Sources Sought Notice.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

1. Solicitation Number: SSN75N91026Q00013

2. Title: LI-COR Biotech: Odyssey M Chemi/Fluor Imaging Bundle Standard

3. Classification Code: 6640

4. NAICS Code: 334516

5. Size Standard: 1,000 Employees

6. Description:

This is a Sources Sought Notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement, to determine the method of acquisition, and availability of domestic sources manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities and of a satisfactory quality. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Small businesses are encouraged to respond.

For equipment/supply requirements, responses must include the place of manufacturing (i.e. address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture). For equipment/supply requirements, small businesses must also address the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non-Manufacturer Rule).

This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition.

For equipment/supply requirements, your response must include the place of manufacturing (i.e. address if supply/equipment is a domestic end product and include country of manufacture). For equipment/supply requirements, small businesses must also address the size status of the manufacturer under the applicable NAICS code (i.e. address Non-Manufacturer Rule).

Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice.

This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only.

Background:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Research (CCR), requires one (1) new commercially available Odyssey M Chemi/Fluor Imaging Bundle Standard for protein imaging system to replace the old, outdated, and failing protein imager currently in the laboratory branch. This imaging system supports all their on-going and future intramural research projects and initiatives.

The Odyssey M is a versatile imaging system with simplified workflows that will be shared lab and division wide. Odyssey M provides a multitude of applications supporting the research projects that include fluorescent and colorimetric Western blots, immunocytochemistry (the In-Cell Western and the On-Cell Western), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays, protein and nucleic acid arrays, high-resolution fluorescent and Red/Green/Blue tissue section analysis, fluorescent and colorimetric protein gel detection, nucleic acid detection, and non-isotopic Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays.

Requirement:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of

Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG), CCR Microscopy Core requires one (1) new, commercially available, Licor Odyssey M is a protein imaging system with ease-of-use and flexibility that ensures effortless imaging for quantitative immunoassays. The objective of this acquisition is to provide scientists, fellows, and students in the lab branch as well as the Center for Cancer Research colleagues with an updated protein imaging system that allows for creative and innovative protein applications. This system will be used for near infrared and visible fluorescence, trans and epi illumination, and luminescence detection protein experiments performed in the laboratory. Odyssey M has all these applications in a single imaging instrument accommodated by the laboratory space allocation.

The Odyssey M is a necessary and valuable instrument for protein analysis that meets and exceeds the minimum requirements in the laboratory. The Odyssey M system scans fluorescent and chemiluminescent protein and has other assay screening capabilities like in-cell westerns that would add detection tools for the teams to use for more accurate target analyte analysis. The software package included for qualitative analysis is found to be superior to other companies we have tested. This system provides everything that the current failing imaging system offers but also allows detection of NIR Fluorescence signals on gel, membrane, and slides. These advanced technological features would enable us to detect multiple targets at one single step, which will significantly reduce noise and variability of experimental results. The system dimensions fit into the lab space allocation.

Purpose and Objectives:

The purpose of this acquisition is to procure a one (1) new, commercially available, Licor Odyssey M is a protein imaging system with ease-of-use and flexibility that ensures effortless imaging for quantitative immunoassays. The objective of this acquisition is to provide scientists, fellows, and students in the lab branch as well as the Center for Cancer Research colleagues with an updated protein imaging system that allows for creative and innovative protein applications. This system will be used for near infrared and visible fluorescence, trans and epi illumination, and luminescence detection protein experiments performed in the laboratory. Odyssey M has all these applications in a single imaging instrument accommodated by the laboratory space allocation.

Project requirements:

The Odyssey M is a necessary and valuable instrument for protein analysis that meets and exceeds the minimum requirements in the laboratory. The Odyssey M system scans fluorescent and chemiluminescent protein and has other assay screening capabilities like in-cell westerns that would add detection tools for the teams to use for more accurate target analyte analysis. The software package included for qualitative analysis is found to be superior to other companies we have tested. This system provides everything that the current failing imaging system offers but also allows detection of NIR Fluorescence signals on gel, membrane, and slides. These advanced technological features would enable us to detect multiple targets at one single step, which will significantly reduce noise and variability of experimental results. The system dimensions fit into the lab space allocation.

The following product features/characteristics are required for this requirement:

- Instrument: Odyssey M (Chemi/Fluor) Infrared Imager

- Acquisition Software: Image Studio & LI-COR Acquisition Software (LAS)

- Data Analysis Software: Image Studio & Empiria Studio

- Software licenses: 1 user license of LAS, 10 user license of Empiria Studio

- Accessories: Odyssey M (Chemi/Fluor) Accessories

- Manuals: Owner manual

- Computer: Desktop PC and Monitor

- Warranty: One year

- Installation: On-site

Included with the package to generate the most robust and replicable data to meet current publication requirements:

- Remote Training: New user hardware, software, and application training with an Expert Coach. Contact LI-COR for availability of on-site training.

