1333ND26QNB680354.pdf

RFQ IFB RFP

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODEFACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

OFFER

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

17a CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR.

CODE

8 (A)

SIZE STANDARD:

NAICS:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

EDWOSB

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 The Contractor shall provide a High Density

Microelectrode System in accordance with the incorporated Statement of Work.

1.00 EA

0002 The Contractor shall provide eighty (80) CMOS

Microelectrode Array Sensor Inserts in accordance with the incorporated Statement of Work.

80.00 EA

0003 The Contractor shall provide a Computer for Data

Recording, Analysis, and Control of HD-MEA in accordance with the incorporated Statement of Work.

0004 Shipping, installation, and training.

1.00 LO

NTE NTE

0005 Other Transportation Related Expenses

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Table of Contents

STATEMENT OF WORK

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS AND EVAL CRITERIA

APPLICABLE PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

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CLAUSES

STATEMENT OF WORK

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STATEMENT OF WORK/REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT

Title: CMOS Microelectrode System Requesting Lab: PML / 681

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Biophysical and Biomedical Measurement Group (BBMG) within the Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division of the Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) requires a high-density microelectrode array system to realize high resolution electrical stimulation and measurements within optofluidic devices and biological samples. This will enable accomplishment of our mission of developing microscale measurement science and technology applied to characterization of micro-physiological systems.

Biological cells have electrical activity that is governed by the movement of ions like sodium and potassium across membranes. By actively pumping ions, cells can maintain a resting membrane potential. Excitable cells like neurons and muscles can be triggered by changes to the membrane potential to produce action potential spikes, ultimately propagating signals across cells. Microelectrode Arrays (MEAs) are electrical sensing and stimulation interfaces for these cells. High-Density MEAs (HD-MEAs) based on Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication and design that are capable of evoking and of measuring extracellular potential shifts at single-cell and sub-cellular resolution in real time, simultaneously, from hundreds of cells. Within the past 3 years, CMOS HD-MEAs have enabled various biocomputing breakthroughs. Living neural networks can be constructed and trained for various tasks such as pattern recognition with the eventual goal of providing computations as a low-power and efficient alternative to conventional AI hardware.

NIST develops platforms that effectively interface sensors with microfluidics and other micro-scale physical measurement technologies. NIST requires an HD-MEA system and a suitable quantity of consumable sensors to perform voltage sensing, measurements, and stimulation in cultured micro-physiological systems including neural and cardiac cells.

II.Purpose/Objective:

NIST requires a complete system for HD-MEA, including all hardware and software components as listed below in the Scope and specified below in Minimum Requirements. The MEA sensor itself will operate within regulated electrophysiological environments (elevated temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide) including long-term cell culture incubators and incubating microscopes. Facile integration with NIST systems requires compatibility with microfluidic systems and microscope imaging. Feedback control across NIST systems requires full automation of sensor hardware with modern software as well as high performance data collection and analysis.

III. SCOPE

The Contractor shall deliver a quantity of one (1) MEA system that meets the specifications described within this document, including warrantied hardware and software components and a data collection & analysis computer. The system will include eighty (80) consumable MEA sensors. The contractor is also responsible for providing installation instructions and facilitating initial training and troubleshooting of the system either in-person or remotely.

IV. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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The Contractor shall provide a system that meets all technical specifications identified below. All items must be new. Used or remanufactured equipment will not be considered for award.

Experimental, prototype, or custom items will not be considered. The use of “gray market” components are not authorized for sale in the U.S. by the Contractor is not acceptable. All line items shall be shipped in the original manufacturer’s packaging and include all original documentation and software, when applicable.

Line Item 0001:

Description: High Density Microelectrode System Quantity: 1

A. Technical Specifications

a. Recording unit a.i. Non-permanent connection to Line Item 0002 a.ii. Compatible with long-term (hours to days) operation within cell incubators

(37 °C, 90 % humidity) a.iii. Supports recordings ≥ 10 minutes in duration with low downtime between recordings a.iv. Includes hardware for synchronizing and/or triggering recordings to external equipment

b. Control unit(s) b.i. Provides all connections for instrument communication, data, and power supply between line Items 0001, 0002, and 0003

