Imaging system - pullman, WA

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES

Type of Notice: Sources Sought

Title: 12905B23SS0066– Sources Sought for Imaging System

Description:

This is a Sources Sought notice Only.  This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.  This Sources Sought is issued for information and planning purposes only as part of USDA ARS market research and does not itself constitute an RFQ. This requirement is covered under NAICS code 334516. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources; Small Businesses; HUBZone small business; service-disabled, veteran-owned small business; 8(a) small business; veteran-owned small business; woman-owned small business; or small disadvantaged businesses; Responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible.

Provides fast, reliable, and sensitive imaging and documentation of DNA gels and chemiluminescence western blots.

This system should be compatible with stain-free technology, chemiluminescence detection, and a wide range of gel stains such as ethidium bromide, SYPRO Ruby, Coomassie, and silver stains, as well as, stain-free technologies. 

Imaging system needs to be upgradeable to allow full multiplex fluorescence western blotting.

The imaging system should be completely independent of an external computer/laptop, having its own screen and onboard processing capabilities.  Images should also be transferrable to a computer via USB drive, for further analysis on a computer using included software.  This feature allows value added image analysis without tying up the imager.

• High resolution 6.0+ megapixel CCD camera with low read and dark noise that provide reduced background and enhanced sensitivity.
• f/0.95 fast lens.
• 16 bit, or higher data acquisition.
• Mechanical zoom, allowing camera to maintain optical resolution over any field of view without compromising resolution.
• Multistack optical filtration with optimized flat black coatings to prevent light scattering and reflected excitation light from entering the sensor.
• Antireflective lens coating that optimizes chemiluminescence transmission between 400 and 850 nanometers.
• Interior of the unit should consist of low autofluorescence and solarization resistant materials.
• Multiple USB ports and ethernet port.
• Compatible with  multiple stain modalities UV/chemiluminescence, colorimetric/visible light
• Fluorescence capable, or upgradeable to same
• Safety Interlocks to prevent unintentional UV exposure
• Automated image exposure setting to ensure acquisition of best possible exposure time for all applications.
• Integrated screen and onboard image processing/analysis capabilities
• Wavelength  range between 302nm and 800nm

The Government does not intend to make an award based on responses to this inquiry. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the Government.

Capability Statement

All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. Business concerns that possess the capabilities necessary to undertake this work should submit complete documentation of their capabilities to the Contracting Officer.  Capability statements shall include the Contractors contact point to discuss their response.

The capability statement should include:

1)  Acknowledgement that they are able to provide the subject supplies/services being requested;

2) Interested vendors should identify their size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration;

3) At least three previous requirements that are similar to the requirement include a discussion of the Contract type, delivery method, duration, etc.;

4) Any other information considered relevant to this requirement; and

5) The government requests that no proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in the response.

Any vendor responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine their 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 review of the responses received, a combined synopsis/solicitation may be published on sam.gov depending on the responses received.

All responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received by the notice’s POC by the deadline in order to be considered. Responses may not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Inquiry. Do not submit pricing information in response to this Request.