Lateral interference tilted excitation (lite) illumination system (UW-MAD) [19-0018]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a Lateral Interference Tilted Excitation (LITE) Illumination System for research involving pancreatic alpha cells and calcium sensor imaging in mouse models. The procurement is for a single illumination system unit that includes installation and training services, to be delivered to VA Research 151, Room C3127 in Madison, Wisconsin. Bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealers with service and repair capabilities, and are required to provide three client references, a manufacturer's warranty, unlimited call-back maintenance service during business hours, and on-site training. Written questions regarding the bid were due by October 1, 2018, with formal bids required to be received by 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time on October 9, 2018. The University reserved the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and/or vendor site visits to validate submitted information. Award criteria will focus on the lowest extended net total bid judged to be in the best interest of the University, with consideration given to delivery timelines and life-cycle costs.

The procurement includes potential preference for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), and Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE) when bids are within five percent of the apparent low bid. Bidders must comply with federal debarment requirements and non-discrimination provisions, with the contract to be governed by Wisconsin law and standard University terms and conditions. Bid prices must include all packing, freight, insurance, setup, instruction, and operation manual charges, with items to be delivered F.O.B. Destination and Installed. Custom charges and import fees will be handled separately by the University through its designated customs broker. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the bid requires comprehensive pricing in U.S. dollars that reflects all applicable governmental and educational discounts. The procurement is specifically for the Department of Medicine and will be located in Dane County, Madison, with the delivered system intended for advanced research purposes involving specialized cellular imaging techniques.