Open frame modular optical system (UW-MAD) [18-3157]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, located in Dane County, is seeking bids for an Open Frame Modular Optical System through a Request for Bid (RFB) issued by its Purchasing Services Department. The procurement is specifically for the Department of Biomedical Engineering and requires a highly specialized optical system with specific technical specifications. The system must feature an open frame design with fully customizable optical paths, support both forward and backward detection directions, and be compatible with open source software Micromanager. Critical requirements include accommodating multiple detectors and lasers for multiphoton and widefield imaging, compatibility with lenses and condensers from Nikon, Olympus, and Zeiss, and a closed-loop stage design with precise movement capabilities. Written questions were due by April 26, 2018, with formal bids required by May 1, 2018 at 2:00 PM Central Daylight Time. Bidders must submit three hard copies or electronic submissions to the Purchasing Services office, and the University reserves the right to conduct oral presentations and product demonstrations prior to award.

The University encourages participation from minority-owned businesses, with specific goals of awarding at least 5% to Minority Business Enterprises and 1% to Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. Bidders must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealers with service and repair capabilities, and must demonstrate at least five years of experience providing optical research equipment. Contractors are required to provide three client references from comparable institutions, offer unlimited call-back maintenance service during normal business hours, and honor the manufacturer's standard warranty. Additional compliance requirements include certifying against debarment, providing proof of insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 liability coverage, and agreeing not to engage in boycotts of the State of Israel. Payment terms are set at Net 30 days following acceptance and testing of the equipment. While no specific award value was mentioned in the documentation, the procurement suggests a high-value, specialized scientific equipment purchase with comprehensive technical and operational requirements.