Sources Sought_Inverted Fluorescence Microscope_FA700026Q0062.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

Hybrid Upright/Inverted Fluorescence Microscope

Notice Type: Sources Sought

Response Deadline: 30 June 2026, 10:00 AM MDT

NAICS Code: 333310 – Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,000 employees)

Product Service Code (PSC): 6650 – Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, Components, and Accessories

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Background and Purpose

2. Minimum Salient Characteristics

System Type and Base Capabilities

Illumination and Contrast

Objectives and Optics

Fluorescence Capabilities

Stage, Sample Handling, and Incubation

Digital Imaging and Control Hardware

Software and Image Analysis

Support and Logistics

3. Submission Instructions

4. OMBUDSMAN

Hybrid Upright/Inverted Fluorescence Microscope | Sources Sought

1. Background and Purpose The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is issuing this Sources Sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support a requirement for a Hybrid Upright/Inverted Fluorescence Microscope. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement, including whether a set-aside is appropriate.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) TO BE SUBMITTED. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND

SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT.

2. Minimum Salient Characteristics To be considered capable of meeting this requirement, the proposed equipment must meet or exceed the following minimum specifications:

System Type and Base Capabilities

• Hybrid microscope architecture capable of transforming between both upright and inverted configurations to support diverse sample types without requiring two separate microscope bodies.

• Motorized Z-drive/focus mechanism to enable precise Z-stack imaging.

• Intelligent/automated objective nosepiece.

Illumination and Contrast

• Transmitted brightfield LED illumination.

• Phase contrast capabilities.

• Motorized Epi-Fluorescence module featuring mercury-free LED illumination, capable of supporting a minimum of 5 channels.

• Circular Polarizer Kit for condenser with rotatable polarizer and fixed analyzer.

Objectives and Optics

• High-performance Plan Fluorite and Apochromat objective lenses.

• Extra Long Working Distance (ELWD) Universal Condenser (e.g., NA 0.30, ~73mm working distance).

Required magnifications and specifications:

Objective Type / Phase Minimum NA Working Distance (WD)

4x Phase 0.13 ~17mm

10x Phase 0.30 ~10mm

20x Long Working Distance, Phase 0.45 ~6.6–7.8mm

40x Long Working Distance, Phase 0.60 ~3.0–4.2mm

60x Apochromat Oil Immersion 1.42 ~0.15mm

Fluorescence Capabilities

• Motorized fluorescence module/turret.

• Included fluorescence filter sets compatible with: DAPI, YFP, and TRITC.

Stage, Sample Handling, and Incubation

• Stage inserts accommodating standard formats, including a 30mm diameter cutout for viewing, a holder for two (2) standard 1 × 3 inch microscope slides, and a holder for one (1) 100mm petri dish.

• Live-Cell Full Enclosure Incubation System: Must include a full enclosure with a temperature controller for live-cell viability (capable of maintaining ambient to 40°C), a stage-top humidity chamber, and an input port for premixed 5% CO2.

• Vibration Isolation: Tabletop mechanical vibration isolation platform (approximately 18 × 24 inches) to ensure stability during imaging.

Digital Imaging and Control Hardware

• Integrated dual-camera system optimized for specific light modes:

• Minimum 5MP Color CMOS camera for brightfield imaging.

• Minimum 5MP Monochrome sCMOS camera for fluorescence imaging.

• High-performance system controller bundle (minimum 32GB RAM and 1TB Hard Drive).

• Dedicated hardware joystick and cable for stage/focus control.

• Large format, high-resolution external display (e.g., 32-inch 4K monitor).

Software and Image Analysis

• Advanced multi-dimensional image acquisition software with built-in capabilities for Time-Lapse, Multi-Point, Mosaic, Multi-Channel, and Z-Stack imaging.

• Enhanced software functionality for advanced multi-point imaging, including focus mapping, flexible scanning, and high-speed image tiling.

Support and Logistics

• On-site installation and training by authorized personnel.

• Minimum 1-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

3. Submission Instructions Interested parties who consider themselves qualified to perform the above-listed services and provide the required equipment are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by 30 June 2026, 10:00 AM MDT to Ronald Wilson at ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil and Dawson Hopkinson at dawson.hopkinson@us.af.mil.

Responses must include the following information:

1. Company Name, Address, Point of Contact, Phone Number, and Email Address.

2. CAGE Code and Unique Entity ID (UEI).

3. Business Size and Socio-Economic Status under NAICS 333310.

4. If the items are available on a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) or other Government-Wide

Acquisition Contract (GWAC), please provide the contract number.

5. A Capability Statement including product literature or specification sheets demonstrating that the proposed equipment meets all the salient characteristics outlined in Section 2.

4. OMBUDSMAN

(a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

mailto:ronald.wilson.26@us.af.mil mailto:dawson.hopkinson@us.af.mil

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, James Anderson 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719- 333-3829 FAX 719-333-9018 Email: james.anderson.72@us.af.mil Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256- 2431.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

(End of clause) mailto:james.anderson.72@us.af.mil