Miniature two-photon microscope system for mice

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health, is procuring a miniature two-photon microscope system designed for mice research applications. The government requires one specialized imaging system capable of recording calcium-indicator activities of single neurons in unrestrained conscious mice, with strict specifications including a lightweight and compact design of approximately 2.5 grams and dimensions of 20 x 10 x 30 millimeters. The system must include installation and maintenance services and should preferably be compatible with NIDA's existing Spectra-Physics Mai Tai HP 2-photon laser. The acquisition will be evaluated using a "trade-off" method based on two primary factors: Technical Capability/Functionality and Overall Price, with the government selecting the offeror providing the best overall value. Proposals must be submitted electronically to polina.klimenkova@nih.gov by August 28, 2025, at 8:00 pm EST, and offerors must have an active System for Award Management registration and provide their Unique Entity Identifier and business size certification.

This solicitation operates under full and open competition with no set-aside restrictions, targeting the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334516) with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. No incumbent contractors are identified in the documentation, and no specific award values or budget ranges are disclosed in the solicitation materials. The contract is structured as a fixed-price purchase order conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures for commercial items, indicating the value will not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Delivery of the single imaging system is expected within 90 days after contract award, with performance taking place at the NIH NIDA Intramural Research Program Biomedical Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The procurement follows standard commercial acquisition procedures under FAR Parts 12 and 13, with comprehensive federal contract terms and conditions applying to the selected contractor.