- Remote Advanced Training: Personalized advanced software and application training with an Expert Coach. Contact LI-COR for availability of on-site training.

- Applications Guides: Contains protocols optimized for meeting publisher requirements for Western blot and In-Cell Western data submission

- Acquisition Software: Image Acquisition software which collects raw, unaltered images.

- Data Analysis Software: Software which is based on publisher, granting agencies and industry experts best practices to ensure data robustness.

- New user startup reagents that have been optimized for the highest quality data

- Unlimited access to internal application and instrument experts via phone, e-mail or chat

- Unlimited access to online educational materials

Salient characteristics:

The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics must meet are as follows:

• All functionalities to include fluorescence and luminescence detection, trans and epi illumination, and must be housed within a single imaging system to be accommodated within the lab space constraints total imaging dimensions not to exceed 24” W × 30” D × 15” H.

• Two sets of Red/Green/Blue LEDs must be the source for trans and epi illumination.

• Fluorescence detection must be based upon line scanning utilizing scientific Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductors (sCMOS).

• To keep maintenance costs low over time, laser lifetime must be a minimum of 20,000 hours of operation.

• Four solid state laser diodes emitting at 488 nm +5nm, 520 nm +5 nm, 685 nm +5 nm, and 785 nm + 5 nm respectively must be the means of excitation for the fluorescent labels.

• To prevent signal saturation, the dynamic range of the detection system must be at least 6 orders of magnitude in a single acquisition.

• Laser/Microscope must be integrated into a precision scanning mechanism capable of scanning at resolutions of 5 to 100 um.

• The data output must be 16 Bit Floating TIFF file format for each channel of detection.

• Luminescence detection utilizing a CCD must be offered as an option.

• To accommodate various needed sample media like slides, membranes, multi-well plates, and gels, the system must utilize a sealed, flat-bed scanning surface.

a. Reflector Turret Observer with filter set FLEX for Lattice SIM

b. Four filter cubes adjusted for super-resolution microscopy; 2 positions for Push & Click filters

The Contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician to perform setup and installation.

Anticipated period of performance:

It is the Government’s intent to issue a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order. The Contractor shall deliver and install the equipment within 45 days after receipt of order. Delivery must be Freight on Board (FOB) Destination and include inside delivery. Training must take place within two (2) weeks of equipment installation.

Within 14 business days after installation, 1 day(s) of onsite training shall be provided for at least 10 users of the equipment on how to use and maintain the instrument and associated software. All training expenses, including materials and/or travel expenses, shall be included. LI-COR Biotech includes unlimited remote Training on New User hardware, software, and application usage with an Expert Coach. In addition, they offer remote Advanced Training on personalized advanced software and application usage with an Expert Coach. 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 and installation.

Other important considerations:

In case domestic sources are available and capable of fulfilling the Government’s need, and a future solicitation is published, the Government will use evaluation preferences in accordance with FAR 25.

Capability statement /information sought.

Companies that believe they possess the capabilities to provide the required products or services should submit documentation of their ability to meet each of the project requirements to the Contracting Officer. The capability statement must specifically address each of the project requirements separately.

Additionally, the capability statement should include 1) the total number of employees, 2) the professional qualifications of personnel as it relates to the requirements outlined, 3) any contractor GSA Schedule contracts and/or other government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs) by which all of the requirements may be met, if applicable, and 4) any other information considered relevant to this program. Capability statements must also include the Company Name, Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov, Physical Address, and Point of Contact Information. The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses.

Interested companies are required to identify their type of business, applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code, and size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration. The government requests that no proprietary or confidential business data be submitted in a response to this notice.

However, responses that indicate the information therein is proprietary will be properly safeguarded for Government use only. Capability statements must include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives.

Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will be considered non-responsive. When submitting this information, please reference the solicitation notice number.

The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements.

One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing.

The information submitted must be in and outline format that addresses each of the elements of the project requirement and in the capability statement /information sought paragraphs stated herein. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required.

The response is limited to ten (10) page limit. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, or references, if requested.

The following information shall be included on the first page:

1. Name of Company

2. GSA Contract No.

3. Unique Entity ID and DUNS No./CAGE Code

4. Street Address, City, State, Zip code

5. Name of Person Authorized to Provide Quote

6. Telephone Number and Email Address of Person Authorized to Provide Quote

All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted.

The response must be submitted to Shayna Simpson, Contract Specialist at e-mail address Shayna.simpson@hhs.gov.

The response must be received on or before Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 1:00 PM, Eastern Time.

“Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this mailto:Shayna.simpson@hhs.gov.

notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work.

Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a presolicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in www.sam.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).”

http://www.sam.gov/