NIH-NINDS-CSS-75N95019Q00246.pdf

STREAMLINED SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION

COMPETITIVE

Title: Electrophysiology and Multiphoton Imaging Rigs for the NINDS Laboratory of Circuits, Synapses, and Molecular Signaling (LCSMS)

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items 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; request for quotations (RFQ) are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) The solicitation number is NIH-NINDS-CSS-75N95019Q00246 and the solicitation is issued as RFQ.

This acquisition is for a commercial item 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 expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2019-03, dated Jul 12, 2019.

(iv) The associated NAICS code 334516 and the small business size standard 1,000 employees. This requirement is full and open with no set-aside restrictions

(v) The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is establishing a new laboratory that will use cutting-edge physiological, imaging, and behavioral methods to investigate the relationship between human neurological disorders and brain function at the molecular, synaptic, cellular, and circuit levels. The new laboratory requires several systems, including complete rigs for brain slice electrophysiology and multiphoton imaging (both in vitro and in vivo). Given the complexity of the planned experiments, systems that integrate tightly with each other are required. A major line of research will employ patch clamp electrophysiology, multiphoton imaging, and virtual reality. This research requires four systems that must be tightly integrated with each other: (1) a rig capable of multipatch recording from cell bodies and dendritic structures in brain slices, imaging of fluorescently-tagged neurons and dendrites, and simultaneous widefield photoactivation (i.e., optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging); (2) a rig with these same capabilities plus laser-based components for focal and patterned photoactivation; (3) a rig capable of simultaneous multiphoton microscopy, photoactivation, and multipatch recording in brain slices; and (4) a rig capable of simultaneous multiphoton microscopy and photoactivation that can be used with an awake, head-fixed mouse walking on a treadmill or floating ball and that can accommodate a virtual reality environment made up of several large thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays.

(vi) The LCSMS will study fundamental issues of synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, neuromodulation, and neural circuit activity using animal models (principally, the mouse).

These issues will be related to human neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, and will be explored in brain areas including (but not limited to) the amygdala, basal forebrain cholinergic areas, the ventral hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex.

See attached Purchase Description for complete details and specifications for this requirement.

(vii) Delivery Date: The Contractor shall deliver and install the equipment within 90 days after receipt of order. Delivery must be Freight on Board (FOB) Destination and include inside delivery. On-site training must take place within two (2) weeks of equipment installation. The equipment shall be delivered and installed in coordination with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician to perform setup, installation, and an on-site 2-day training session for staff members.

Warranty: The Contractor shall warrant that the Equipment will be free from defects for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of installation, inspection by the Government and acceptance.

(viii) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(ix) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers.

I. Technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement. Item must meet all physical/salient characteristics, warranty, and delivery requirements identified in the Purchase Description.

(Pass/Fail) II. Price

All sources shall provide ALL OR NONE in response to this Combined Synopsis/ Solicitation.

(b) 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.

(x) The Offerors to include a completed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, with its offer. See attached.

(xi) The FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See attached.

(xii) FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders–Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See attached.

(xiii) The following additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions as determined by the contracting officer are necessary for this acquisition and consistent with customary commercial practices. See attached for other required provisions and clauses.

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

(xv) Responses to this solicitation must include sufficient information to establish the interested parties’ bona-fide capabilities of providing the product or service. The price quote shall include: unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, delivery days after contract award, delivery terms, prompt payment discount terms, F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), product or catalog number(s); product description; and any other information or factors that may be considered in the award decision. Such factors may include: past performance; special features required for effective program performance;

trade-in considerations; probable life of the item selected as compared with that of a comparable item; warranty considerations; maintenance availability; and environmental and energy efficiency considerations.

In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number

(TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.”

All responses must be received by August 19, 2019, 9:00 A.M., Eastern Standard Time and reference number combined synopsis/solicitation number NIH-NINDS-CSS- 75N95019Q00246. Responses may be submitted electronically to Rieka Plugge at rieka.plugge@nih.gov.

Fax responses will not be accepted.

