Fully automated fluorescence microscope with a built-in darkroom (UW-MAD) [20-0007]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a fully automated fluorescence microscope with a built-in darkroom for the School of Veterinary Medicine. The procurement is specifically for one complete microscope system with all necessary cables, supplies, and accessories to support advanced scientific imaging capabilities. The microscope must be capable of performing complex imaging tasks including live cell imaging, cell migration assays, actin rearrangement, toxicity studies, gene and protein expression analysis, time-lapse imaging, 3D tracking, tissue section image stitching, and cell counting across multiple imaging modes. Written questions were due by July 17, 2019, with final bids required by 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on July 26, 2019, and requested delivery by August 15, 2019. The University may require oral presentations and product demonstrations at its discretion. Award will be made to the lowest qualified bidder judged to be in the best interest of the University, with the successful contractor required to provide on-site installation and user training at no additional charge.

The procurement includes provisions for potential set-aside opportunities, with the University reserving the right to award to certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), or Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB) when qualified bids are not more than 5 percent higher than the apparent low bid. Bidders must certify compliance with state nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements and maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance. The contract terms require a minimum one-year manufacturer's warranty, with encouragement for maintenance contract options for years two through four. Pricing must be submitted as firm, fixed prices in U.S. dollars, inclusive of freight, insurance, setup, installation, and instruction costs, with pricing to remain firm for sixty days from the bid opening date. Payment will be made net 30 days following equipment acceptance, and contractors are prohibited from engaging in boycotts of the State of Israel during the contract term.