Two-photon Mesoscale Imaging System with Holographic Stimulation Capability

The National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, Hospital and Laboratory Support Division is procuring a Two-photon Mesoscale Imaging System with Holographic Stimulation Capability through a non-competitive sole-source procurement. This advanced imaging system is designed to expand the number of cells that can be simultaneously monitored in awake and behaving animals, addressing a critical research need in neuroscience. The procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures and is classified under NAICS code 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a PSC code of 6640. Interested parties must submit responses by May 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM Eastern time, with submissions directed electronically to Mr. Michael Falzone, Contracting Officer, at Michael.falzone@nih.gov. Required submission materials include a technical proposal, cost-price proposal, period of performance, UEI, TIN, business size certification, and proof of active SAM.gov registration. The evaluation will focus on the technical capability to provide the specified imaging system with holographic stimulation features comparable to the Diesel2p platform developed at UCSB.

This procurement has no set-aside designation and is intended as a sole-source award to Pacific Optica, located at 3448 Elings Hall, Building 266, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106. The contract value is expected not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $350,000, making this a relatively modest equipment procurement. The system's primary advantage over current technology is its substantial expansion of the field-of-view from approximately 0.25 mm² to 25 mm², coupled with holographic two-photon stimulation capability that enables optogenetic stimulation targeting in awake and behaving mice. The statutory authority for this single-source procurement is FAR Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1), which provides an exemption from full and open competition requirements. The NAICS size standard for this category is 1,000 employees, which will be used to determine small business eligibility if applicable.