75N98026Q01227 - Requirements Document.pdf

REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT

EVOS M5000 microscope for monitoring and documenting cultured cell images

1) BACKGROUND and INTRODUCTION:

The Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory (DNL) requires a modern, reliable microscope to support ongoing research involving the culture, differentiation, monitoring, and imaging of neuronal cells. Microscopy is an essential component of these studies, allowing laboratory staff to assess cell health, morphology, growth, differentiation, and experimental outcomes. The laboratory’s current microscopy equipment has limited imaging capabilities and outdated software, which has resulted in delays, reduced imaging quality, and limitations in the accurate assessment and documentation of experimental results. These limitations have created workflow inefficiencies and increased downtime associated with the lack of suitable imaging equipment.

The EVOS M5000 microscope meets the laboratory’s requirements because it provides high-resolution digital imaging of live cells with position tracking, quantitative cell-analysis capabilities, multi modal imaging of culture plates and microscope slides, and advanced image analysis software. Its compact footprint and high-resolution monitor-based design allow it to be used within our laminar flow hood, providing a significant advantage for imaging live cells while maintaining a sterile environment and reducing the risk of contamination associated with transferring tissue culture samples to a free-standing microscope.

2) Objectives:

The primary objective is to provide the Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory with a reliable, high-quality imaging system to support ongoing research, including stem-cell differentiation studies, live-cell monitoring, and imaging of fixed and stained neurons. The microscope will improve the laboratory’s ability to assess cell health, morphology, growth, and experimental outcomes.

The new system will also improve imaging quality and workflow efficiency through modern digital imaging and analysis capabilities, while reducing delays, downtime, and contamination risk associated with the current equipment.

3) SCOPE:

The scope includes the purchase of a complete EVOS M5000 microscope system, including the microscope body, imaging components, and software required to capture, store, and analyze images. The purchase will also include installation and setup of the system.

The microscope will support imaging of live and fixed cells and will be suitable for use within a laminar flow hood, helping maintain sterile conditions during cell culture imaging.

4) TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary services, qualified personnel, materials, equipment, software, and facilities, not otherwise provided by the Government, as needed to provide and install a complete EVOS M5000 microscope imaging system for the Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory. Specifically, the Contractor shall:

• Furnish a complete Thermo Fisher Scientific EVOS M5000 microscope system suitable for monitoring and imaging cells grown in culture, including the microscope body, required imaging components, digital imaging equipment, and all necessary accessories. The system shall provide high-resolution imaging capabilities for live cells and fixed and stained neurons, including imaging of specific cellular markers.

• Furnish and install the required imaging and analysis software necessary to capture, store, process, analyze, and export high-quality images for research, documentation, and reporting. The system shall support assessment of cell health, morphology, growth, and differentiation and shall provide capabilities appropriate for ongoing studies involving differentiation of stem cells into locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons.

• Provide a compact microscope configuration suitable for placement within a laminar flow hood, allowing laboratory personnel to image cultured cells while maintaining sterile conditions and reducing the potential for contamination associated with transferring samples to a free-standing microscope.

• Provide delivery, installation, configuration, and operational verification of the complete microscope system. The Contractor shall ensure that all hardware, software, imaging components, and accessories are properly installed and functioning as an integrated system.

• Acceptance shall be demonstrated by successful installation and operation of the complete microscope system, including acquisition and analysis of representative images, as determined by Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory staff.

5) Type of Order

• Firm-fixed price.

6) Delivery Date

• September 25, 2026

7) Place of Performance

Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 111 TW Alexander Drive Durham, NC 27709

8) Deliverables

Deliverable Due Date EVOS M5000 microscope Start of Period of

Performance

9) Technical Acceptance

• NIEHS lab staff will verify functionality of the system and work with local technical scientific support to confirm operational success.

10) Government-furnished property, information, or equipment (if applicable)

Not applicable.

11) Travel Requirements (if applicable)

Not applicable.