B. Software Requirements

a. Real-time, full-resolution sensor data access, visualization, logging, and analysis

b. Performs scanning and analysis routines to locate active cells and cell connections b.i. Higher confidence will be considered to software with native functions to reconstruct neurites and measure action potential velocity

c. Both graphical and programmatic (via MATLAB or Python) control over instrument functions, including measurements, stimulations, and data recordings

d. Dedicated, documented live application programming interface (API) for active control over experiments, including closed-loop feedback experiments and automation of functions using sequencing and/or triggering

e. Data recordings provided in an efficient and non-proprietary file format (i.e., HDF5)

Line Item 0002:

Description: CMOS Microelectrode Array Sensor Inserts Quantity: 80

A. Technical Specifications

a. CMOS array format including amplification and ADC

b. Continuous active sensing area ≥ 5 mm2 contained inside a single culture well

c. Single electrode area ≤ 15 µm × 15 µm

d. Electrode center-to-center spacing ≤ 20 µm

e. The active electrode surface in direct contact with samples is a highly biocompatible, high-charge-capacity interface material that is either a conductive

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polymer matrix (PEDOT, or equivalent) or a porous metal matrix (Platinum-Black, or equivalent)

f. Local surface roughness of ≤ 1 µm

g. Each electrode toggleable between measurements and stimulation

h. Active electrodes are individually addressable with reconfiguration in ≤ 100 ms h.i. Higher confidence will be considered to systems achieving an ultra-fast reconfiguration switching speed of ≤ 10 ms

i. ≥ 1000 simultaneous Voltage recording channels per well i.i. Amplifier and electrical Noise ≤ 10 µVRMS i.i.1. Higher confidence will be considered to systems demonstrating an exceptional baseline noise floor of ≤ 3.0 µV

RMS.

i.ii. ≥ 20 kHz sampling rate at ≥ 10-bit digital resolution i.iii. Adjustable gain

j. ≥ 30 simultaneous stimulation channels per well j.i. Toggleable between current and voltage stimulation modes j.ii. Each channel is individually addressable within CMOS array

k. Sterilized and pre-installed with a reservoir well for culture medium

l. Full compatibility with Line Item 0001

Line Item 0003:

Description: Computer for Data Recording, Analysis, and Control of HD-MEA Quantity: 1

A. Technical Specifications

a. NIST- compatible operating system: Windows 11 or Linux Ubuntu (24.04 LTS or

22.04 LTS)

b. All connectivity required for Line Item 0001 hardware and compatibility with all

Line Item 0001 software

c. ≥ 128 GB DDR5 RAM

d. Intel Core Ultra 9 285K or equivalent processor

e. ≥ 8 TB total SSD storage

f. ≥ 16 GB VRAM NVIDIA GPU (at least RTX 5080 or equivalent)

g. Higher confidence will be considered to systems with ≥ 4 additional USB ports (USB3.0 or faster) and ≥ 1 open PCIe slot (≥PCIe3, x16 connector with ≥ x8 bandwidth) beyond those required to operate Line Item 0001

V. DELIVERABLES

Description Quantity or Format Due Date

CMOS Microelectrode System meeting the specification described above

Physical instrument, control and recording unit, control computer, 80 consumable microarrays, interface to control computer, and software

< 8 weeks after award

Operations and maintenance manual for the system covering proper operation, routine maintenance, and

Electronic (.pdf) or paper copies At the same time as delivery

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troubleshooting for the instrument and controlling software

Standards of Acceptance: The NIST TPOC or COR shall review that the unit is functioning to specifications as outlined in Section III and respond with an acceptance or request for revision email to the Contractor Point of Contact (POC) within 2 months of receipt of deliverable. This section applies to deliverables which must be reviewed and approved for acceptances (draft plans, drawings, etc.)

VI. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

- Construction and fabrication of the equipment shall be completed at the contractor’s facility.

- If necessary (i.e., if remote installation cannot be achieved), installation and training will be performed at 100 Bureau Dr., Building 225, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

a.i) The government will provide access to Building 225 to the contractor for the entire period of performance of this contract.

VII. DELIVERY TERMS

Delivery shall be F.O.B Destination and shall occur in accordance with the delivery due dates provided in the above table.

