Multimode Plate Reader and Cell Imaging (Manhattan, KS)

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks one multimode plate reader and cell imaging system specified as brand name or equal to Agilent Cytation 9, with quotations due August 5. This is an unrestricted, non-small-business-set-aside acquisition issued as a Request for Quotation under FAR Part 12 commercial items procedures.

Place of performance is Manhattan, Kansas (National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility). The system must perform multiple detection modes including UV-Vis absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, and alpha detection. Equipment must accommodate microplate types ranging from 6- to 1536-well plates depending on reading method and feature both top and bottom reading options. Temperature control must reach 65 degrees Celsius with condensation control and shaking capabilities; CO2 and O2 control options are required. Fluorescence intensity detection wavelength ranges are 250–900 nm for monochromators and 200–850 nm for filters. The system must include integrated upright and inverted microscopes with fluorescence, phase contrast, and brightfield imaging modes, and imaging methods including single color, multi-color, montage, time lapse, and z-stacking. Delivery is required F.O.B. Destination within 30 days After Receipt of Order. The purchase price includes onsite installation, start-up, software training with site acceptance testing, operation and software manuals, software installation procedures, required PC and software, component confirmation documentation, and all packaging, shipping, and shipping-insurance costs. NAICS code is 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). Evaluation uses lowest price technically acceptable criteria; only the lowest-priced offer is initially evaluated for technical acceptability. Quotations must comply with all salient characteristics in the specifications, be identified by brand name and model or as an "equal," and include sufficient descriptive literature demonstrating compliance. Questions are due July 31 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Prices must remain firm for 90 calendar days from the quotation due date. Past performance is evaluated using acceptable/neutral/unacceptable ratings based on contractor references, prior USDA contracts, and Federal sources.