Zeiss Axioscope 7

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is conducting a competitive procurement for a Zeiss Axioscope 7 microscope system, located in Thurston County, Washington. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) solicits bids for an advanced imaging microscope with comprehensive capabilities for histological and fluorescence research purposes. Specific requirements include a motorized stage, 3-channel fluorescence functionality, Zen software, motorized acquisition toolkit, multiple objectives, camera adapters, and associated accessories. The microscope will serve multiple laboratory needs, including histological analysis for TBios and Fish Health, fluorescence imaging for detecting Renibacterium salmoninarum, and as a shared resource for the Otolith and Aging labs. Vendors must submit quotations by April 28, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, with the microscope system required to be received by close of business on June 30, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on responsiveness, vendor qualifications, and competitive pricing. The RFQ emphasizes minimal use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and requests packaging without color or dyes.

The procurement is specifically structured to provide opportunities for Small Business and Veteran-Owned Businesses, with the contract valued under $150,000. The solicitation aims to award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting the specified qualifications. Payment terms are net 30 days, processed after satisfactory delivery and acceptance of the microscope system. Vendors must submit comprehensive literature and specifications with their proposal, demonstrating technical capability and compliance with the detailed requirements. The competitive nature of the procurement suggests multiple potential vendors could be considered. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the RFQ indicates this is a replacement or expansion of existing laboratory equipment. The procurement represents a targeted investment in scientific research infrastructure for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, specifically supporting advanced microscopy capabilities across multiple research laboratories.