Confocal_Raman_Microscope_amendment.docx

CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS

Question: It would be useful to understand why the Z step-size resolution of 1nm is a requirement when the desired confocal Raman axial resolution of 2 microns is also stated. A step-size resolution of 1nm is not necessary to measure samples with a confocal volume of 2000nm. Will the Z resolution of 1nm be used in some other capacity?

Government Response: The reason for the 1 nm Z-resolution is that in future we plan on using the same stage for the AFM analysis. That was the reason why “Capability of the confocal Raman for future upgrade to a Raman/AFM/TERS system” was listed in the technical specifications.

Question: Why is a piezo stage required? That’s not common or even useful for confocal Raman microscopes, especially with such a limited travel range of only 100 micron x 100 micron x 20 micron.

Government Response: A piezo stage is required due to two reasons – A) in our experience, while working with the imaging of the woody tissues, this stage was found to be much more stable compared to an automated micrometer stage, and B) for the AFM work, we would need such a stage, for significantly smaller movements.

Question: Specifying specific gratings (ie. “300, 600, and 1200”) to be used conflicts with the spectral resolution requirements. A grating is one element of a spectrometer, and for different spectrometer designs different gratings will be used to achieve the desired spectral resolution. In the case of our product, we would normally offer a 1200 l/mm, 1800 l/mm, and 2400 l/mm spectrometer grating set to achieve the desired spectral resolution described in the “minimum required specifications” document. Which is more important?

Government Response: The Government agrees with the vendor on this point, the desired spectral resolution is more important. Therefore, the solicitation has been amended to remove “Integrated confocal imaging spectrometer with three gratings - Preference for 300, 600, and 1200 set or 600, 900, and 1800 g/mm set” from the BEST VALUE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CRITERIA.

Question: I would recommend striking the “piezo-driven scanning platform” and “preference for 300, 600, 1200…” language from the Best-Value Technical Specifications, and simply go with a “motorized XYZ stage” (specifying range and step-size requirements) and keep the same resolution requirements in both the minimum required and technical specification sections.

Government Response: The Government agrees with the vendor on this point, the desired spectral resolution is more important. Therefore, the solicitation has been amended to remove “Integrated confocal imaging spectrometer with three gratings - Preference for 300, 600, and 1200 set or 600, 900, and 1800 g/mm set” from the BEST VALUE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CRITERIA.