Combined Synopsis-Intramural Microscopes-NIDDK.pdf

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Title: National Institute of Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Diseases Intramural Research Microscopes Purchase

Notice ID: 75N94025Q00216

Posted Date: August 28, 2025

Response Date: September 3, 2025

Product Service Code: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

NAICS Code: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

DESCRIPTION:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This acquisition will be made in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6- “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for commercial items” as applicable, and as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is 75N94025Q00216 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

This acquisition will be awarded in accordance with FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). The provisions and clauses incorporated in this solicitation document are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05 effective 08/07/2025.

The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 1,000 employees.

The Intramural Research Program (IRP) at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has a requirement for two new confocal microscopes with new capabilities resulting from the latest array detector technology, surpassing current imaging capabilities for critical studies.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) on behalf of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) purchase order through full and open competition to fulfill this requirement.

This solicitation is NOT set aside for total small businesses.

STATEMENT OF NEED:

1.0 TITLE

National Institute of Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Diseases Intramural Research Microscopes Purchase.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and to apply that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.

As part of the NIH, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Intramural Research Program (IRP) conducts biomedical research and training related to diabetes mellitus; endocrine, bone, and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, including liver diseases and nutritional disorders; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. Intramural research is conducted in the Institute's laboratories and clinical facilities in Bethesda, Maryland and in Phoenix, Arizona.

There are currently 17 Laboratories and Branches (i.e. 17 departments with different focus areas) in the NIDDK IRP. Most if not all these areas of research, either occasionally or on an ongoing basis, require advanced light microscopy methods to qualitatively complement other assays, or as the basis of a quantitative assay.

For over 30 years, confocal microscopy has been the standard for publishing images of fluorescent cells/tissues. The basic idea behind confocal is to eliminate out-of-focus (OOF) light that contaminates an image, by using structured illumination on the sample, and using a matching aperture in the image plane to block the OOF emission.

NIDDK IRP requires 2 new confocal microscopes to replace current microscopes that are over 10 years old. The new microscopes will provide new capabilities resulting from the latest array detector technology, surpassing current imaging capabilities for critical studies.

New microscopes provide access to advanced optical enhancement techniques, enabling exploration of new ways of observing and manipulating light. Additionally, new state of the art microscopes will permit new imaging experiments that were not practical or possible before.

3.0 TYPE OF ORDER

This requirement will be awarded as a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order.

4.0 SPECIAL ORDER REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

The new microscopes shall provide new capabilities resulting from the latest array detector technology, surpassing current imaging capabilities for critical studies, with 3-20x faster speed, and/or with 1.4-2x the resolution, and/or with 3-10x the sensitivity.

4.1.1 LSM 990 (Configuration 1).

The new LSM 980/990 microscope provides access to advanced optical enhancement techniques and must be compatible with Coherent Chameleon laser fit the existing room for confocal system, and the microscope should fit the existing air table.

The new microscope must offer Airyscan super-resolution detection fully integrated with ZEN Blue software, come with a Coherent Chameleon Non-linear optic imaging laser.

Axio Observer 7 NLO RP m/DF3 f/LSM 990 with fully motorized, high precision XY scanning stage.

Digital laser module with four laser lines: 405, 488, 561, and 640 nm LSM 990 with Airyscan 2 module for super-resolution and high-speed multiplex imaging The super resolution detector must have 32 detection units capable of detecting 1.25

AU of information for increased sensitivity and resolution at a resolution of 0.2 AU/ detector. The 32-channel array offers flexibility in scanning speed allowing for one pixel at a time, 2 pixels or 4 pixels at a time scanning regime. The multiple pixel scanning approach offers scan speeds up to ~19 fps @ 512x512. Ideal for increased throughput while maintaining the same improvement in sensitivity. Capable of collecting entire spectra in a single acquisition across the entire visible range. Allows separation of autofluorescence via linear unmixing with multiple fluorophores. Must support online spectral unmixing in near-real time.

AI Sample Finder for rapid identification and focusing of regions of interest;

automated sample finding and focusing.

High-speed sCMOS overview camera for fast tiling and navigation Transmitted DIC optics including motorized condenser and DIC sliders for multiple objectives Objectives, including at least or supporting existing ZEISS versions onsite:

o Plan-Apochromat 10×/0.45 o Plan-Apochromat 20×/0.8 o C-Apochromat 63x/1.20 W Corr UV-VIS-IR o Plan-Apochromat 40×/1.3 Oil DIC o EC Plan-Neofluar 5x/0.16 WD=18.5 M27

Fluorescence filters compatible with DAPI, FITC, and TRITC channels ZEN Blue Software and Imaging Workstation:

o System is operated via ZEN Blue 3.12 platform (Windows 10/11 x64), Zeiss’s flagship imaging environment for confocal, Airyscan, and Lightfield modalities o Licensed modules include: Advanced Acquisition Toolkit for intelligent, flexible imaging workflows.

o Airyscan 2 and Joint Deconvolution modules for super-resolution and multiplexed high-speed imaging o Toolkit 2D and 3D for advanced image segmentation, quantification, and visualization o ZEN Microscopy Copilot, an AI-based assistant for workflow guidance and efficiency

4.1.1.1 Ship to:

The National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Building 50, 50 South drive, Microscope room # 3233, Bethesda Maryland 20892.

