3. Sources Sought_75N95021Q00233.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

1. Solicitation Number: 75N95021Q00233

2. Title: Advanced Image Analysis Module (AIAM) upgrade to existing FCS Express Image Cytometry Analysis Software (FCSE) provided by De Novo Software (DNS).

3. NAICS Code: 541511, Custom Computer Programming Services with standard size $30 mil.

Introduction:

This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

Background:

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Flow and Imaging Cytometry Core Facility (FICCF) provides routine use of conventional flow cytometry, imaging cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and in situ multispectral microscope imaging technology and application techniques to assay a multitude of biological properties at the molecular, subcellular, cellular and tissue levels, as specified by NINDS and other NIH intramural investigators. To this end, the NINDS FICCF owns flow cytometry and imaging equipment which requires periodic upgrades, replacements and/or addition of new state-of-the-art equipment featuring new bioassay technologies and techniques to ensure full operational performance to optimally support continuoulsly evolving research requirements performed at the Facility. FICCF needs to purchase a unique customized solution for image cytometry data analysis of ultra-high resolution, multi parameter images in order to continue to innovate and provide optimal services to NINDS and other Institutes at NIH, which collaborate with NINDS.

Purpose and Objectives:

Image Cytometry Analysis Module and Software is needed with the technical specifications listed in the salient characteristics section below.

Salient characteristics: Advanced Image Analysis Module must provide seamless integration and compatibility with big image cytometry data analysis of ultra-high resolution (up to 300,000 x 300,000 pixel), multi-parametric (up to 100 channels), high-definition (8-bit and 16-bit BigTIFF) image datasets sourced from whole specimen multiplex IHC image scans of murine, monkey and human brain tissue samples routinely acquired at the FICCF to support basic and clinical research within NINDS. Full list of functionalities to be included in this AIAM software upgrade to meet FICCF requirements are as follows:

1) Image Loading and Exporting: 1a) Ability to load up to 100 channels of full-resolution 8 or 16-bit BigTiff images with sizes of up to 300,000 x 300,000 pixels in each dimension per image. 1b) Ability to save/export high-resolution FCS Express image plots and specified ROIs with back gating visualization information (i.e., masks) at any zoom in publishable high-quality standard image formats (such as tif, pdf, jpg, bmp, etc.). 1c) Enhance ICE format to be able to specify groups of groupings of parameters together. For example, grouping multiple channels associated with neurons and subgrouping those channels as nucleus/soma/processes/… as would be specified in the ICE file. 1d) Enhance ICE loader to be able to read and load up to 100 image channels of up to 300,000 x 300,000 pixels in both 8 and 16-bit BigTiff image format. Enhance 1e) ICE Loader to be able to read classification parameters (so we can read in which structure each cell belongs to). 1f) Create Pre-loader tool that will generate a pyramid stack based on image resizing algorithm to be determined by the user. User will provide the resizing algorithm that is applicable both for images and masks.

2) High Speed Image Rendering of Ultra High-Resolution Images. 2a) Ability to pan in real time through high resolution images. 2b) Ability to zoom in real time using the mouse wheel through high resolution images. 2c) Ability to pan the images in real time at any resolution using display window sliders. 2d) Ability to pan the images in real time at any resolution using keyboard arrow keys.

3) Layer Merging. 3a) Add transparency to each overlay, with user-controlled opacity settings. 3b) Allow creation of composite layer based upon Add, Subtract of other existing layers. 3c) Back gating should be able to be applied to merged layers. 3d) May require a fixed number of merged layers per plot. 3e) Layers will be displayed in folder structure as specified in the ICE file.

4) Image Manipulation. 4a) The following image manipulation algorithms will be able to be applied to individual images: pseudo coloring, brightness, contrast, gamma correction and color saturation. 4b) Adjustments will be applied to the image, irrespective of the zoom level. 4c) Adjustments of user-defined image parameter settings provided using the aforementioned image manipulation tools provided in FCS Express can be collectively applied to any other individual user-selected image dataset or multiple batches of image datasets using a seamless multi-parametric copy/paste/save settings function applied either individually or using automated batch file processing. User will still be able to additionally adjust the copied multi-parametric image settings applied individually on each image plot using the aforementioned image manipulation tools. These functionalities will be done as transformations, so that user can apply multiple settings from one optimized image dataset to another and/or batch of image datasets. Then, each transformation step just stores the transformation settings (i.e., the contrast settings) to the header of the data file, and then those image settings get applied to the plot. For each image setting the plots will have a “use default” or a custom one.

5) Site License support. Advanced Image Analysis Module must be seamlessly integrated into an updated standard FCS Express site license for multi-user support at the Core Facility.

Delivery Date: Within 90 days of purchase.

Capability statement /information sought: Contractors that believe that they possess the ability to provide the required services, should submit documentation on their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contract Specialist.

The Contractor should directly and specifically state in the, capabilities statement, which project requirements can be meet and/or supplied. The Contractor must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.

The information submitted must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required.

The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone number, and e-mail addresses.

All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist at polina.klimenkova@nih.gov.

The response must be received on or before June 25, 2021 at 11 am, Eastern Time.

Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published on beta.sam.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).