(xvi) The name and telephone number of the individual to contact for information regarding the solicitation:

Rieka Plugge

(301) 827-7515 rieka.plugge@nih.gov http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:rieka.plugge@nih.gov mailto:rieka.plugge@nih.gov

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

1. Statement of Need and Purpose

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is establishing a new laboratory that will use cutting-edge physiological, imaging, and behavioral methods to investigate the relationship between human neurological disorders and brain function at the molecular, synaptic, cellular, and circuit levels. The new laboratory requires several systems, including complete rigs for brain slice electrophysiology and multiphoton imaging (both in vitro and in vivo). Given the complexity of the planned experiments, systems that integrate tightly with each other are required.

2. Background Information and Objective

The LCSMS will study fundamental issues of synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, neuromodulation, and neural circuit activity using animal models (principally, the mouse).

These issues will be related to human neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, and will be explored in brain areas including (but not limited

to) the amygdala, basal forebrain cholinergic areas, the ventral hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex.

3. Generic Name of Product

Electrophysiology and multiphoton imaging rigs

4. Salient Characteristics

A major line of research will employ patch clamp electrophysiology, multiphoton imaging, and virtual reality. This research requires four systems that must be tightly integrated with each other: (1) a rig capable of multipatch recording from cell bodies and dendritic structures in brain slices, imaging of fluorescently-tagged neurons and dendrites, and simultaneous widefield photoactivation (i.e., optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging); (2) a rig with these same capabilities plus laser-based components for focal and patterned photoactivation; (3) a rig capable of simultaneous multiphoton microscopy, photoactivation, and multipatch recording in brain slices; and (4) a rig capable of simultaneous multiphoton microscopy and photoactivation that can be used with an awake, head-fixed mouse walking on a treadmill or floating ball and that can accommodate a virtual reality environment made up of several large thin-film-transistor (TFT) liquid crystal displays.

The four systems shall be tightly integrated with each other and allow for components to be swapped between them for maximum flexibility in experimental design. The need for integration and component swapping is explained further in the last part of the Salient Characteristics section.

These four complete electrophysiology and/or multiphoton imaging systems shall have the capabilities (salient characteristics) listed in the following table where Y = Yes and N = No.

Rig 1 Rig 2 Rig 3 Rig 4

Brain slice electrophysiology

Y Y Y N

LED optogenetic stimulation

Y Y N N

Laser optogenetic stimulation

N Y Y Y

Multiphoton imaging on brain slices

N N Y N

Multiphoton imaging with awake mice

N N N Y

Used in conjunction with virtual reality

N N N Y

The four systems are specified in more detail in the next four subsections. A description of the need for integration and component swapping between the systems immediately follows.

RIG 1: PATCH CLAMP ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

One patch clamp electrophysiology system with tight, computer-controlled integration between the microscope, stage, and manipulator elements.

• Include at least four micromanipulators capable of patch clamp recording from structures as small as the dendrites of mouse neocortical neurons. The micromanipulators must have a travel distance in every direction of at least 20 mm, a spatial resolution of 20 nm, and a drift of no more than 1 micron over two hours. It should be possible to expand the number of micromanipulators to six, with independent pipette exchange on all six. It should be possible to transform micromanipulators from a right-hand configuration to a left-hand configuration. It should be possible to link movement along the X and Z axes so that electrodes move diagonally along a virtual 4th axis at a user-specified angle.

• An upright microscope equipped with infrared-differential interference contrast (IR- DIC) optics (for visualized patch recording in brain slices as thick as 400 microns) and epifluorescence equipment (for all widely-used fluorophores, including GFP, mCherry, tdTomato). The microscope should have motorized condenser and objective arms to allow for remote control, including through computer software. Must include 4x and 40x objectives.

• A motorized XY stage that can be controlled by computer software.

• Tight integration between microscope, micromanipulators, and stage is required for the complex experiments planned for the LCSMS. The Contractor must provide a software package that allows users, through a graphical user interface (GUI), to control all three and coordinate their movement for the sake of multipatch recording. The software package must be compatible with the Windows 10 (64 bit) operating system.

