Attachment 1 - Purchase Description_Leicaslicer_svs.pdf

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

Leica VT1200S Vibrating Blade Microtome or Equal

1. Statement of Need and Purpose:

The purpose of this requirement is to acquire a Leica VT1200S vibrating blade microtome or equal to examine the mechanisms of synaptic integration and dendritic information in dopamine neurons located in the midbrain.

2. Background Information and Objective:

Research in the Cellular Neurophysiology Section focuses on circuit and cellular properties of dopaminergic neurons located in the midbrain. We are interested in the physiology of a subset of dopamine neuron located in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) that undergo selective cell death in Parkinson’s patients. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how synaptic and intrinsic conductances (particulary calcium permeable conductances, ie voltage gated calcium channels and glutamate activated receptors) differ among subpopulations dopamine neurons with the hope that this may provide insight to why SNc dopamine neurons are particularly vulnerable in Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to identify novel physiological and genetic markers in single SNc dopamine neurons which may be useful in defining subpopulations of these neurons in a meaningful way.

This is an absolutely essential piece of equipment in our laboratory that is used by nearly everyone in their past and current studies. In fact, 100% of the published studies out of our laboratory have depended on tissue slices generated by a vibrating blade microtome. Thus, this is equipment is central to our laboratory’s experimental work. In order to study the physiology of dopamine system neurons, our lab uses the approach where we examine their excitability in live tissue slices. Access to tissue slices allow us to directly probe the activity of neurons with the highest level of experimental precision.

In order to obtain tissue slice, we need to use a high quality tissue slicer with high mechanical stability. Thus the tissue slicer is absolutely critical equipment in our laboratory.

3. Generic Name of Product:

vibrating blade microtome tissue slicer

4. Purchase Description:

Leica VT1200S or Equal inclusive of the following components:

- Tissue slicer

- Control panel

- Tool set: Allen key with handle, size 3. Allen key with handle, size 6.

Cryomanipulator. 2 futes t 1A

- Cyanacrylate glue

- Dust cover, small

- Ice tray

- Buffer tray, metal: buffer tray, lid, specimen disc, tube clamp

- Blade holder

- IFU-bundle leica VT1200S

- CD including available languages

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

- Short manual

- Power cord

5. Salient characteristics The NINDS Cellular Neurophysiology Section requires one (1) tissue slicer system that meets the following requirements:

• The system must have fully automated vibrating blade microtome for section fixed and unfixed specimens.

• The system must include robust and stable basic instrument with blade holder and adjustment screw to minimize vertical deflection below 1 um.

• The system must include blade holder turnable by 90° for safe bladeinsertion of whole razor-injector or sapphireblades. Clearance angle adjustment of 15°, 18°or 21°. Optimized blade holder design forminimised buffer spillage

• The system must include support for removable ice tray, double walled buffer tray or optional measurement device "Vibrocheck", for vertical deflection of the blade.

6. Quantity:

One (1) Leica VT1200S vibrating blade microtome or equal (inclusive of all system components and peripherals).

7. Delivery Date:

The contractor shall deliver and install the required equipment within 2 to 4 weeks after receipt of order. Delivery must be FOB Destination and must include inside installation. The equipment shall be delivered and installed between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Bethesda, MD local prevailing time, Monday through Friday.

8. Other Requirements:

The Contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician to perform setup and installation.

Warranty - The Contractor shall warrant that the equipment will be free from defects for a period of at least 12 months from the date of installation, inspection by the Government, and acceptance.