the animal against airborne
pollution and infection, partly to minimize the spread of allergens among staff when housing
animals and handling animal cages.
5.2
Each cage shall maintain “Positive” or “Negative” pressure at all times when placed in a positive
or negative (exhaust) mode. Positive and negative air flows shall be fully adjustable by the user
while the blower units are in operation without requiring use of special or proprietary tools.
5.3
When placed in the “Negative mode”, air exhausted from the cages shall be taken directly from
within the cage environment and shall exhaust directly into the building general exhaust system.
6.0 Noise and Vibration Isolation
6.1
Noise generating from ventilated cage rack components shall not exceed 50dBA when measured
at all points inside animal cages once placed inside the cage rack system. Within the octave band
32kHz, the noise level shall not exceed 45dBA when measured at all points inside animal cages
once placed inside the cage rack system.
6.2
Total noise generated from the ventilated cage rack system shall not exceed 45 dBA when
measured inside the room. Measurements will be made with all cage racks operating.
6.3
The air supply fans or associated equipment shall not cause vibration that can spread to the
animal cage. Fan wheels shall be statically and dynamically balanced in the factory to meet or
exceed grade G6.3 as defined in ANSI S2.19.
7.0 Ventilation
7.1
Air Conduction
The ventilated cage rack system shall be of recirculating type; i.e. room air shall be filtered and
delivered to the animal cages via the top of the cage. Exhaust shall also take place via the cage
top, and all exhaust air from the cage rack shall be filtered and exhausted directly from the room
through flexible connection to a 6 inch round exhaust duct provided at the ceiling of the room.
The ventilated cage rack system shall be designed to deliver a wide range of air changes per hour
which can be adjusted by the user while the unit is in operation.
The ventilated cage rack system shall be provided complete with supply and exhaust filter/fan
modules that are connected to the cage rack with flexible hoses. These modules shall be mounted
on a mobile equipment trolley that can be placed in various configurations around the rack. It
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shall also be possible to interconnect several racks to this trolley. The exhaust output shall be
connected to the building exhaust by means of a flexible thimble connection.
7.2
Filtering
Both supply and exhaust air shall be filtered with a HEPA filter with an efficiency of >99.99%
according to the Warm DOP Method for 0.2 micron particles. A prefilter shall be placed in front
of the HEPA filter to prolong its life. The prefilter shall be easily accessible for filter
replacement.
7.3
Air flow for different animal cage placement configurations in the cage rack system shall be
maintained within 15%+/- of the air flow the unit is set to deliver irrespective of the positions of
the individual cages in the rack.
7.4
The relation between supply and exhaust air shall be easy adjustable so the pressure differential
between animal cages and room can be positive or negative. Supply and exhaust air flows shall be
adjustable by the user while the unit is in operation. Controls shall be located at the blower units.
8.0 Cage Ventilation and Airflow
8.1
As part of the acceptance of the cage rack systems, confirmation of air movement and velocity
will be provided by an independent testing agency, approved by the Owner. Testing shall include
such techniques as Computation Fluid Dynamic modeling and/or smoke tests as a minimum.
Ventilation airflow and velocity information shall be provided to the Owner as part of the project
close-out documents in the form of a printed, certified report with a copy provided in CD format.
8.2
The Owner reserves the right to confirm airflow and pressure relationships using an independent
testing agent as a condition of acceptance of the cage rack systems. The cost of this testing will be
borne by the Owner. Any discrepancies found or adjustments required will be corrected by the
vendor at no additional cost to the Owner.
9.0 Control and Safety Equipment
9.1
The ventilated cage rack system shall include an alarm or test system that alerts faults in the
ventilation system. At a minimum, the system shall:
1) HEPA filter test circuit to continuously monitor and assess condition of the HEPA filter
including an hour-meter to track time since last filter maintenance,
2) A pre-filter timer to visually indicate completion of a preset cleaning interval,
3) Digital readout of both Supply and Exhaust fan units that converts to air changes per hour,
4) Continuous monitoring and digital readout of pressure differential between room pressure and
pressure inside the cage.
9.2
The Ventilated Cage Rack System shall provide “clean” contacts or relays for “power failure”
alert via the Building Automation and Management System provided in the BSRB Facility. As a
condition of acceptance of the cage rack systems, the vendor shall demonstrate successful
communication with the Building Automation System (BAS) through activation of a “low
pressure alarm” at the BAS panel.
9.3
As an attachment to the bid proposal, the vendor shall provide a proposal to provide and install
manufacturer’s optional “local alarms” at all ventilated cage racks. The local alarm panel shall be
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mounted directly on the Ventilated Cage Rack in a highly visible location. Use of audible alarms
is not permitted at the Ventilated Cage Rack System.
9.4
Exhaust air shall be captured via an indirect “thimble” connection and vented into the building
general exhaust system. Thimble connections shall be provided and installed by the vendor.
Thimble connections require a 4” flexible hose on the discharge side of the rack and shall be
mounted to a 6 inch diameter round exhaust duct in the ceiling.
10.0 Ergonomic Considerations
10.1
The following items are minimum requirements for the Ventilated Cage Rack System.
