Statement_of_Need.pdf

Statement of Need

The USGS, Cooperative Research Units in Reston, VA, supporting the Ecosystems Mission Area requests the purchase of one stereomicroscope imaging system. The primary use is to support the fisheries and aquatic sciences research program of the South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (SD CFWRU) for conducting laboratory analyses associated with fisheries management, aquatic ecology, resource conservation, and graduate student research.

The stereomicroscope imaging system will be used for otolith preparation and interpretation, microchemical evaluations, age and growth analyses, fish diet analysis, macroinvertebrate identification, larval fish identification, tissue examination, morphometric measurements, and high-resolution imaging of biological specimens for scientific publication and reporting. The stereomicroscope imaging system must provide high-resolution optical performance capable of producing clear, repeatable observations and digital images across a wide range of biological specimens. The system must support ongoing collaborative research projects involving invasive carp, paddlefish, sportfish management, aquatic habitat assessments, fish population dynamics, and other fisheries and aquatic ecology investigations conducted by the SD CFWRU and its cooperators.

The stereomicroscope imaging system should be brand name or equivalent to a Leica M205 C and must meet or exceed the following specifications:

• Minimum 20:1 zoom ratio and magnification range approximately spanning 7x–160x

• Apochromatic corrected optics suitable for biological specimen examination

• Trinocular imaging capability for simultaneous observation and digital image capture

• Adjustable eyepieces suitable for multiple users

• Fine and coarse focus controls

• Transmitted and reflected LED illumination systems

• High-resolution digital camera system capable of image and video capture

• Extended depth-of-field imaging capability

• Compatibility with Windows operating systems utilized by USGS

• Modular design allowing future upgrades and accessory integration

• Stable imaging platform suitable for repeatable morphometric measurements and scientific imaging applications

Delivered to:

South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007

The USGS mission essential functions involve providing information that supports decision makers and resource managers in the preservation of life, health, and safety of the American people and related information delivery systems for global monitoring and reporting. The resources identified in this procurement support research in fisheries, aquatic ecology, fish population dynamics, aquatic resource conservation, and biological sciences and directly support the educational training of graduate research students and the ability of the USGS to capture, process, monitor, report, and distribute scientific data in a timely manner. In making this procurement decision, USGS considered alignment with DOI IT Transformation goals, alternative solutions, interoperability, software compatibility, portability, and life cycle requirements.