CSS 75N95024Q00571.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION

COMPETITIVE

Title: Brand-name or Equal: Evident Scientific, Inc.’s Olympus Automated VS200 Slide

Scanner System

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number is 75N95024Q00571 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

This acquisition is for commercial products or services and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures; FAR Subpart 13.5—Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items; and FAR Part 12— Acquisition of Commercial Items, and is not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-06, dated August 29, 2024.

The associated NAICS code is 334516 and the small business size standard is 1,000 employees. This soliciatiton competed on a full and open basis with no set-aside restrictions.

Purchase Description The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has a requirement for a Evident Scientific, Inc.’s Automated VS200 Slide Scanner System microscopy or equal.

Background and Requirement The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s leading medical research agency and the primary Federal agency whose mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

The Cellular Neurophysiology Section (CNS) research in 12 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 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.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-12.6#FAR_Subpart_12_6

The Cellular Neurophysiology Section requires a Evident Scientific, Inc.’s Automated VS200 Slide Scanner System microscopy to analyze mouse brain sections. The automated slide scanner allows CNS lab members to image up to 6 slides at a time with minimal human hours;

maybe 15-20 minutes of initial setup, then the entire slide will be imaged overnight. Using a traditional microscope, it would take one of the CNS lab members ~1 full day to image all of the brain sections on 1 slide. With an automated slide scanner, 6 slides can be imaged overnight, and the decrease in time at the microscope allows lab members to be more efficient with their projects. Thus, the automated slide scanner will significantly increase the CN’s productivity.

The NINDS CNS focuses on circuit and cellular properties of dopaminergic neurons located in the midbrain and is 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, the laboratory’s staff are interested in understanding how synaptic and intrinsic conductance differs among subpopulations dopamine neurons with the hope that this may provide insight to why SNc dopamine neurons are particularly vulnerable in Parkinson’s disease.

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 by conducting microscopy to analyze mouse brain sections, the brand-name item that meets NINDS need is Evident Scientific, Inc.’s Automated VS200 Slide Scanner System.

The significant, essential physical, functional, performance, or material element(s) that are the Government’s minimum acceptable standards for an equivalent system to meet the government’s objective are as follows:

An equivalent automated slide scanner system shall:

- have microscope objectives that include the following objectives with its listed magnifications:

• Objective 1, 2x ACH

• Objective 2, 20x XAPO

• Objective 3, 10X UPLXAPO (OFN26.5, NA0.40, WD3.1mm)

• Objective 4, 40X UPLXAPO (OFN26.5, NA0.95, WD0.18mm, W/CC)

• Objective 5, 4x UPLXAPO

• Objective 6, 40X UPLSAPO40XS (U Plan S-Apo N 40X Si Oil Objective, NA

1.25, WD 0.30MM,W/CC, BFP1)

- have fluorescence cubes with the following filter sets:

• Filter set 1, mCherry Filter set that includes the following filters,

• 578/21X/BS596/641/75M

• Filter set 2, ET-ECFP Filter Set 436/20X, BS455, 480/40M w/BX3 cube.

• Filter set 3, ET-EYFP Filter Set 500/20X, BS515, 535/30M w/BX3 cube.

• Filter set 4, this is a custom filter set that shall contain filters that can visualize Penta.

• DA, FITC, TRITC, Cy5, Cy7 Sedat set, 25mm filters, no cube.

- Have a color camera to image the slides that is an ORCA-Fusion BT back-thinned Gen- IIIsCMOS camera to image up to 30 frames per second at full-frame.

- Have a light source in order to illuminate samples with the equivalent X-Cite XYLIS II, XT730S (365nm) specifications.

- Have a workstation that includes an integrated computer, monitor and software. The software should perform 3D deconvolution that takes advantage of deep learning algorithms. The software shall perform automatic focus mapping, automatic scanning, automatic stitching, Z-stack imaging, and extended focus imaging (EFI). The software should use the following image formats: VSI, JPEG, TIFF, DICOM. The software shall also perform stepless zooming, zooming while scanning, make annotations, perform screen capture and have a slide loader control panel.

- The scanner system shall be warranted, and the Contractor shall warrant its equipment against defects in material, fabrication, or workmanship for a minimum of one (1) year from the date the Government accepts delivery of the item.

Salient Characteristics The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are as follows:

• The following objectives - 2x ACH and 20 X XAPO objectives, 4x UPLXAPO objectives, UPLXAPO10X air, UPLXAPO40X, UPLSAPO40XS

• -an X-Cite Xylis light source

• -the Sedat penta-cube filter set (DAPI, FITC, TRITC, CY5, CY7)

• -additional filter cubes for CFP, YFP, mCherry

• -automatic oil dispenser

• -Hamamatsu Orca Fusion Camera

• -1X6 slide tray for standard slides

• -1X2 slide tray for 4X3 slides

Contract Type The Government intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

Period and Place of Performance The Contractor shall provide delivery and installation of the Olympus Automated VS200 Slide Scanner System described above within 120 days after receipt of order. Delivery must be FOB Destination and must include inside installation, between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except on Federal holidays). Delivery shall be to the following address:

National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke Cellular Neurophysiology Section Porter Neuroscience Building 35 Convent Dr, 3C-1002 Bethesda, MD 20892

USA

The Contractor shall coordinate installation with the NINDS Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) [to be identified at time of award] at the time the Olympus Automated VS200 Slide Scanner System is ready to be shipped. The Contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-certified personnel to perform onsite setup and installation.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) The following Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will represent the Government for the purpose of this contract:

[To be specified at time of award]

The COR is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract; or (6) sign written licensing agreements. The Government may unilaterally change its COR designation.

