Medical & Surgical Instruments & Equipment / BioContinuum Imaging Filter

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health intends to negotiate on an other than full and open competition basis with Gatan Inc., 5794 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton, California 94588 to procure the following:

BioContinuum Imaging Filter, part #1067, qty-1

BioContinuum Suite (64-bit), part #700.LS.1067.00.64.1, qty-1

BioContinuum Installation, part #1067.T, qty-1

GPU Upgrade for K3 Camera, part #1025.GPU

GPU Upgrade Software Suite (K3 Camera, 64-bit), part #700.LS.1025.U3.64.1, qty-1

TFS GCI Software Product License Suite (64-bit), part #700.LS.702.65.64.1

Latitude S. Software (64-bit), part #700.LS.731.30.64.1, qty-1

Latitude Software Training (Advanced, 2 Days), part #731.TA, qty-1

BioContinuum Extended Warranty, part #1067.EW.5, qty-1

This acquisition will be processed FAR Part 12 – Acquisition for Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures will be used for this acquisition.  This acquisition will be made pursuant to the authority in FAR Part 13.501(a)(1).

Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation.  This will be awarded as a firm-fixed price type of contract.

Delivery to Hamilton, Montana 59840 approximately sixteen (16) weeks after receipt and acceptance of award.

The Electron Microscopy (EM) Unit of the Research Technologies Branch (RTB) has a requirement to upgrade an existing Titan Krios 300 kV transmission electron microscope (s/n D3197) with a BioContinuum Imaging Filter.  The main objective is to replace an energy filtered GIF camera which is now obsolete and does not communicate with the hardware and software upgrades with the Titan Krios.  After extensive research and evaluation the BioContinuum Imaging Filter has been optimized for high resolution cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM).  It is equipped with a next generation electron optic that offers the most accurate image of any imaging filter available.  That combined with the K3 direct detection camera allows for collecting 1500 full frames per second, which the existing GIF camera does not perform.  This high frame rate is ideal for quick imaging of cryo samples before the structure gets compromised due to electron beam irradiation, which will avoid the samples being damage, and become non reusable.  The BioContinuum with its fully automated alignment routine would allow for faster and higher resolution imaging on the Titan Krios. The imaging filter offers the intelligent tuning use of algorithms to speed up and streamline optics alignment for both novice and expert users, which this offers the capability of speeding the testing process to offer better a faster throughput outcome.  The lowest image distortion utilizes the Continuum’s cutting edge optics to reduce image while maximizing the available imaging area with the K3 direct detector, which offers a clear view of the specimens being testing.  This upgrade we would not only be able to regain the ability to use energy filtered imaging, but also collect large quantities of data relatively quickly enhancing the throughput of the microscope.  Without this upgrade the Titan Krios would be unusable, since the GIF camera is non-functioning by not work with the new hardware and software.  This would be a detrimental loss of samples; continuity of experiments.  This would put a halt to ongoing protocols already in place.

The statutory authority for this sole source requirement is 41 U.S.C. 253 (c) (1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1 only one source available, no substitutions possible.  THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTATIONS.  All responsible sources who can provide the same equipment may submit a response that could be considered by email (subject line to reference NIAID-NOI-20-2024231) to Tonia Alexander at talexander@niaid.nih.gov, by 11:00 am eastern daylight time Friday, September 4, 2020.  All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow NIAID to determine if it can meet the above specifications described herein.  A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.  Any response received after the closing date and time of this notice will be late and will not be considered.