solesource_Coleoptera_Macropd_mvFBO.docx

SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION

FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENTS UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION THRESHOLD

(The use of this template is optional and solely for the convenience of the Contracting Officer)

1. Describe the requirement, as well as the total estimated dollar value. Please note that the requirement is the minimum acceptable specification or capability, and is not necessarily the best in the industry. Please note whether any additional follow-on work is anticipated in response to the current proposed effort.

To avoid problems related to stability, vibration, backlash, etc. that may negatively affect image quality, the sample moves on the longitudinal axis relative to the camera. Portability. Generates high resolution images of specimens from a broad size spectrum, from less than 1 mm to more than 4 inches. Compatibility with other systems already in place.

2. List the proposed vendor and contact information.

Macroscopic Solutions One Technology Dr Tolland, CT 06084 mark@macroscopicsolutions.com (410)870-5566

3. Describe why the proposed vendor is the only vendor from which the requirement can be obtained. Examples of acceptable justifications include but are not limited to: sole manufacturer and seller, adherence to warranty provisions, urgency, etc. If other vendors can provide similar products or services, describe why they cannot meet our particular requirement. Attach supporting market research documentation.

The Macropod is a photographic apparatus that creates focus stacked images of a specimen. The apparatus includes a rigid longitudinal member with a longitudinal axis and includes translational and rotational stages that are designed to move the specimen relative to the camera mount. The translational device allows for the precise positioning and panoramic style imaging. The rotation device allows for the specimen to be rotated 360° around a first axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to generate 3D movies and point clouds that can be used for 3D printing and as visual aids for research and educational purposes. The horizontal configuration allows for the use of high-quality flashes, optical reflectors and shields that are necessary for proper light-diffusion that overcomes difficulties inherent in imaging small, shiny insects. The Macropod achieves all this while maintaining a compact, rigid and reliable platform that can be easily transported and carried into the field using only the provided backpack. The Macropod is compatible with existing systems already owned and used by scientists to generate high quality, extremely detailed images of insects. The Macropod is compatible with the Micro Kit, which includes an assortment of high quality long working distance objectives at 7.5x, 10x, 20x, 50x and 100x magnification. This is system also allows for 360 imaging to generate 3D models for printing. These research subjects range in size from 0.5mm to more than 2 inches long. The Macropod and Micro Kit will make it possible to span the wide size range of these research subjects. Detailed images of the organism is a standard in scientific publications in this field and comparison of these images facilitates comparison of structures and species, thus making them indispensable for the research process. There are at least two other vendors who offer focal plane merging and z-stacking products, but neither of them are portable, allow for compact light diffusion, move the object relative to the camera and include the added components and lenses offered by Macroscopic Solutions. As a result, the Macropod is a versatile and portable field system that can capture extremely detailed images of any scene, field site or object down to scale of 10 microns (very tiny).

4. Certification:

I hereby certify that the information provided above is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

5. CO Certification:

I hereby determine that the circumstances of this procurement action deem only one source reasonably available. Also, the quoted price is determined to be fair and reasonable as documented on the SAP e-File Checklist and Award Summary.

image1.jpeg