Super-Resolution Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy System

Colorado State University (CSU) is issuing a Notice of Proposed Sole Source procurement for a 3i Marianas Super-Resolution Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy System to be used by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The procurement is specifically for a specialized scientific equipment system that will support research objectives requiring rapid fluorescence image acquisition from live cells with super resolution capabilities. Technical requirements include a minimum of 4 laser lines, confocal XY resolution of 120 nm, Z resolution of 300 nm, acquisition speed of at least 200 frames per second, and 4D acquisition with minimal photobleaching. Vendors must submit responses via the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System by 4:00 P.M. Mountain Time on Friday, September 26, 2025, following specific response guidelines that mandate a point-by-point narrative addressing each technical specification. The system must provide wide-field, total-internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), spinning disk confocal (SDC), and highly inclined and laminated optical sheet (HILO) imaging, along with advanced photomanipulation features. CSU conducted a comprehensive market analysis evaluating competing platforms from Evident, Zeiss, Nikon, and Leica, ultimately determining that the 3i Marianas system best meets their research requirements.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned in the documentation. The microscope will become part of a CSU open access core research facility, serving multiple research teams within the Larimer County jurisdiction. The system will integrate with existing components from CSU's current 3i spinning disk microscope, including a laser stack system, v3 fiber switcher, and Phasor, which will be upgraded to a new orientation on the Marianas microscope. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement documents emphasize the system's critical research capabilities, noting that the 3i system produces approximately three times higher signal brightness compared to alternative systems. The system must also include temperature, humidity, and CO2 control, as well as comprehensive training and maintenance to minimize potential research downtime. Integration capabilities with existing laboratory infrastructure and the ability to serve multiple research teams appear to be key evaluation criteria for this procurement.