Zeiss Axioscope 7

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is conducting a competitive procurement for a Zeiss Axioscope 7 microscope system under Solicitation Number PF250238TC, specifically targeting research needs for TBios, Fish Health, Otolith, and Aging laboratories. The procurement is situated in Thurston County and structured as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under RCW 39.26, seeking an advanced imaging microscope capable of histological and fluorescence imaging, with a specific focus on detecting Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease. The RFQ requires comprehensive system components including a microscope stand, binocular tube, eyepieces, light sources, mechanical stage, cameras, adapters, and software packages like ZEN 3.11 and ZEN Toolkit Motorized Acquisition. Vendors must submit quotations by April 25, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, with a mandatory delivery date of June 30, 2025. The solicitation mandates that vendors provide detailed literature, brochures, product specifications, and images as part of their submission.

The procurement has specific set-aside preferences targeting Small Business and Veteran-Owned Businesses, with the intent to award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder from these categories. The estimated contract value is under $150,000, with net 30-day payment terms processed after satisfactory delivery and acceptance of goods. Unique requirements include minimizing products containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and requesting packaging without color or dyes. Vendors must complete a certification regarding workers' rights, specifically related to mandatory arbitration clauses, which may influence bid preferences. The microscope will serve as a shared resource across multiple laboratory units, emphasizing its cross-functional utility for scientific research. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the procurement suggests a strategic investment in advanced imaging technology to support diverse scientific research objectives within the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.