FOB Destination means: The contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor shall deliver all Line Items to:

National Institute of Standards and Technology Shipping and Receiving 100 Bureau Drive, Building 301 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Attn: Matthew DiSalvo, Building 225

VIII. INSTALLATION

The system shall be installed by NIST staff with the option for Supplier to be present. This activity must lead to meeting contract specifications no later than 1 month after delivery.

Installation, at a minimum, shall include uncrating/unpackaging of all equipment, rigging, set-up and hook-up of the system, demonstration of all specifications, and removal of trash. Onsite installation shall be done at NIST, (Gaithersburg, MD- Building 225).

IX. TRAINING

The contractor shall conduct training session(s) for up to 2 users at NIST. The training shall provide a demonstration of all system/solution functions, maintenance, data administration, and basic troubleshooting. The training may be completed either on-site at the NIST Gaithersburg campus or remotely, Monday – Friday during the operating hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (eastern time), within 10 business days after installation.

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1. After the system passes the site acceptance test, the contractor shall train users on the operation and maintenance of the system.

2. The contractor shall supply the initial installation manual, utility requirements, and full system design schematics for the system at the time of award.

X. INSPECTION & ACCEPTANCE

In addition to the inspection and acceptance terms articulated in 52.212-4, the Government reserves the right to perform such performance tests and evaluations as defined below to verify specified system performance. Such tests and evaluations, if performed, shall be conducted within the environment that the system is to be operated. The Contractor has the right to be present during the tests and evaluations, if performed, at the Contractor’s expense.

Performance Tests:

1. Basic functions will be tested including:

a. Connecting the instrumentation to the control computer and MEA sensor.

b. Ensuring the instrument powers on.

c. Ensuring the control computer can communicate with and control the instrument and any accessory interfaces.

d. Ensuring the control computer records the data from the MEA sensor.

e. Ensuring the analysis software can operate with instrument’s collected data and offers the functionality listed in Line Item 0001.

f. Validation of low electrical noise Specification of Line Item 0002, including when operation of the recording unit inside a physiological incubator environment as specified in Line Item 0001.

NIST may choose at its discretion to forego this part of acceptance testing.

A visual inspection of the equipment will be performed by the NIST TPOC to identify surface defects or any form of indication that any equipment was damaged during transport to NIST.

The Government shall have sole discretion to require repair or replacement of damaged and/or nonconforming supplies at no cost to the Government. The Government at any time prior to acceptance shall reject the equipment due to defects and/or nonconformance. The vendor is responsible for latent defects discovered any time after final inspection. However, the extent of its liability shall be prorated over the useful life of the equipment.

Ownership of the equipment shall transfer to NIST upon acceptance by the Government.

The Government will test, inspect, and accept or reject the equipment within (insert working days it will take to inspect, accept or reject) of the receipt of the equipment unless otherwise indicated above. The Government reserves the right to conduct quality assurance testing to confirm that a given instrument(s) meets the manufacturer’s and/or the

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Government’s performance specifications. It is anticipated that the equipment will meet all manufacturer’s specifications and/or the Government’s performance specifications identified in the most recent operations and maintenance manual for each piece of equipment and/or in this document.

XI. WARRANTY

At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide a 12-month limited warranty, starting upon acceptance, to cover defects in materials and workmanship of the microelectrode system, excepting the microarray consumables which shall have a 6-month limited warranty at minimum.

XII. PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Advance payment is not authorized. The Contractor must invoice in arrears according to the payment schedule. The Contractor shall be paid, in accordance with Net 30-day payment terms, upon receipt and acceptance of a proper invoice, in accordance with the following schedule:

1. 100% after installation and acceptance by the TPOC of fully installed system, AND

2. After the successful completion of the testing requirements set forth in this document under section set forth in this document, AND

3. After successful demonstration by the instrumentation that it performs IAW the technical requirements set forth in this document AND

4. After receiving an invoice submitted properly, IAW the purchase order terms and conditions.

NOTE: Partial shipments and partial invoices will not be accepted, unless otherwise requested and accepted by the Contracting Officer prior to award offer. Proposed payment schedules shall be submitted with vendor’s response to the RFQ for consideration.

XIII. CONTRACTOR SUPPLIED MATERIALS

The contractor shall supply all parts, hardware, equipment, and labor required to perform the tasks listed, unless specifically noted above.

