Mid-IR wide-field chemical imaging microscope(UW-MAD)[20-0075]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a Mid-IR Wide-Field Chemical Imaging Microscope through a competitive Request for Bid (RFB) process located in Dane County, Madison. The procurement requires a highly specialized integrated microscope with specific technical specifications, including wide-field imaging capabilities in transmission and reflection modes, a quantum cascade broadband tunable laser source operating in the mid-infrared range (1800-950 cm1), a room-temperature mid-IR 2D detector array (480 x 480), visible light capability, and a minimum spectral resolution of 2 cm1. Additional required features include high and low numerical aperture objectives, hyperspectral data collection capabilities, image stitching functionality, and an accessible light path for optical element insertion. The original bid was issued on March 3, 2020, with initial written questions due by March 11, 2020, and the bid due date ultimately extended to April 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time. Bid evaluation will be based on the lowest extended net total bid judged to be in the University's best interest, with the University reserving the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and vendor site visits.

The State of Wisconsin's supplier diversity program encourages bidders to award at least 5 percent of the contract value to certified Minority Business Enterprises and 1 percent to Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. Potential bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or authorized dealers with three years of experience providing integrated microscope/spectrometer systems and must provide three client references from comparable institutions. Bidders are required to certify compliance with debarment requirements, non-participation in boycotts of Israel, and nondiscrimination policies. The contractor must maintain commercial liability insurance of at least one million dollars and provide manufacturer-trained personnel for service and maintenance within 72 hours of service requests, with replacement parts available within five days. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement is for one unit to be delivered within six months of bid award to 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts, which must be reflected in unit pricing, and is exempt from federal and Wisconsin state and local taxes except for Wisconsin excise taxes.