• A CCD camera suitable for both IR-DIC (visualized patch) and fluorescence

(identification of fluorescently-tagged structures) imaging. A frame rate of at least 20 fps and at least 14-bit resolution are required. The camera should connect to a computer via a USB 3.0 interface and include imaging software.

• A platform and chamber for brain slices.

• A low-noise temperature controller for bath salines.

• A perfusion pump for bath salines.

• An anti-vibration table with Faraday cage. The table must be no larger than 30 inches by 36 inches.

• Patch clamp amplifiers suitable for both current clamp and voltage clamp recordings.

At least four channels of amplification must be available. The amplifiers must have built-in circuitry for standard electrophysiological compensation modes (e.g., bridge balance, fast and slow pipette capacitance compensation, series resistance compensation). The amplifiers must be computer-controlled and should interface with open-source electrophysiology software written in a widely-used language such as Matlab, LabView, or Python. Matlab is the preferred language.

RIG 2: PATCH CLAMP ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY (WITH LASER STIMULATION)

One patch clamp electrophysiology system with tight, computer-controlled integration between the microscope, stage, and manipulator elements. This system must include a laser-based subsystem for focal and patterned optogenetic stimulation.

micromanipulators must have a travel distance in every direction of at least 20 mm, a spatial resolution of 20 nm, and a drift of no more than 1 micron over two hours. It should be possible to expand the number of micromanipulators to six, with independent pipette exchange on all six. It should be possible to transform micromanipulators from a right-hand configuration to a left-hand configuration. It should be possible to link movement along the X and Z axes so that electrodes move diagonally along a virtual 4th axis at a user-specified angle.

• An upright microscope equipped with infrared-differential interference contrast (IR- DIC) optics (for visualized patch recording in brain slices as thick as 400 microns) and epifluorescence equipment (for all widely-used fluorophores, including GFP, mCherry, tdTomato). The microscope should have motorized condenser and objective arms to allow for remote control, including through computer software. Must include 4x and 40x objectives.

• A motorized XY stage that can be controlled by computer software.

• Tight integration between microscope, micromanipulators, and stage is required for the complex experiments planned for the LCSMS. The Contractor must provide a software package that allows users, through a graphical user interface (GUI), to control all three and coordinate their movement for the sake of multipatch recording. The software package must be compatible with the Windows 10 (64 bit) operating system.

• A CCD camera suitable for both IR-DIC (visualized patch) and fluorescence

(identification of fluorescently-tagged structures) imaging. A frame rate of at least 20 fps and at least 14-bit resolution are required. The camera should connect to a computer via a USB 3.0 interface and include imaging software.

• An anti-vibration table with Faraday cage. The table must be no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches.

• Patch clamp amplifiers suitable for both current clamp and voltage clamp recordings.

At least four channels of amplification must be available. The amplifiers must have built-in circuitry for standard electrophysiological compensation modes (e.g., bridge balance, fast and slow pipette capacitance compensation, series resistance compensation). The amplifiers must be computer-controlled and should interface with open-source electrophysiology software written in a widely-used language such as Matlab, LabView, or Python. Matlab is the preferred language.

• Include components for laser-based optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging. The components must include a galvanometer-based method for quickly and reliably positioning the laser beam. A software package must be provided allowing users to determine stimulation pattern and settings using a GUI. The components must allow for stimulation/uncaging at commonly-used wavelengths – namely, those for channelrhodpsin, halorhodopsin, and caged glutamate.

RIG 3: MULTIPHOTON IMAGING ON BRAIN SLICES

One system capable of simultaneously performing and integrating three functions: (A) multiphoton imaging, (B) optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging (i.e., photoactivation), and (C) patch clamp electrophysiology from multiple neuronal structures within brain slices.

