AN15--Confocal Point Scanning Microscope

Summary: This is a Sources Sought notice and not a request for quotes. This request is solely for the purpose of conducting market research to enhance VHA s understanding of the market s offered products, services and capabilities. The Government will not pay any costs for responses submitted in response to this Sources Sought.Â

This Sources Sought notice provides an opportunity for respondents to submit their notice of ability, and their available products and services in response to the requirement described below. Vendors are being invited to submit information relative to their potential of fulfilling the requirement below, in the form of a capability response that addresses the specific requirement identified in this Sources Sought. Â

 The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a vendor to provide Confocal Scanning Microscope System. The system shall allow research enhanced detection capabilities, automated target identification and deconvolution capabilities that boost the resolution beyond that of conventional microscopes. This Sources Sought is to facilitate the Contracting Officer s review of the market base, for acquisition planning, size determination, and procurement strategy.Â

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Omaha VA Medical Center, is in need of a Confocal Scanning Microscope System and shipment of required equipment (all components that make up this system).

Technical Specifications

Salient characteristics Confocal Scanning Microscope System. Minimum physical, functional, & performance characteristics:

Confocal Scanning Microscope System Requirements

Integrated white light laser with Power HyD silicon detectors.

Ability for prism-based tuning of excitation between 485 nm and 695 nm with 1 nm precision.

Near-infrared (NIR) extension to increase the excitation range to 790nm, with freely configurable detection up to 850 nm.

Fluorescence lifetime-based information capability.

Dynamic separation of autofluorescence into a separate channel.

Capability of the system to gather fluorescence data using pulsed laser-detector technology for the separation of signals from closely related fluorochromes.

Inverted orientiation and versatile specimen holder to enable imaging of fixed specimens on slides, live cells, and organoids.

Spectral separation of overlapping fluorophores.

Objectives to cover low magnification (2x 5x), 10x, 20x, 40x and ~60x.

Image resolution in the nanometer range, with deconvolution for image enhancement.

Rapid z-stack construction.

Motorized stage with the ability to store and return to distinct points with high accuracy.

Software that allows flexibility for multiple users and applications, including saved scanning configurations.

Workflow functions that allow identification of multiple regions of interest (ROIs) and automated scanning of ROIs.

Separate workstations for image capture and analysis.

Vibration-free table with compressor.

4. Delivery:Â

Omaha Nebraska VA HCS

4101 Woolworth Ave,

Omaha, NE 68105

5. Installation:Â

 Installation and demonstration (training) are required.Â

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6. Information Technology:Â

IT support requirements are required for this equipment.Â

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RESPONSE COMMITMENT Â

 I. Response: Â

 A. Capability statement and with general understanding of the industry and current knowledge and subcontract networks that would be used to support the requirement as identified herein. Provide small business information for your company.

 B. Submittals furnished will not be returned to the sender. No debriefs will be conducted. Eligibility in participating in a future acquisition does not depend upon a response to this notice. Â

 II. Timeline: Â

A. This request will close on stated date within the Government Point of Entry (GPE). Â

 Notes: Â

This Sources Sought is for planning purposes only to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (large business, small business, 8(a), SDVOSB, etc.), relative to NAICS code 334516. Responses to this source sought will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals; however, any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement and who is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), authorized dealer, authorized distributor or authorized reseller of all the items listed above, may submit a capability statement to the contracting office than no later than Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 12:00 PM EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent to Matenoa Taufa Matenoa.taufa@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted.Â