65--cell counter (COUNTESS II FL)

Department of Veterans Affairs Minneapolis MN VA Office of Research & Development has a requirement to purchase the following equipment: Invitrogen Corp AMQAF1000 COUNTESS II FL Each 1 Invitrogen Corp A25750 COUNTESS II FL REUSE SLIDE Each 4 Invitrogen Corp AMEP4746 COUNTESS II FL REUSE SLIDEHOLD Each 1 Invitrogen Corp AMEP4651 EVOS LED Cube Each 1 Invitrogen Corp AMEP4652 EVOS Light Cube Each 1 Invitrogen Corp AMEP4655 EVOS Light Cube, Texas Red This is a Brand Name or Equal Requirement. The primary function for the cell counter COUNTESS II FL is to provide automated accurate cell counts for either in vitro or in vivo experiments. The device offers autofocusing and computational counting algorithms (software driven) to allow for rapid and accurate count cells. This is necessary for multiple experimental applications that include research disciplines such as neuroscience, stem cell therapies, cardiology, cancer, liver disease, Gulf War illness and immunology. The device package consists of a base unit with a touch screen interface along with dedicated imaging fluorescence LED filtering cubes and COUNTESS II FL REUSE SLIDEs (hemocytometers; microscope slides for placing cells in for counting). The automation of cell counting will increase both accuracy and proficiency (time and experimental costs) of down stream studies. It also has limited microcopy options and does not require the use of an external computer or additional software. There is no need to purchase dedicated consumables or reagents. The cell counter is suitable for a broad range of eukaryotic cell types (neurons, myocardiocytes and immune cells). Table 1. Hardware Specifications Technical specifications Processing time: <10 seconds Sample concentration range: 1 x 104 1 x 107 cells/mL Particle diameter range: ~4 60 µm Cell diameter range: ~7 60 µm Required sample volume: 10 L USB drive: 4 gigabyte, FAT file system Optics: 5 megapixels, 2.5X optical magnification, 3 channels Imaging light cubes: slots for EVOS LED (non-mercury based light sources) light cubes (used for fluorescence imaging/counting) Physical characteristics Instrument dimensions: 9" (W) x 5½" (D) x 9" (H); 228.6 mm (W) X 139.7 mm (D) x 228.6 mm (H) Weight: 8 lbs Counting area Area: 2.15 mm x 1.62 mm (3.48 mm2) Dedicated Accessories: The device package includes the following dedicated accessories (as listed in quote): COUNTESS II FL REUSE SLIDE, hemocytometer (AMEP4746) x 4. The purpose of this item is to place cells in the counting chamber located inside the slide. We are questing 4 slides so that they can be shared with multiple lab groups. The slides are reusable and are the most economic option over disposable slides. COUNTESS II FL SLIDE hold (AMEP4746) x1. This holder is designed only to be used with the REUSE slides (listed above). The holder is used for loading the reuse slide into the device for counting. EVOS LED CUBEs: These are all non-mercury based light cubes and comply with EPA elimination of unnecessary use of mercury-based products in hospital and federal research laboratories. Table 2. EVOS LED CUBE Specifications. Light Cube Ex (nm) Em (nm) Key Compatible Dyes - Cat. No. GFP 470/22 510/42 GFP, Alexa Fluor® 488, FITC, SYBR® Green AMEP4651 RFP 531/40 593/40 RFP, Alexa Fluor® 546, Alexa Fluor® 555, Cy®3, DsRed, Rhodamine Red AMEP4652 Texas Red 585/29 624/40 - Texas Red®, Alexa Fluor® 568, Alexa Fluor® 594, MitoTracker® Red, mCherry, Cy®3.5 AMEP4655 These Brand Name or Equal requirements will be utilized in support of various research projects at the Minneapolis MN VA. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (large business, small business, 8(a), SDVOSB, etc.), relative to NAICS code 423450. Responses to this synopsis will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. Based on responses to this synopsis, the Government may issue this RFQ as a Brand Name or Equal requirement in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.211-73 on eBuy or Fed Biz Ops. Performance Period: Anticipated delivery within 90 calendar days of award, unless otherwise specified at time of order. Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price This notice is not a request for competitive proposals, however; any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement to the contracting office no later than Wednesday, December 14, 2016, 11:00 AM, EST. Interest/capability statements may be sent to Elaine DiBucci at contact@example.gov and should include company name, address, point of contact, business size, and product information. No telephone responses will be accepted. This notice is to assist the Government in determining sources only. A solicitation is not currently available. If a solicitation is issued, all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this announcement.