The system will be installed, together with a second multiphoton system, on a 5’ x 10’ anti-vibration table in Building 35A. The table will be in a room formed by combining the present rooms 3B-415 and 3B-214; the new room will have the dimensions 14 feet 4 ¾ inches x 15 feet 7 inches. The table will also house two lasers, which together with associated optical components, will take up approximately 20 square feet of table space and a virtual reality system, which will take up 10 square feet of table space. There will be an equipment cage (approximately 3’ x 8’) mounted above the air table. The room will be devoted to these two multiphoton systems. Given these table/room characteristics: the following size limitations apply to Rig 3: (1) the system should require no more than 10 square feet of anti-vibration table space; (2) the system should require no more than 12 square feet of the overhead cage space; and (3) all other associated electronics should fit in a relay rack no wider than 26” and no taller than 8’. Both Rig 3 and Rig 4 (described below), including all associated lasers and electronic/optical components, must fit in the designated room.

(A) Multiphoton Imaging

• The microscope must be able to manipulate two light paths in order to make possible simultaneous two-photon imaging and photoactivation.

• The system must allow users to choose between these scanning configurations for the imaging path: galvo/galvo, resonant/galvo, and resonant/galvo/galvo.

• The lenses of the scanhead must allow transmission between 700 nm and 1400 nm.

• The system must have some means of reducing sound noise (to below 20 dB SPL at a distance of 5’). Although the system will be used with brain slices, the room in which it will be housed will also host experiments on awake behaving mice. Minimizing sound is crucial.

• Scanning in the Z direction should have a minimum step size no larger than 0.1 microns.

• The system will share two tunable lasers with a second multiphoton system installed on the same anti-vibration table. Systems that cannot do this are not acceptable.

• The system should therefore be compatible with Matlab-based control software, such as

ScanImage (Janelia).

• The multiphoton microscope will be used immediately for experiments on brain slices, but the LCSMS may decide at some point to modify it for use with awake, head-fixed mice. It should be possible to simply convert the multiphoton microscope to an in vivo configuration.

(B) Photoactivation

• The system will be used for simultaneous two-photon imaging and photoactivation (i.e., optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging). The system should therefore be able to manipulate a second laser beam for this purpose.

• Software – ideally, Matlab-based – must be provided for this purpose. This software must allow users to determine scanning pattern using a graphical user interface (GUI).

• Arbitrary patterns of stimulation (e.g., spirals, zig-zags, squares, arbitrary shapes) must be possible through the provided software.

(C) Electrophysiology micromanipulators must have a travel distance in every direction of at least 20 mm, a spatial resolution of 20 nm, and a drift of no more than 1 micron over two hours. It should be possible to easily transform micromanipulators from a right-hand configuration to a left-hand configuration. It should be possible to link movement along the X and Z axes so that electrodes move diagonally along a virtual 4th axis at a user-specified angle.

• Tight integration between microscope and micromanipulators is required for the complex experiments planned for the LCSMS. The Contractor must provide a software package that allows users, through a graphical user interface (GUI), to control all them and coordinate their movement for the sake of multipatch recording. The software package must be compatible with the Windows 10 (64 bit) operating system.

• Patch clamp amplifiers suitable for both current clamp and voltage clamp recordings. At least four channels of amplification must be available. The amplifiers must have built-in circuitry for standard electrophysiological compensation modes (e.g., bridge balance, fast and slow pipette capacitance compensation, series resistance compensation). The amplifiers must be computer-controlled and should interface with open-source electrophysiology software written in Matlab.

RIG 4: MULTIPHOTON IMAGING WITH AWAKE MICE

One system capable of simultaneously performing and integrating two functions: (A) multiphoton imaging and (B) optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging (i.e., photoactivation). The system will be used to study neural circuits in a head-fixed but awake mouse sitting on a floating spherical ball or a treadmill and navigating through a virtual reality space (created by large video displays in the mouse’s field of view). (C) The microscope must be able to accommodate both the ball/treadmill and the virtual reality displays.