1) Weight – Racks and trolleys shall be “lightweight” and shall roll freely and easily. Use of
shelves in the ventilated cage rack system is not permitted.
2) Visibility – Rack design shall allow clear, unobstructed view of cage interiors to observe
animals and to check water levels in animal watering bottles. Rack components shall not
obstruct visibility of cage interiors.
3) Access to Equipment – Supply and Exhaust units, filters and controls shall be accessible
without requiring removal of racks. Associated equipment shall be mounted on mobile
trolleys that can be easily moved and serviced. At no time shall equipment require lifting or
removal for service or cleaning.
4) Cage Docking – Racks shall NOT utilize individual cage locking devices that could
potentially lead to stress related disorders, i.e., carpel tunnel system, etc. Cages shall seat
firmly in place by inserting the cage into the rack with one clean motion.
11.0 Documentation & Submittals
11.1
One copy each of concise preprinted user instructions shall accompany each unit. User
instructions shall be provided in both English and Spanish. The instructions shall contain all
necessary information to achieve a satisfactory, safe protective function at all times when the
cage rack system is in use. Use of symbols, flow charts, and simple schematic drawings is
recommended.
11.2
Operation and Maintenance Manuals including but not limited to the following documentation
shall be submitted to the Owner:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
11.3
Operating instructions,
Description of design and function,
Regulations for safety and handling,
Description of control and alarm systems,
Maintenance instructions and schedules for all materials and components,
Replacement parts pictures and part numbers,
Vendor shall provide a minimum of three (3) copies of submittals, product data, and/or shop
drawings as required to fully describe the proposed cage rack system, for review and approval,
prior to beginning of fabrication. Submittals shall clearly detail and confirm the interface
between the animal watering component provided as part of the cage rack system and the animal
watering system provided in the building. Submittals shall also show the relationship between
animal cages and the ventilated cage rack components.
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11.4
Manufacturer shall provide a list of recommended spare parts and perishable supplies to be
stocked by Owner. The recommended spare parts list shall be provided in the following format.
M.D. Anderson Spare Parts List
Spare Part
Description
Model/
Part #
Replacement
frequency
Unit
Price
Count to keep in
stock
Total Cost
subtotal
shipping
grand total
11.5
Engraved, waterproof name plates shall be permanently affixed to all equipment marked with, at
a minimum, manufacturer name, manufacturer address and telephone number, model number,
type designation and serial number.
12.0 Installation
12.1
Ventilated cage rack systems, including all parts, components and associated paperwork, shall be
delivered directly to the final equipment locations in the Vivarium of the BSRB Facility located
at 6767 Bertner Road, Houston, Texas 77030. All equipment and components shall be received,
uncrated, inspected and accepted and moved into final place by the vendor. The delivery route
through the building shall include delivery and unloading at the BSRB loading dock, use of the
freight elevator located adjacent to the dock area, to move materials from the dock to the
Basement and delivery to the final locations on the basement. An electronic copy of the floor
plans of the facility is available upon request. The actual date and time of delivery shall be
coordinated with the Owner a minimum of two (2) weeks before delivery and installation.
12.2
Ventilated cage rack systems will be installed in the following locations:
Room
No.
XB.8452
XB.8455
XB.8293
12.3
Room Name:
Description of Equipment:
XRO Isolator
Room
XRO Breeding
Room
GEM Housing
Room
Two (2) Ventilated Cage Rack Systems + one (1) blower
unit
Six (6) Ventilated Cage Rack Systems + three (3) blower
units
Two (2) Ventilated Cage Rack Systems + one (1) blower
unit
All equipment shall be installed, cleaned, disinfected, started, commissioned, tested and certified
by the vendor. All connections, included but not limited to, electrical connections, HVAC
connections including flexible thimble connections shall be the responsibility of the vendor.
Vendor shall demonstrate operation of all equipment to the Owner as a condition of acceptance.
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12.4
Removal and disposal of all unused materials, trash, debris, crating materials, etc. shall be the
responsibility of the vendor. Spaces shall be left clean and in the same condition as before
installation of the ventilated cage rack systems.
13.0 Inspection
13.1
All control and alarm equipment shall be tested with a built-in test program in the presence of the
Owner.
13.2
All control and alarm equipment will be calibrated by the supplier.
13.3
All racks and equipment trolleys shall be thoroughly tested and documented at the factory and test
data shall be recorded in the operation manuals included with each ventilated cage rack system.
14.0 Warranties, Maintenance Agreements and Preventative
Maintenance
14.1
Vendor shall provide the manufacturer’s standard one year warranty against defects in
manufacture, workmanship and design. Warranty coverage shall begin upon date of Owner’s
final acceptance of equipment.
14.2
Vendor shall provide a proposal for an additional one year extension to the standard
manufacturer’s one year maintenance agreement providing all materials, parts, and labor required
to maintain Ventilated Cage Rack systems in place without interruption of service.
14.2
Vendor shall provide a schedule showing all maintenance activities, including preventative
maintenance activities, along with scheduled dates for each activity.
End of Specifications
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