1.20 Request for Information (RFI) - Confocal Microscope System.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

INTRODUCTION

The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk (FLCN) is issuing this RFI as a means of conducting market research to identify qualified and capable sources to provide the United States Naval Academy (USNA) with a confocal microscope system in accordance with Section 3.0 of the Statement of Work Statement (SOW). The inverted motorized microscope must be capable of imaging objects ranging from 1-500 microns in size with resolution as low as ~100 nm for multiple colors with both tunable filters and spectral imaging. Objectives needed with a magnification ranging from at least 4x to 60x. Capable for long-term measurements on the microscope including maintain focus, visiting multiple locations and maintaining a consistent temperature with an incubation system.

Subject to FAR clause 52.215-3 entitled “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes,” this announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Notice for information and planning purposes for qualified and experienced sources to provide USNA with a confocal microscope system in accordance with Section 3.0 of the SOW. This is not a solicitation announcement for quotes and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. It is not to be construed in any way as a commitment by the Government for any purpose other than to gain the information requested, nor will the Government pay for the information submitted in response. Interested/capable parties are encouraged to respond to this RFI/Sources Sought Notice.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall provide the confocal microscope system to the United States Naval Academy address listed in the Statement of Work.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) Chemistry Department has the need to support both research and project-based learning in biological chemistry. A confocal microscope system is a critical tool for both understanding biochemical processes at the cellular level and material science.

It allows non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging of structures in both materials and living cells, which is an area of interest for both Midshipmen and faculty researchers. The use of fluorescent labels means that specific molecules or components can be identified in a complex space amongst other unlabeled structures. The current microscope is reaching the end of its lifetime and there is no other system available at the Naval Academy that can replicate its capabilities. Technological advances made in the last 10 years have improved both the speed and capabilities of confocal systems, which will expand the possible measurements that can be performed. A new inverted confocal-microscope setup equipped with a cage incubator will also open up more possible biochemical and biological uses compared to the current set-up, which will further increase the number of users.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

The Contractor shall provide a confocal microscope system in support of the areas specified in Program Background (above). Specific tasks are outlined in Section 3.00 of the draft Statement of Work (SOW) attached to this announcement (Attachment 1).

If your organization has the potential capacity to provide these supplies and maintenance services, please provide the following information: 1) Organization name, address, email address, web site address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization; and 2) capability statement addressing the particulars of this effort, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of such capability.

[Note: In accordance with FAR 10.001(b), the Government is requesting potential sources to submit only the minimum information necessary.]

ELIGIBILITY

The applicable NAICS code for this requirement is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a Small Business Size Standard of 1000 (# of employees). The Product Service Code is 6650, Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components And Accessories.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION DETAILS (CAPABILITIES

STATEMENT)

A draft Performance Work Statement of (PWS) is attached for review (Attachment 1).

Capability Statement must address at a minimum the following items:

1.) What type of confocal microscope systems your company provide and if your company has provided these items to the Government in the past in support of the same or similar requirement?

2.) Provide a statement including current small/large business status and company profile to include number of employees, annual revenue history, office locations, DUNs number, etc.

3.) Respondents to this notice also must indicate whether they qualify as a Small, Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, HUBZone, or Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern.

The contract type is anticipated to be Firm, Fixed-Price.

Your response to this RFI, including any capabilities statement, shall be electronically submitted to Cody Ellis by email at cody.c.ellis.civ@us.navy.mil in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF).

All data received in response to this Sources Sought that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government.

No phone calls will be accepted.

(Attachment 1) Statement of Work (SOW) – Statement of Work_Confocal Microscope System.pdf