The system will be installed, together with a second multiphoton system, on a 5’ x 10’ anti-vibration table in Building 35A. The table will be in a room formed by combining the present rooms 3B-415 and 3B-214; the new room will have the dimensions 14 feet 4 ¾ inches x 15 feet 7 inches. The table will also house two lasers, which together with associated optical components, will take up approximately 20 square feet of space and a virtual reality system, which will take up 10 square feet of space. There will be an equipment cage (approximately 3’ x 8’) mounted above the air table. The room will be devoted to these two multiphoton systems. Given these table/room characteristics: the following size limitations apply to Rig 4: (1) the system should require no more than 10 square feet of anti-vibration table space;

(2) the system should require no more than 12 square feet of the overhead cage space; and

(3) all other associated electronics should fit in a relay rack no wider than 26” and no taller than 8’. Both Rig 3 (described above) and Rig 4, including all associated lasers and electronic/optical components, must fit in the designated room.

(A) Multiphoton Imaging

• The microscope must be able to manipulate two light paths in order to make possible simultaneous two-photon imaging and photoactivation.

• The system must allow users to choose between these scanning configurations for the imaging path: galvo/galvo, resonant/galvo, and resonant/galvo/galvo.

• The lenses of the scanhead must allow transmission between 700 nm and 1400 nm.

• The system will be used with awake behaving mice and must have some means of reducing sound noise (to below 20 dB SPL). Minimizing sound is crucial.

• Scanning in the Z direction should have a minimum step size no larger than 0.1 microns.

• The system will share two tunable lasers with a second multiphoton system installed on the same anti-vibration table. Systems that cannot do this are not acceptable.

• The system should therefore be compatible with Matlab-based control software, such as ScanImage (Janelia).

• The multiphoton microscope will be used immediately for experiments on awake mice, but the LCSMS may decide at some point to modify it for use on brain slices. It should be possible to simply convert the multiphoton microscope to an in vitro configuration.

(B) Photoactivation

• The system will be used for simultaneous two-photon imaging and photoactivation (i.e., optogenetic stimulation or neurotransmitter uncaging). The system should therefore be able to manipulate a second laser beam for this purpose.

• Software – ideally, Matlab-based – must be provided for this purpose. This software must allow users to determine scanning pattern using a graphical user interface (GUI).

• Arbitrary patterns of stimulation (e.g., spirals, zig-zags, squares, arbitrary shapes) must be possible through the provided software.

(C) Virtual Reality

In this document, the term “virtual reality” refers to systems that use interactive, computer-generated manipulations of sensory experience to create brain states or provoke behavioral responses mimicking those corresponding to the physical environments being simulated on the computer. A broad review of contemporary efforts is given by Thurley and Ayaz, Curr. Zool. 63:109-119 (2017). For the planned experiments of the LCSMS, the virtual reality environment will be created by 6 liquid crystal displays (approximately 19” diagonal and 17” height) arranged so that each display is approximately 15" from the microscope’s light path and the displays together wrap around to encompass 270⁰ of the view in the XY plane.

• To accommodate a “mouse-sized” spherical running ball, the minimum distance between the bottom of the objective and the anti-vibration table must be no smaller than 10 inches. Likewise, it should be possible to extend the distance between the light path and the microscope frame to at least 8 inches.

• In some cases, it would be useful to tilt the objective away from the vertical axis in order to image more lateral parts of the mouse brain. The microscope should accommodate this need.

• The system will be used in conjunction with a virtual reality system consisting of several video displays. (A prominent commercial example is the Virtual Reality JetBall built by Phenosys and distributed in North America by Blackrock Microsystems.) The microscope system must be compatible with such virtual reality equipment.

INTEGRATION AND COMPONENT SWAPPING

In each of the four cases (Rigs 1-4), a complete system is desired because of the complexity of the planned experiments. It is imperative that every piece of equipment (manipulators, microscope, XY stage, lasers, LEDs, amplifiers) works well with all the other parts. It is also very important that a unified software package be available to aid in this integration.

The four systems are presented together in a single purchase description because they must be integrated together in terms of (A) hardware and (B) user experience (especially software) and (C) because the LCSMS wishes to maximize flexibility in its experimental planning by allowing components to be swapped from one rig to another.

