Fluorescence Microscope

Added: Jun 12, 2018 3:13 pm This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number 36C24E18Q9480 is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-92.

This requirement will be made using a cascading set-aside under the associated NAICS code 334516 with a small business size standard of 1000.

The full solicitation document is included as an attachment to this notice; to include: a list of contract line items, a Description of requirements for the items to be acquired, SOW/PWS, Date(s) and place(s) of delivery, and applicable clauses and provisions.

Evaluation procedures: Evaluation of offers will be made in accordance with FAR 13.106-2, and award made on the basis of lowest price technically acceptable.



The requirement is for 1 EA - BZ-X710, ALL-IN-ONE FLUOURESCENCE MICROSCOPE, KEYENCE, or equal

The system characteristics are:

Equipment Description

As a minimum: The requested microscope system shall be a fully automated all-in-one digital microscope system that houses up to 6 high-quality lenses, 4 filter cubes in automated turrets, and a software platform which is specifically integrated to operate with the selected hardware. The compact, fully-enclosed design enables it to become its own built-in dark room, while all objectives and filters are controlled through the software. The unit shall maintain a 14-bit monochrome CCD that is also able to take 24-bit true color images. The microscope shall be capable of stitching up to a 50,000x 50,000 pixel images in a combination of bright field, phase contrast, and/or fluorescence imaging modes (8 times faster than conventional methods). Stitched images of whole cross-sections or entire wells can be used within the "Navigation Window" to move the automated XY stage with precision to various areas of interest at higher magnifications (including the 100x oil lens). Stitching can also be combined with the Z-stacking capability, which allows for capturing images within a range of focal planes that can then be projected as a single fully-focused image. The included analyzer software combines image correction tools with powerful quantification functions, including the haze reduction tool which instantly removes fluorescence blurring and enables visualization of weak fluorescence signals. The same system also has the option of integrating an incubation chamber within the enclosed stage for easy live cell imaging. The system requires no maintenance contract and is supported for the lifetime of the product by Keyence Corporation. Keyence Corporation of America is also the only authorized supplier of this microscope in the US.

Equipment Specifications

Fully enclosed inverted type fluorescence phase-contrast microscope

Fully digital output

Objective lens switching: Six-mount electronic revolver

Objectives: High quality objectives, minimum 4 -100x magnification

Electronic Z stage: 8mm stroke, 0.1 µm pitch minimum

Electronic Filter turret: Four filters mounted, automatic excitation shutdown during filter replacement

Fluorescent Incident Illumination: Rod fiber optical system

Fluorescence dimming mechanism

80W Metal Halide lamp: 2000 average lifetime

Black space: the stage is fully contained in a built-in darkroom

Image pick-up element: 2/3 inch, 2.83 million pixel monochrome CCD

Output signal, gradations: minimum 14-bit monochrome, 8-bit monochrome, and 8-bit RGB

Binning: On chip binning

Number of pixels in recorded image: minimum 4,080 x 3,060 max (12.5 million pixels, high quality interpolation)

CCD cooling mechanism: Peltier cooling

Electronic shutter: minimum 1/12,000 sec to 60 seconds

Electronic revolver control driver software (controlled via mouse)

Electronic stage control driver software (controlled via mouse)

Moving image recording software enabled

Multi-color capturing software, auto overlay

Multipoint image capturing software

Anti-Photo Bleaching Mode

Image stitching software requires up to 50,000 x 50,000pixel image

Real Time Quick Z-stacking software

Automatic cell counting software

Measurement software

PC interface USB

Live cell incubation capable

Weight: 33 kg (without objectives mounted)

Analysis Software access key for each lab

Cell separation capabilities or be able to recognize two distinct cells while touching



Optional: Cell counting software and measurement,



Sales and Support

International sales and support coverage across multiple continents

National direct sales and direct support coverage with 30+ local offices

Application support M-F

On-site consulting M-F

Service guaranteed for lifetime of product line with Temporary Replacement Units available

Complete training sessions for each group



This is a requirement for a system upgrade to a PerkinElmer IVIS system as detailed in in the description above. Any alternate system offered shall be seamlessly compatible with the system currently installed and meet all of the characteristics stated above.



Delivery FOB Destination to:

Augusta VA Medical Center

1 Freedom Way

Augusta, GA 30912



The following provisions apply to this acquisition:

52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial, (ix) A statement regarding the applicability of

Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, with its offer.

52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items,

52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items,

52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal

852.211-73, Brand name or equal.

852.246-70, Guarantee



Additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions determined by the contracting officer:



Set Aside Cascading set-aside procedures.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made using a cascading set-aside order of precedence as follows:

1. In accordance with FAR Subpart 19.1405 and VAAR Subpart 819.7005, any award under this solicitation will be made on a competitive basis first to an eligible Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business [SDVOSB] concern provided that the conditions of 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) are met (the VA Rule of Two) whereby the Contracting Officer receives adequate competition of two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans, and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States.



2. If there is inadequate competition for award to an SDVOSB concern, the SDVOSB set-aside shall be withdrawn and cascaded to the next contracting order of priority in accordance with VAAR 819.7004, which is Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) and conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in VAAR 819.7006 provided that the conditions of 38 U.S.C. 8127(d) are met (the VA Rule of Two) whereby the Contracting Officer receives adequate competition of two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by Veterans, and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States.

3. If there continues to be inadequate competition between SDVOSB and VOSB concerns, the cascading will continue through the contracting order of priority in accordance with VAAR 819.7004 and FAR 19.203. If the contracting officer determines that offers from small business concerns do not meet the solicitation requirements in terms of technical acceptability, past performance, and fair market price, the small business set-aside[s] will be withdrawn and award will be made on the basis of full and open competition.

Adequate competition:



Adequate competition shall be deemed to exist if At least two competitive offers are received from qualified, responsible business concerns at the set-aside tier under consideration; and Award could be made at fair market price as determined in accordance with FAR 19.202-6.



The VA contracting officer reserves the right to consider competitive proposals submitted from all responsible offerors (including large businesses) in determining the fair market price.

Due date and submission of quotes:

The quotes are due on 6/19/2018 at 10:00 AM and shall be directed electronically to Michael.haydo@va.gov. Quotes shall be marked with the solicitation number.

Information regarding the solicitation can be addressed to the Contracting Officer, Michael Haydo, michael.haydo@va.gov