ChemiDoc GO Imaging System or Equivalent

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).

Background:  Identifying proteins is a key element of scientific research.  From the basic dogma of science, a cells genetic map is composed of DNA, which is copied into RNA and from this RNA protein is made.  Proteins play key roles in biological processes and one aspect of determining their function is through the process of Western Blots.  As technology progresses, equipment is developed that can further clarify the analysis of these proteins. Vascular Aging Biology Unit (VABU) has focused on the role of senescence in vascular aging, and specifically the RNA and proteins that are crucial in this process.  To keep up with the advances in science, the  equipment needs to be as up to date as possible as well, and to this end, a newer, more efficient and sensitive method of measuring proteins is required.  This can be achieved with the capabilities of the ChemiDoc GO Imaging System or equivalent.

Purpose and Objectives: The purchase of a new imaging system for protein analysis is needed by the VABU to use for their research in their new designation with the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science (LCS)  for Western applications.

Project requirements: The following brand name or equal equipment is required:

• (1) ChemiDoc GO Imaging System
• (1) ChemiDoc GO Imaging System
• (1) White Tray_ChemiDoc Go Imaging System
• (1) Blue Tray_ChemiDoc Go Imaging System
• (1) 1 year FULL ONSITE Extended Cover Service Plan
• (1) UV Safety Shield for GelDocGo ImagingSystem

Salient characteristics:

The System must have the following elements:

• High-resolution imaging capabilities, allowing for precise visualization of protein bands and fluorescent signals on Western blots and gels.
• Ability to support multiple detection methods, including chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and colorimetric detection, enabling researchers to detect a wide range of proteins and molecules with sensitivity and specificity.
• Automated features to streamline imaging workflows, reduce manual intervention and ensure reproducibility.
• Software for quantitative analysis of protein expression levels, facilitating accurate quantification and comparison of samples.
• Ability to accommodate various sample types and formats, from gels to membranes, and support a wide range of molecular biology applications, including Western blotting, gel documentation, and DNA/RNA imaging.
• Compatibility with cloud-based data storage and analysis platforms, enabling seamless data transfer and collaboration between researchers. Secure Cloud storage.
• Suitable for laboratory benchtops with limited space, without compromising on performance or functionality.
• Ability to easily upgrade with additional accessories and modules to expand its capabilities and adapt to evolving research needs.
• Smart tray technology in which the imager automatically recognizes the application specific tray and adjusts imaging parameters and software options accordingly.
• UV Safety features
• Stain-free imagine capability
• BSI-CMOS technology
• Quantitative (>4 orders of linear dynamic range for all samples)
• Small footprint not to exceed: 36 x 48 x 36 cm
• Operating voltage of 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
• Operating Temperature 10-28oC
• Data output accessible as Image Lab SCN, MSCN, SSCN, TIFF (16-bit or 8-bit) and JPEG
• All-LED Illumination
• Touchscreen capability
• Advanced CMOS Sensor Technology for less cooling and power, to enhance reliability and be more energy efficient
• UV/Stain Free Tray
• UV Shield for band cutting

Delivery Date: 30 days after receipt of order

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 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.

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.

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 Eric McKay, Contracting Officer, at e-mail address eric.mckay@nih.gov.

The response must be received on or before July 25, 2024, 4:00 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 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).