• INTEGRATION (hardware)

Rigs 3 and 4 will share two tunable lasers. One laser will provide the laser beam for multiphoton imaging while the other laser will provide the laser beam for optogenetic stimulation. This will be true – simultaneously – for both rigs. For laser sharing to work, the two rigs must be tightly integrated with each other, both to accommodate the two lasers and to coordinate their use.

• INTEGRATION (user experience) Members of the LCSMS may be required, depending on scientific need, to switch between various types of experiments: in vitro physiology, in vitro physiology with laser stimulation, in vitro physiology with multiphoton imaging, multiphoton imaging in vivo. For such switching to work seamlessly, the rigs must contain compatible hardware (particularly the manipulators) and be run by the same software (at present, the LCSMS anticipates a complete Matlab-based suite of software).

• COMPONENT-SWAPPING

The four rigs have overlapping capabilities. Depending upon future experimental needs, the LCSMS might wish swap equipment between the four rigs. To cite one example, the LCSMS may wish to transfer two micromanipulators and one amplifier from one patch clamp rig to a different patch clamp rig to allow the second rig to be capable of six simultaneous patch recordings. To cite another, the LCSMS may wish to move a treadmill from the in vivo multiphoton rig (Rig 4) to the in vitro multiphoton rig (Rig 3) to convert the latter to in vivo use. Such flexibility requires the hardware to be compatible and (ideally) interchangeable.

5. Quantity

Four (4) systems

6. Delivery Date

The Contractor shall deliver and install the equipment within 90 days after receipt of order.

Delivery must be Freight on Board (FOB) Destination and include inside delivery. On-site training must take place within two (2) weeks of equipment installation. The equipment shall be delivered and installed in coordination with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician to perform setup, installation, and an on-site 2-day training session for staff members.

7. Warranty

The Contractor shall warrant that the Equipment will be free from defects for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of installation, inspection by the Government and acceptance.

8. Delivery Requirements

The Contractor shall deliver and install the required equipment in coordination with the COR.

Delivery must be FOB Destination and must include inside installation. This system will be delivered to newly renovated space in building 35A. Coordination of delivery will be performed with the COR at the time the equipment is ready to be shipped. The equipment shall be delivered and installed between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Bethesda, MD local prevailing time, Monday through Friday. This system will be delivered to newly renovated space in building 35A. Coordination of delivery will be performed with the Government at the time the equipment is ready to be shipped.

Laboratory of Circuits, Synapses, and Molecular Signaling (LCSMS) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Bldg 35A/ Rm GF301 35A Convent Dr Bethesda, MD 20892

52.212-1 -- Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items. (Oct 2018) (DEVIATION 2018- O0018)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show --

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) “Remit to” address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation.

Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)

(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and—

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)

(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to--

GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section

Suite 8100 470 L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407 Telephone (202) 619-8925)

Facsimile (202 619-8978).

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites--

(i) ASSIST (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/ ).

(ii) Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by—

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard ( https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm );

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697/2197, Facsimile (215) 697- 1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,500, and offers of $3,500 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation “Unique Entity Identifier” followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/ http://quicksearch.dla.mil/ http://assistdocs.com/ https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

Class Deviation 2018-O0018—Micro-Purchase Threshold, Simplified Acquisition Threshold, and Special Emergency Procurement Authority. Effective August 31, 2018. This deviation remains in effect until it is incorporated into the FAR or DFARS, or otherwise rescinded

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and offers at any dollar value if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.) * * *

(k) Reserved.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of Provision)

52.212-3 -- Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items (Oct 2018)

The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (u)) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision--

“Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern” means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

“Forced or indentured child labor” means all work or service—

(6) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(7) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

“Highest-level owner” means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

“Immediate owner” means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

“Inverted domestic corporation,” means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

“Manufactured end product” means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

https://www.sam.gov/

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

“Place of manufacture” means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

“Predecessor” means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

“Restricted business operations” means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

“Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern”—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

“Small business concern” means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

“Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1002,” means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that--

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by--

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States; and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

“Subsidiary” means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

“Successor” means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

“Veteran-owned small…