Multi-photon Micrscopy System with 3D Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) Photostimulation

Multi-photon Microscopy System with 3D Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) Photostimulation

NIMH-20-003931

INTRODUCTION

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. This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 13--Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items.

The solicitation number is NIMH-20-003931 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ).

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE

The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 333314 with a size standard of 500 employees.

SET-ASIDE STATUS

This acquisition is not restricted and available for full and open competition

ACQUISITION AUTHORITY

This acquisition is for a commercial item or service and is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures and FAR Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items and is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-07 dated August 3, 2020. The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through this date.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

 

Background

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead Federal Agency for research on mental illnesses. The mission of the NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.

The Unit on Functional Neural Circuits (UFNC) focuses specific circuits and neuronal types that enable internally-generated brain activity to interact with sensation, with emphasis on different types of cortical GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurons. Our project aims to delineate the functional connectivity among related brain areas, to identify the behavioral relevance of these circuits, to understand the computations these circuits perform, and to uncover their developmental specificity and plasticity. One of the aims is identifying different cortical subnetworks during different behavioral conditions. Our study will greatly benefit from using a multiphoton microscope to image and manipulate specific populations of neurons using 3D spatial light modulator (SLM) photostimulation from awake animals. This will facilitate our research to achieve more comprehensive understanding of specific neural circuits and the relevant behavior.

Purpose

 

 

The purpose of this acquisition is to purchase an Ultima 2Pplus Laser Scanner with peripherals or “equal” laser scanner with peripherals in order to conduct experiments whereby we are able to monitor large population of neurons with high spatiotemporal resolution while manipulating specific population of neurons.

Project Requirements

 

See Attached Purchase Description for detailed product requirements

Delivery Requirements/Period of Performance

Delivery:  45 days ARO

The Contractor shall deliver and install the required items within 45 days of purchase order award to the location listed in the Place of Performance below.

Place of Performance

 

The place of performance shall be the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH Bethesda Main Campus, 35A Convent Dr., Bldg. 35A, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Contract Type

The Government intends to issue a firm fixed price purchase order for this requirement. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act and payment shall be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Response Format

Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror’s capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the salient characteristics of the product. The offeror must identify in their response where parts/equipment are manufactured.

The offeror must indicate in their response as to whether the brand-name or equal product proposed can or cannot meet the salient characteristics as stated in this combined solicitation synopsis. 

In addition, the quote must provide their company name, Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in

the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov.”

EVALUATION

 

The award decision will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) determination. In order to be acceptable, the product must meet all the salient characteristics listed in the product description and MUST be a complete Ultima 2Pplus Laser Scanner with peripherals or “equal” laser scanner including set-up and training. Award will be made on all or none basis. If you are providing an "equal" product, you must submit additional documentation that highlights and describes how your offering is equal in accordance with FAR Clause 52.211-6.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/.

The Offerors to include a signed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (AUG 2019), with its offer.

The Offerors to include a signed copy of the provision at FAR clause 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications or Services Representation (Dec 2019), with its offer.

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (OCT 2018)

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

The FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items. See Clauses attachment.

FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See clauses attachment.

The following FAR clauses cited in paragraph (b) of the clause at FAR 52.212-5 are also applicable to this acquisition:

FAR Clause 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First Tier Subcontract Awards

FAR Clause 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment

FAR Clause 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility

FAR Clause 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation FAR Clause 52.222-3 Convict Labor

FAR Clause 52.222-19 Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies FAR Clause 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities

FAR Clause 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity

FAR Clause 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities

FAR Clause 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees

FAR Clause 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging while Driving

FAR Clause 52.225-3 Buy American Act -Free Trade Agreements - Israeli Trade Act

FAR Clause 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases

Far Clause 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management

FAR 52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999)

1. If an item in this solicitation is identified as "brand name or equal," the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government's needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that "equal" products must meet are specified in the solicitation.
2. To be considered for award, offers of "equal" products, including "equal" products of the brand name manufacturer, must-

1. 1. Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;
   2. Clearly identify the item by-
      1. Brand name, if any; and
      2. Make or model number;

1. 1. Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and
   2. Clearly describe any modification the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modification.
2. The Contracting Officer will evaluate "equal" products based on information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.
3. Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an "equal" product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are not applicable to this requirement.

Responses to this solicitation must include clear and convincing evidence of the offeror's capability of fulfilling the requirement as it relates to the technical evaluation criteria. The price proposal must include labor costs, breakdown and rationale for other direct costs or materials, and the total amount.

In addition, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size must be included in the response. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov."

CLOSING INFORMATION

All responses must be received by 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2020 and reference number NIMH-20-003931. Responses may be submitted electronically to robin.knightly@nih.gov, and valerie.whipple@nih.gov.

Fax responses will not be accepted.

ATTACHMENTS

 

Attachment 1 – Purchase Description Attachment 2 – 52.212-4 and 52.212-5

Attachment 3 – 52.204-24, 52.204-25, 52.204-26 and 52.212-3 Clauses Attachment 4 – Invoice Instructions