Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) system

Title:  Acquisition of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) system.

Introduction:

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 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 FACS system is required  primarily for the Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch (BNRB), but can be shared as needed with other NIDA IRP branches. It will be used to determine neural mechanisms in the brain that mediate different animal behavioral models used in drug addiction research. More specifically, this FACS system will be used to isolate fluorescently labeled cells and nuclei obtained from brain and assess various molecular and cellular alterations within them that were altered by drug experience.

Purpose and Objectives:

The purpose of this acquisition is to procure one (1) low maintenance fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) system to examine how neuronal ensembles in brain encode memories underlying food and drug seeking in rat and mouse addiction research models.   

For more details, see the attachment.