XIV. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Safety: The Contractor employee must be responsible for knowing and complying with all installation safety prevention regulations. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety, fire prevention, and waste disposal.

Security: NIST is a restricted campus. An identification badge is required for access for entry into buildings and is shown to the armed Security Police when entering the campus.

Regular Business Hours. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, excluding Federal holidays and NIST closures.

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Identification Badges: Contractor employees must comply with NIST identification and access requirements. Each Contractor employee must wear a visible identification badge provided by the NIST Security Office.

Vehicle Registration: All Contractor employees must register their vehicles with the NIST Security Office to gain access to the campus. A valid driver’s license, Government-furnished civilian ID, proof of insurance and current registration must be presented to the NIST Security Office, at which time a NIST vehicle pass will be issued. The pass must be displayed on the vehicle in accordance with NIST Security Office instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS AND EVAL CRITERIA

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The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition. Addenda to this provision is as follows:

DUE DATE FOR QUOTATIONS

Offerors shall submit their electronic quotations, via email, so that NIST receives them not later than the date on page 1. E-mail quotations shall be submitted directly to the Contract Specialist at tracy.retterer@nist.gov and Contracting Officer at forest.crumpler@nist.gov

Please reference the RFQ number in the subject line of email communications. Offerors quotations shall not be deemed received by the Government until the quotation is entered in the e-mail inbox set forth above.

PRE-QUOTE INQUIRIES (CAR 1352.215-72):

Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to both the Contract Specialist, and the Contracting Officer, listed above. Questions should be received no later than 5 calendar days after the issuance date of this solicitation. All responses to the questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract.

QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

All quotations shall conform to solicitation provisions/clauses and be prepared in accordance with this section. The quotation shall be clearly and concisely written as well as be neat, indexed (cross-indexed as appropriate) and logically assembled. Note: The term “indexed” refers to a table of contents that lists sections and page numbers. In the event that the Offeror is unable to create an indexed quotation, an alternative approach such as a Table of Contents shall suffice. All pages of the quotation shall be appropriately numbered.

In preparing the quotation, each volume shall stand on its own. For each given evaluation factor the Government will only evaluate the information provided in the corresponding section of the quotation. The Offeror’s quotation shall be clearly divided into the following distinct volumes:

Volume I – Technical Quotation Volume II – Demonstrated Experience Quotation Volume III – Price Quotation Volume IV – Terms and Conditions

Volume I - Technical Quotation:

The Quoter shall submit one (1) copy of their technical quotation, electronically, via E-mail to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer identified above. The technical quotation shall address the following:

Technical Capability:

The quoter shall submit technical approach and capability documentation which may include a narrative, charts, graphs, tables, drawings, product / service literature, and as applicable, demonstrated authority to provide the necessary items and perform the required services identified in the statement of work (Attachment 1). The documentation shall clearly describe, in

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sufficient detail, the vendor's authority, proposed items, resources and methods to successfully fulfill the requirements including specifications, performance capability requirements, delivery schedules, warranties, and all service requirements. The submission shall clearly identify each line item above. The submission must demonstrate that the proposed system meets or exceeds each minimum requirement described within the attached statement of work document by providing a citation between the statement of work paragraph and the relevant section of the technical description or product literature. The offeror must not simply state they will meet or exceed the requirement; evidence must be provided. If applicable, evidence that the offeror is authorized by the manufacturer to provide the item(s) in the quotation shall be included. A higher confidence rating will be given to products that provide the following:

CLIN 0001:

B.b.i. Higher confidence will be considered to software with native functions to reconstruct neurites and measure action potential velocity

CLIN 0002:

h.i. Higher confidence will be considered to systems achieving an ultra-fast reconfiguration switching speed of ≤ 10 ms

CLIN 0003:

g. Higher confidence will be considered to systems with ≥ 4 additional USB ports (USB3.0 or faster) and ≥ 1 open PCIe slot (≥PCIe3, x16 connector with ≥ x8 bandwidth) beyond those required to operate Line Item 0001

Volume II – Demonstrated Experience:

The quoter shall provide the following information for relevant contracts and/or projects (item and/or service) to that of the requirement in the RFQ that were completed within the past five years:

a) Experience For: Organization Name, address, phone number, email and a Reference Point of Contact (POC).

b) Role as prime contractor or subcontractor.

c) Description of the work in terms of items and services provided and relevance to

RFQ requirements.

d) Date of delivery (Items) and dates of services provided (Service contracts).

e) Contract/Project total dollar amount/value

The quoter is encouraged to focus on prior projects encompassing the same RFQ requirements and describe how these requirements were specifically supported by the quoter. The quoter may use prior experiences in which they served as a prime contractor or subcontractor;

however, experience as a prime contractor may instill higher confidence. The Government may contact the Reference POC to assess the validity and accuracy of the demonstrated prior experience submissions.

