Digital microscope

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the procedures contained in FAR Part 12.6, Acquisition of Commercial Items, and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.  The solicitation number is 1232SA25Q0785 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) Number 2025-04. This solicitation is issued as SB SET ASIDE. The associated NAICS code is 334516.

The Pollinating Insect Research Unit in Logan, UT works with all species of bees, including solitary cavity-nesting bees. As a critical part of our research, we can determine many characteristics for each bee species and also determine its identification.  Capturing highly detailed z-stacked images is essential for allowing us to communicate the identification and give guidance on how to make the identifications.  For this purpose, we have used a Keyence digital microscope and have various components in hand to build a new system. This microscope/camera system is essential for mission-critical research to investigate the status of different bee species in the United States. In particular, the equipment is used in the congressionally mandated research that scientists and collaborators perform on alfalfa pollinators required for alfalfa seed crop production.  The images produced and saved with this equipment are critical for enabling stakeholders (land managers, conservationists, university researchers, and crop growers) to be able to identify the bee species being used in pollination of crops or plants in critical habitats.  If the exception is not approved, no other means is available to capture the essential images, hindering our ability to provide the critical information to stakeholders.  Potential exists that key bee species would be missed and have negative impact on future pollination of crops or plants in critical ecosystems.

The Keyence digital microscopes have been used by the USDA/ARS/PWA Pollinating Insects Research Unit for over 25 years.  The digital microscope system allows a user to easily acquire a z-stacked image at magnifications from 20X to 1000X to capture highly detailed images.  The proposed Keyence system is unique and must be compatible with PIRU’s existing Keyence microscope parts (VHX-S500E free-angle observation Z-motorized stand, two lenses, and 11 adapters).  An existing, non-functioning VHX-5000 controller (Ser # W5061060141) is available for trade in and potential discount (to be used for parts).  The proposed system components for a Keyence Digital Microscope (VHX-X1) include the following: Controller for VHX-XI system, Win10 PC computer, VHX-ASIE console, VHX-7020 camera, OP-88329 lighting unit, VH support package, and VXH-H6M measurement module package to work with existing Keyence parts.

Components of the microscope/camera system need to be compatible with the existing Keyence equipment owned by the ARS unit (value >$30K). The required components being requested are needed to complete a microscope/camera system that is capable of taking high-quality z-stacked images of bee specimens at magnifications varying from 20X – 1000X.  The system will be able to use the pre-existing 40x40mm motorized XY stage that allows for image-stitching capabilities at 100,000x100,000 pixels. The camera should be able to operate at 50 FPS and capture images >3 megapixels.  The system should be modular to allow for use of multiple lenses and attachments, with lighting systems to support coaxial, ring, partial light, mixed light, polarization, and differential interference contrast (DIC). The controls and console should be easy to use, to allow multiusers. In addition the software should be easy to use, to allow for measurements, quick adjustments in magnification, automatic focus adjustment.  The cameras and system have HDR imaging capabilities using a 16-bit color scale. The system should have support from the manufacturer for training (free and unlimited lifetime training) and system failures.  Ideally loan of equipment can be made by the vender when repairs are needed to the system, to enable the acquisition of images and critical research.

1. FAR Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, is incorporated by reference and applies to this acquisition. Please see the attached RFQ terms and conditions for the submission requirements and its addendum.

1. Evaluation:

For the evaluation criteria, please see the attached RFQ terms and conditions.

1. Quoters are required to complete in full FAR Provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (DEVIATION), with their quote online at SAM: www.sam.gov.  A quoter must state in their quote if they completed FAR 52.212-3 online and that is it up-to-date and valid. See the attached RFQ terms and conditions for more requirements.

System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations, including 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals—Representation, and paragraph (t) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Agencies will not consider or use these representations. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM

1. FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Please see the attached RFQ terms and conditions for its Addendum.

1. FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (DEVIATION), is incorporated and applies to this acquisition. Please see the attached RFQ terms and conditions that are applicable to the acquisition.

1. There are no additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions (such as contract financing arrangements or warranty requirements) determined by the contracting officer to be necessary for this acquisition and consistent with customary commercial practices.

1. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned ratings are not applicable to this solicitation.

Submit Quotes to Kelly.Bero@usda.go on September 17, 2025 at 5:00pm est.