The following Project Officer(s) will represent the Government for the purpose of this Purchase Order:

Project Officer: Minoo Shakoury-Elizeh Alternate Project Officer: Boris Baibakov

4.1.1.2 Training:

Training will be provided by the vendor for up to two individuals chosen by NIDDK

4.1.2 LSM 910 Confocal Microscope System with Lightfield 4D Imaging Module and AI-Guided Automation (Configuration 2).

The new microscope must offer Airyscan super-resolution detection fully integrated with ZEN Blue software.

LSM 910 scan head with two GaAsP PMTs and one Airyscan 2 detector Digital laser module with four laser lines: 405, 488, 561, and 640 nm Airyscan 2 module for super-resolution and high-speed multiplex imaging The super resolution detector must have 32 detection units capable of detecting 1.25 AU of information for increased sensitivity and resolution at a resolution of 0.2 AU/ detector. The 32-channel array shall offer flexibility in scanning speed allowing for one pixel at a time, 2 pixels or 4 pixels at a time scanning regime. The multiple pixel scanning approach offers scan speeds up to ~19 fps @ 512x512. Ideal for increased throughput while maintaining the same improvement in sensitivity.

Lightfield 4D module with ZEN acquisition and processing software, enabling capture of full volumetric datasets at high temporal resolution. Lightfield 4D module for high-speed volumetric imaging from a single snapshot

Piezo Z drive with 500 µm travel range for high-speed Z-stack acquisition

AI Sample Finder for rapid identification and focusing of regions of interest

High-speed sCMOS overview camera for fast tiling and navigation Transmitted DIC optics including motorized condenser and DIC sliders for multiple objectives Objectives, including at least:

o 2.5x objective optimized for initial automated sample identification.

o 10x objective (NA ≥ 0.45) suitable for high-quality fluorescence overview imaging and Lightfield.

o 20x objective (NA ≥ 0.8) suitable for high-quality fluorescence imaging and Lightfield.

o Long working distance 25x objective for water, oil, glycerol and silicone immersion (NA ≥ 0.8) suitable for high-quality fluorescence imaging and Lightfield o 40x oil immersion objective (NA ≥ 1.3) necessary for high-resolution confocal and super-resolution imaging.

Fluorescence filters compatible with DAPI, FITC, TRITC, Cy5, and Cy7 channels ZEN Blue Software and Imaging Workstation:

System shall be operated via ZEN Blue 3.12 platform (Windows 10/11 x64)

Licensed modules include:

o Smart Acquisition and Advanced Acquisition Toolkit for intelligent, flexible imaging workflows o Airyscan 2 and Joint Deconvolution modules for super-resolution and multiplexed high-speed imaging o Toolkit 2D and 3D for advanced image segmentation, quantification, and visualization o ZEN Microscopy Copilot, an AI-based assistant for workflow guidance and efficiency ZEN LSM Plus for resolution enhancement in standard confocal data

The Super Resolution detector must be usable in combination with the other GaAsP detectors in a seamless line switch approach to increase the flexibility of data acquisition of multiple labels.

Motorized Inverted Microscope Stand:

o Fully motorized stage capable of accommodating multiple sample formats including up to 4 slides at once and multi-well plates.

o Piezo-driven stage insert with high-precision z-axis movement (resolution of at least 1 nm and reproducibility ± 5 nm), required for fast and highly reproducible optical sectioning and z-stack acquisition.

o with motorized 6-position nosepiece and motorized XY scanning stage

Automated Sample Finding and Focusing:

o Integrated artificial intelligence (AI)-based sample finder for rapid, automated identification and focusing on samples to streamline imaging workflow.

Rapid Volume Acquisition Detector:

o Must include Lightfield 4D, featuring a 37 Multiarray lens and a high speed sCMOS camera, offering a complete 3D volume in a single snap. No Z stack acquisition is required, must offer increased throughput and reduced photobleaching and be ideal for high throughput of large samples with no wavelength restriction, with a 405 to 735 nm excitation range.

Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) and Transmitted Light Imaging:

o Equipped with a transmitted light detector capable of capturing DIC images, essential for visualization of unstained tissue morphology alongside fluorescence signals.

Laser Sources:

o Integrated solid-state diode lasers with multiple excitation wavelengths (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, and 640 nm) that can enable versatile fluorescent dye usage and multiplex imaging capability.

Vibration Isolation and Stability:

o High-performance air table vibration isolation system necessary for maintaining optical stability and precision during high-resolution imaging.

Advanced Image Acquisition and Analysis Software:

o Integrated software capable of advanced image acquisition (including z-stacking, tile scanning, automated stitching, and multi-channel imaging).

o Must include advanced software modules for real-time processing and analysis, including image stitching, 3D reconstruction, and automated quantification of fluorescently labeled targets.

o Software must have capabilities for applying AI-based methods for image enhancement, segmentation, and quantification to support advanced analytical workflows.