The Government reserves the right to review and consider any information contained within the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) or any other Government system, source, individual contact or any other source of information that may have knowledge or information on a quoter’s relevant experience.

Volume III - Price Quotation:

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The offeror shall submit one (1) copy of their entire quotation, electronically, via E-mail to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer identified above. The pricing quotation shall be separate from any other portion of the quotation. The offeror shall propose a firm-fixed-price for each CLIN identified above, unless otherwise noted as a Not to Exceed amount. Price quotations shall remain valid for a period of 90 days from the date quotations are due.

Offerors that are proposing products manufactured outside of the United States must identify any other or unknown charges that may be applicable to the sale of these products (here indicated as CLIN 0005 - Other related transportation expenses) as a separate line item on price quotes/proposals. This price element may be listed as part of the cost of the product or as a sub-total element but must be clearly identified. This price element must only apply to the total value of the goods identified for customs processing. Only include the country of origin and the tariff percentage currently in place or the expected amount at time of delivery for that country.

Price quotes shall clearly identify the relevant tariffs in terms of percentage and total cost. If there are multiple countries of origins and associated tariffs, identify each separately.

Volume III – Terms and Conditions:

The offeror shall review the provision and clauses attachment and complete any required information as record via a separate volume response to this solicitation.

Note: System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions:

If the offeror objects to any of the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation, the offeror shall state "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:" If the offeror does not accept the terms and conditions, the offeror shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s). It is the sole responsibility of the offeror to identify in their quotation any exceptions to the terms and conditions of the solicitation. If the offeror does not include such a statement, the submission of a quotation in response to this solicitation will be regarded as the Offeror's acceptance of the Government's terms and conditions for inclusion into the resultant purchase order (PO).

This procurement is not being conducted under the GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program or another Government-Wide Area Contract (GWAC). If an Offeror submits a quotation based upon an FSS or GWAC contract, the Government will accept the proposed price.

However, the terms and conditions stated herein will be included in any resultant purchase order, not the terms and conditions of the Offeror's FSS or GWAC contract, and the statement required above shall be included in the quotation.

(XII) Addendum to 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (DEVIATION Jan 2026) applies to this procurement.

The evaluation criteria included in paragraph (a) of the provision are as follows:

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EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Government intends to award a single purchase order (PO) from this solicitation utilizing RFO part 12. The Government reserves the right not to award a PO and to make an award without discussions based solely upon initial quotes. Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit their best technical solutions and price in response to this RFQ. The Government intends to make an award, based on best value, to the offeror with the proposed solution that is most advantageous, price and non-price factors considered. When combined, non-price factors are more important than price. As the non-price factors become more equal among offerors, price shall become more of a determining factor. The Government reserves the right not to award a PO and to make an award based solely upon initial quotes.

Evaluation Factors:

The government will make an award, based on best value, to the vendor with the proposed solution that is most advantageous, price and other factors considered. When combined, non-price factors 1 and 2 are more important than factor 3.

Factor 1: Technical Capability: The Government will evaluate the extent to which the proposed instrument and solution meets all SOW requirements to determine the level of confidence the Government has in the quoters ability to successfully deliver and perform SOW requirements. A higher confidence rating will be given to products that provide the following:

CLIN 0001:

B.b.i. Higher confidence will be considered to software with native functions to reconstruct neurites and measure action potential velocity

CLIN 0002:

h.i. Higher confidence will be considered to systems achieving an ultra-fast reconfiguration switching speed of ≤ 10 ms

CLIN 0003:

g. Higher confidence will be considered to systems with ≥ 4 additional USB ports (USB3.0 or faster) and ≥ 1 open PCIe slot (≥PCIe3, x16 connector with ≥ x8 bandwidth) beyond those required to operate Line Item 0001

Factor 2: Prior Demonstrated Experience: The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s prior demonstrated experience delivering, installing, and providing warranty and service contracts for instruments similar to the those in the SOW to determine the level of confidence the Government has in the quoters experience and ability to successfully deliver and perform SOW requirements.

