Sole source 24-028 signed FD Redacted.pdf

143041-24-0023

The Zeiss Axio Zomm.V16 is specifically designed for collecting 3-D fluorescent images from large specimens. To achieve this, it represents the most powerful combination of a large 16:1 zoom range with the highest basic numerical aperture capability in the market at NA 0.25. With the correct objective lens combination, it achieves a numerical aperture of NA 0.57. These high NA values lead to the capacity to image large fields of view at high resolution, up to 0.3 microns.

In order to automate data acquisition for this large field, the motorized stage system which holds the specimen has the largest travel range on the market at 150 mm X 100 mm, and the motorized focus column has the largest depth of field at 340 mm in steps of 350 nm. Its maximum field of view range is 66 mm – 1.4 mm. It is consequently the only microscope on the market for 3-D imaging and depth of field for specimens as large as salmon embryos, alevins and extracted hearts. It has other features that make it more user friendly and therefore less labor intensive for data acquisition, including a slit-ringlight illumination system which allows fast switching between objective lenses when higher or lower magnification images need to be collected. The instrument will be used to implement the Program’s targeted research funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to address critical data gaps at the interface between the Clean Water Act and the ESA, which is expected to impact fisheries resource management decisions and drive policy at the local, state, tribal and Federal levels. Without the instrument, the Ecotoxicology Program will be unable to fulfill NOAA Fisheries mandate of salmon conservation and recovery.

Exclusive Licensing Agreement/Restrictive Rights/Authorized Reseller - The source has one or more of the following: an established exclusive licensing agreement, proprietary data, limited rights in data, patent rights, OEM required certifications or OEM authorized reseller, copyrights or secret processes with regard to the supplies or services required.

Zeiss microscopy instruments are only available for purchase directly from the manufacturer through their designated local representatives. They have no authorized secondary distributors and only Zeiss-trained staff can carry out technical support, service and repairs.

5. Market Research.

Online research conducted in November 2023 indicated that no other producer of fluorescent stereomicroscope systems can provide an instrument with the capabilities of the Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16. Leica Microsystems produces the M205FA system, but its highest numerical aperture is only 0.175 (brochure attached) and its field of view range maximum is 59 mm. Similarly, Olympus Scientific Solutions/Evident produces the MVX10 system, but its maximum NA is 0.50 and maximum field of view is 55 mm – 1.7 mm. Consequently, neither of these systems have the capability to image specimens as large as the Zeiss instrument can. They are designed to be optimized for smaller specimens such as zebrafish embryos, which have a diameter of 1 mm compared to the 5 mm diameter of salmon embryos.

6. Technical/Requirements Representative Certification

I certify that this requirement constitutes the Government’s minimum needs and the supporting data provided herein is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.