Additional Unique Capabilities:

o Capability for fast, automated 3D volumetric imaging of large biological samples with minimal photobleaching, ideal for long-term sample preservation.

o Automated calibration and alignment features to maintain system performance and reproducibility across multiple imaging sessions.

Delivered with a high-performance HP Z8 G5 workstation or equivalent featuring 20 TB RAID storage, 8 TB SSD, NVIDIA RTX A5000 GPU, and 4K monitor, optimized for processing large microscopy datasets

4.1.2.1 Ship to:

Dr. Richard Proia NIH, NIDDK, Genetics and Biochemistry Branch Building 10, Room 10S210 Bethesda, MD 20892

Delivery must occur within 90 days of the purchase order award, unless otherwise coordinated. Installation and performance verification must be completed by certified Zeiss personnel.

4.1.2.2 Training:

On-site training for up to four users must be provided within 5 business days of installation. Training will cover hardware operation, software, 4D workflows, and maintenance procedures.

The provisions and clauses incorporated in this solicitation document are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-05 effective 08/07/2025. The acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12, and FAR Part 13.

The following FAR Clauses are applicable to this solicitation:

The offeror must include a completed copy of the provision of FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) (Deviation Feb 2025) with its offer. The provisions of FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items - FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items; and FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2025) (Deviation Feb 2025); FAR Clause 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (Jan 2025) (Deviation Feb 2025) – Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions apply to this acquisition.

Note: In order to receive an award, contractor must have an active registration in www.sam.gov for all awards and shall continue to have an active registration until time of award, during performance, and through final payment. Failure to maintain an active SAM registration can jeopardize the award or result in non-payment. Lack of valid registration in SAM will make an offeror ineligible for award.

The offeror must include their Unique Entity ID (UEI), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size.

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 agency solicitations, including 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals— Representation, and paragraph (t) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Agencies will not consider or use these representations. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in

SAM.”

Note: NIH Invoice and Payment Provisions are added as an addendum to FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items. See Attachment 1 - NIH Invoice and Payment Provisions.

FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services [(DEVIATION FEB 2025)], applies to this acquisition and is attached in full text. See Attachment 2 - FAR 52.212-5

(JAN 2025) [(DEVIATION FEB 2025)].

BASIS FOR AWARD AND EVALUATION

Evaluation of quotes will be conducted in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 (b)(3) procedures.

The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Priced Purchase Order from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror who provides the quote most advantageous to the Government.

The Government may reject any quote that is evaluated to be non-compliant with the solicitation requirements, unreasonably high or low in price, or reflects a failure to comprehend the requirement. The Government reserves the right to make no award if quotes do not meet the requirements of this solicitation.

Award will be made to the contractor providing the most advantageous quote to the government, technical factors and cost/price considered.

Vendors will be evaluated on their capabilities to provide the product to the specifications described in the Contractor Requirements section.

SUBMISSION & GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your firm’s quote shall become a part of the official contract file. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which is not identified in the quote.

Quotes must contain a statement to the effect that the offer is valid for a period of at least 30 days from the date of receipt by the Government.

Quote submittal must also include the following:

All submittals must include a completed FAR Provision 52.204-24, 52.204-26 and 52.213-3 unless already completed in the System for Award Management (SAM). If already provided in the vendors SAM.gov profile, and do not conflict with the requirements as stated in this solicitation, please provide a statement to the effect of “Provisions 52.204-24, 52.204-26 and 52.213-3 are complete and accurate per our SAM.gov registration dated 00/00/0000.

All attachments must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe Portable Format (PDF).

All correspondence must have Notice ID “75N94025Q00216” included in the subject line.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

If there are questions regarding this requirement, please submit your inquiries immediately via email but no later than 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time Friday, August 29, to the point of contact listed below:

Usha Raman Contracting Officer Email: ramanu2@mail.nih.gov

Note: Questions submitted by a method other than email will not be accepted. Any questions received after the specified cut-off time and date above will not be accepted or answered unless the Contracting Officer deems it necessary. All email inquiries must have the Solicitation number 75N94025Q00216 included in the subject line.

QUOTATION SUBMITTAL

All inquiries regarding this solicitation, Questions and Quotations submitted in response to this solicitation must be sent via email no later than Tuesday, September 3, 2025, by 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time to the point of contact listed below:

Name: Usha Raman Contracting Officer Email: ramanu2@mail.nih.gov

Note: It’s the Offeror’s responsibility to read the RFQ and all related documents carefully.

Additionally, it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure/verify the Government receives its submission on or before the date/time specified. The Government reserves the right to not accept any late quotes. Please do not wait until the deadline to submit your quotation.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment 1 – NIH Invoicing Instructions with IPP (MAR 2023)

Attachment 2 – FAR 52.212-5 (JAN 2025) [(DEVIATION FEB 2025)]