Factor 3: Price: Price will be evaluated on all quotations that receive ratings above low confidence in both non-price factors. The evaluation will determine whether the proposed prices are fair and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. A price realism analysis will not be conducted. Prices must be proportionate with the technical portion of the quotation.

The evaluation of each non-price factor (factors 1 and 2) may be done holistically with a rating scale of "high confidence," "some confidence," and "low confidence," representing the Government’s confidence that the vendor understands the requirement and will be successful in performing the work per factor.

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Confidence Ratings:

High Confidence The Government has high confidence that the Quoter understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the requirements with little or no Government intervention.

Some Confidence

The Government has some confidence that the Quoter understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the requirements with some Government intervention.

Low Confidence The Government has low confidence that the Quoter understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing the requirements even with Government intervention.

Upon evaluation, if a quotation is deemed Low Confidence on any given non-price factor, that quotation may not be evaluated further by the Government.

Once the Government determines the quoter that is the best-suited (i.e., the apparent successful quoter), the Government reserves the right to communicate with only that quoter to address any remaining issues, if necessary, and finalize a contract with that quoter. These issues may include technical and price. If the parties cannot successfully address any remaining issues, as determined pertinent at the sole discretion of the Government, the Government reserves the right to communicate with the next best-suited quoter based on the original analysis and address any remaining issues. Once the Government has begun communications with the next best-suited quoter, no further communications with the previous quoter will be entertained until after the purchase order has been awarded. This process shall continue until an agreement is successfully reached and a contract is awarded.

(End of provision 52.212-2)

APPLICABLE PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

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PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference.

As prescribed in 52.107(a), insert the following provision:

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

FAR Overhaul (DEVIATIONS JAN 2026): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide CAR: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-13

(End of provision)

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

FAR Overhaul (DEVIATIONS JAN 2026): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide CAR: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-13

(End of clause)

CLAUSES/ PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation. (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.204-7 System For Award Management (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.204-13 System For Award Management Maintenance (Deviation Jan 2026) 52.204-19 Incorporation By Reference Of Representations And Certifications (Dec 2014)

52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation

52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation(DEVIATION

JAN 2026)

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52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. (DEVIATION JAN 2026) **Filled in SAM** 52.212-1 Instructions To Offerors--Commercial Products And Commercial Services (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.219-28, Post-award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (Jun 2003) 52.222-18 Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.222-90, Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services (May 2024) 52.225-4, Trade Agreements (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.226-8, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct2018) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (JUNE 2013) 52.232-40, Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.244-6, Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (DEVIATION JAN 2026) 52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (NOV 2020) 52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020) 1352.201-70 Contracting Officer Authority (APR 2010) 1352.209-73 Compliance With The Laws (APR 2010) 1352.209-74 Organizational Conflict Of Interest (APR 2010)

Full Text Provision and Clauses:

FAR 52.212-4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (DEVIATION DATE)

(a) Definitions. The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference.

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price.

If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(c) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any

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Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(d) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(e) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal, or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated in this contract by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence.

Examples of occurrences include acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. When an excusable delay occurs, the Contractor shall

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as possible;

(2) Remedy the delay as quickly as possible; and

(3) Notify the Contracting Officer when the occurrence is over.

(g) Invoice. The Government will handle invoices according to the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C.

3903) and 5 CFR part 1315. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include the information required by 5 CFR part 1315.9(b).

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees, and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark, or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date that appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(4) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

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(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable;

(D) Contractor point of contact; and

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(5) Interest.(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by FAR part 33 if–

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see FAR part 32).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a termination for cause.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on-

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures for interest credits prescribed in FAR part 32 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the

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supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon—

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. The Government will send a cure notice to the Contractor, unless the reason for the termination is late delivery. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered under this contract are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Government-financed air transportation; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(r) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services;

(2) The Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

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(3) Other contract clauses incorporated in the solicitation or contract;

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract;

(5)…