Offerors proposing oe equal products must provide brochures and/or published technical specifications that provide evidence of those products’ ability to meet all specifications listed in the “Salient Characteristics” section of this solicitation.

Options – Not applicable and will not be evaluated.

A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

Offerors quotation shall include a completed copy of FAR provision 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (see Attachment 2).

FAR clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023), applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference.

Addenda to FAR clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions— Commercial Products and Commercial Services apply to this acquisition. The additional contract terms and conditions are provided in Attachment 2.

52.242-15 Stop-Work Order (Aug. 1989)

(a) The Contracting Officer may, at any time, by written order to the Contractor, require the Contractor to stop all, or any part, of the work called for by this contract for a period of 90 days after the order is delivered to the Contractor, and for any further period to which the parties may agree. The order shall be specifically identified as a stop-work order issued under this clause.

Upon receipt of the order, the Contractor shall immediately comply with its terms and take all reasonable steps to minimize the incurrence of costs allocable to the work covered by the order during the period of work stoppage. Within a period of 90 days after a stop-work is delivered to the Contractor, or within any extension of that period to which the parties shall have agreed, the Contracting Officer shall either --

(1) Cancel the stop-work order; or

(2) Terminate the work covered by the order as provided in the Default, or the Termination for Convenience of the Government, clause of this contract.

(b) If a stop-work order issued under this clause is canceled or the period of the order or any extension thereof expires, the Contractor shall resume work. The Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment in the delivery schedule or contract price, or both, and the contract shall be modified, in writing, accordingly, if --

(1) The stop-work order results in an increase in the time required for, or in the Contractor’s cost properly allocable to, the performance of any part of this contract; and

(2) The Contractor asserts its right to the adjustment within 30 days after the end of the period of work stoppage; provided, that, if the Contracting Officer decides the facts justify the action, the Contracting Officer may receive and act upon the claim submitted at any time before final payment under this contract.

(c) If a stop-work order is not canceled and the work covered by the order is terminated for the convenience of the Government, the Contracting Officer shall allow reasonable costs resulting from the stop-work order in arriving at the termination settlement.

(d) If a stop-work order is not canceled and the work covered by the order is terminated for default, the Contracting Officer shall allow, by equitable adjustment or otherwise, reasonable costs resulting from the stop-work order.

(End of Clause)

FAR 52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999)

(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as “brand name or equal,” the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are specified in the solicitation.

(b) To be considered for award, offers of “equal” products, including “equal” products of the brand name manufacturer, must-

(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;

(2) Clearly identify the item by-

(i) Brand name, if any; and

(ii) Make or model number;

(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer;

and

(4) Clearly describe any modifications the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modifications.

(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate “equal” products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an “equal” product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

(End of provision)

FAR clause 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders–Commercial Items (May 2024), applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference. The clauses applicable to this acquisition are provided in Attachment 3.

The below listed provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition and are provided in full text in Attachments 2, 3, and 4. Offerors MUST complete the provisions at FAR 52.204-24 and 52.204- 26 in accordance with FAR 4.2103 Procedures and submit with its quotation.

• FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) (See Attachment 2)

• FAR 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (Oct 2020) (See Attachment 2)

• FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (MAY 2024) (See Attachment 3)

• NIH Invoice and Payment Provisions with IPP (See Attachment 4)

The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Serivces (Sep 2023), applies to this acquisition and is incorporated by reference.

The provision at FAR clause 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Sercices (Nov 2021), applies to this acquisition.

(a) The Government will award a purchase order resulting from this solicitation on the basis of lowest price technically acceptable. Technical acceptability will be evaluated based upon the following:

1. The Offeror must include in its quotation brand name or equal products as described in this solicitation.

2. Or Equal products must meet or exceed each salient characteristic in the “Salient Characteristics” section of this solicitation.

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable to this requirement.

Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror’s capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the technical evaluation criteria.

In addition to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), offeror’s certification of business size must be included in its response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov at the time of response submission.

All responses must be received on or before 9:00 AM Eastern Time on September 12, 2024 and reference RFQ number 75N95024Q00571. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f). Responses shall be submitted electronically to the Shayna Simpson, Contract Specialist at shayna.simpson@nih.gov.

Fax responses will not be accepted.

For questions regarding this solicitation, please contact the Shayna Simpson at shayna.simpson@nih.gov.

Attachments:

Attachment 1 - Purchase Description Attachment 2 - Additional Terms and Conditions Attachment 3 - FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and

Commercial Services (MAY 2024) Attachment 4 - NIH Invoicing Instructions with IPP http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:shayna.simpson@nih.gov mailto:shayna.simpson@nih.gov