FBO_For_Fluorescence_Microscope.pdf

DESCRIPTION: The National Institutes of Health – LNCB at NIAAA performs fluorescence imaging experiments of whole brain tissues on multiple slides and intends to procure the services of a contractor to provide a Fluorescence Microscope (Model: BZ-X800)

Microscopy is and continues to be a foundational technique in modern biological research. Significant advancements in technology over the last decade now allow the Labs within NIAAA to perform a variety of techniques such as image cells in real time, study nucleic acid expression in vivo, perform micromanipulation with increasing accuracy, and generate 3D images of internal structures of live animals, to name a few. The use of microscopes to image, measure, and manipulate biological samples continues to be a pillar of many types of research fields that seek to answer a wide variety of questions in biology and health. As such, the importance of microscopy to the work of every lab in the Division cannot be overstated.

The Fluorescence Microscope (Model: BZ-X800) is a fully automated unit for a bright field and fluorescent microscopy. The base model has the capability of advanced functions such as high-resolution image stitching, and the plate scanning and analysis function.

This All-in-one Fluorescence Miscroscope will (1) provide simple setup and easy operation with excellent imaging quality, (2) save lab space since it comes with a built-in darkroom, and (3) enable us to perform a batch acquisition and analysis of large data sets from multiple slides, thereby saving time. . The Lab requires a microscope with automated histological analysis of whole brain sections of lysosomal storage disease mouse model to determine the efficacy of therapies.

Due to Covid-density restrictions, other similar microscopes are unavailable for researchers and so, the Lab needs to purchase their own.

The BZ-X800 Microscope from Keyence is the only option that provides the desired combination of capabilities as well as upgradeability without the need for hardware modification. The desired configuration includes automated plate scanning and associated analysis software. It is the only setup that captures images in a standard format (.tif) which is necessary to utilize images in publications, presentation, etc. while simultaneously embedding metadata in the image file that is required for seamless analysis and capture condition reproduction. The BZ-X800 is the only tool that allows for reproduction from a non-proprietary file format. The microscope can also be upgraded to include structured illumination microscopy (SIM) without the need for hardware modification. This will allow for the addition of SIM in the future without having to service or send away the equipment, which would otherwise render it unusable during the upgrade service.

This proposed procurement is for supplies for which the government intends to award as a sole source to the original manufacturer, Keyence Corporation . They are the only provider who also provides installation, training, support, and service of the equipment. Any other service or support provider including installation is not authorized by Keyence Corp..

The contractor shall provide the following Supplies and service for BZ-X800:

Item # Description

BZ-X810 BZX Fluorescence Microscope

BZ-X800E BZX Fluorescence Microscope

BZ SUPPORT PACKAGE BZ Support Package

BZ-H4XD BZX Hardware Module

BZ-H4A BZX Software

OP-87762 BZX Accessory

OP-87763 BZX Accessory

OP-87765 BZX Accessory

OP-87766 BZX Accessory

BZ-PA02 BZ Objective Lens (2x)

BZ-PA10 BZ Objective Lens (10x)

BZ-PA20 BZ Objective Lens (20x)

BZ-PA40 BZ Objective Lens (40x)

BZ-PA60 BZ Objective Lens (60x Oil)

972326 Win10 PC for BZ-X800

972072B 23" MONITOR

BZ-H4XI BZX Hardware Module

BZ-H4C BZX Software

BZ-H4CM BZX Software

Assessment of Capability

The contractor will be evaluated on their capability to provide the product to the specifications as stated on the solicitation

The determination by the Government to award a contract without providing for full and open competition is based upon the market research conducted as prescribed in FAR Part 10—Market

Research. Only one source is available: Per FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) the Contracting Officer has determined that Keyence Corporation is the sole provider of the BZ-X800 Microscope. However, we intend on posting this requirement to see if there are any small business vendors who can distribute the very same supplies and services.

In order to comply with the requirements in this Special Notice # NICHD-22-157, the responses should be based on our interpretation of the general requirements provided above. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all quotes received within the time and date of publication of this "Special Notice” will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a potential competitive procurement. The government reserves the right to make the offer open and receive competitive quotes for evaluation.

In order to compete for this requirement, interested parties must be registered in the Central Contracting Registration/SAM and submit a price quotation by 10:00 am, ET, July 15, 2022. Offerors should submit one copy of the quote to MOE FILALI via email. Electronic transmissions to Moe.Filali@nih.gov are preferable but must be timely. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure the proposal is received by the date and time shown above.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulations clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Mar 2005), 52.212-4 (Sept 2005), 52.212- 5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes of Executive Orders-Commercial Items (Aug 2006). (6)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246). (18) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (19) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793). (20) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (31) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

Primary Point of Contact:

MOE FILALI Contracting Office Address:

NIH/NICHD Office of Acquisitions

6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 1145D

Bethesda, MD 20817

(w) 301.827 7737

Moe.filali@nih.gov mailto:Moe.filali@nih.gov