66 -- Instruments and Laboratory Equipment

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offer(s) is being requested and written solicition will NOT be issued. The solicitation number is 273-06-P-0005. This combined synopsis constitutes a solicitation and incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-26. Applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAIC) code is 334516, size 500 employees. This requirement is being solicited with the intent of issuing/negotiating a contract with Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1. The contract will be awarded using simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR 13.5. The acquisition is:1. N750-DISXT-FS, Discovery XT Full System with Control Center and EBAR tm Printing System, NO SPECIFICATIONS DRAWINGS OR SCHEMATICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS AGENCY. NO EQUAL OR ALTERNATE PART NUMBERS SHALL BE ACCEPTED. Minimum Specifications 1) Must be able to automate immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining for both rodent and human tissue samples with standardized protocols. 2) Must be able to bake, deparaffunize and condition cellular samples and consistently produce clear, high-quality staining of samples. 3) Capable of highly precise, individual slide heaters, which maintain various temperatures during the staining process and able to achieve temperature ranges from 37 C ->100 C in under 3 minutes and from 100 C - >37 C in under 7 minutes. 4) Must be able to heat buffer reagents to precisely 37 C. 5) Capable of mixing reagents directly on the slide so that reagents are moved to their epitopes and binding sites quicker, creating even staining per sample. 6) Must contain liquid slipping capabilities for the utilization of heat and air vortex mixing to prevent sample wash-off and dehydration. 7) Reagent micro-dispensers must allow either user end filling for specialized laboratory preparations or pre-filled reagents available from the manufacturer for optimal staining. Additionally, micro-dispensers must be capable of only dispensing 100ul of reagent for ISH and IHC. 8) System must be capable of producing barcoded slide labels for automatic input of staining protocol data and to facilitate random access operations. 9) Must have total inventory and liquid level sensor control to minimize intervention and daily preparation times. 10) Software to control the instrument must have a point and click interface running under windows. The following FAR Subpart 12 provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors-Commercial Item (JAN 2005). Delivery of all items shall be made within 20 days after receipt of order. FOB Destination: National Institute of Health, NIEHS Warehouse, Building 104 South Campus, Alexander Dr. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Companies must have a valid DUNS numbers and be registered with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and shall provide the company Tax Information Number (TIN) with their offer. FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation Commercial Items (JAN 1999). Offeror(s) are instructed to include a completed copy of FAR provision 52.212-3 (JAN), - Offerors Representatives and Certification-Commercial Items with their quote. FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (JAN 2005) with the following addenda: FAR 52.204-5 Women Owned Business (Other than Small Business) (MAY 1999), FAR 52.204-6 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (OCT 2003), FAR 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003, FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions required to Implement Status or executive Orders Commercial Items (FEB 2006), FAR 52.203-6 Restriction on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUL 1995), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402), FAR 52.223-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755), FAR 52.222-19 Child Labor Cooperation with Authorities and remedies (JAN 2004) (E.O. 13126), FAR 52.222-21Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999), FAR 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (DEC 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212), FAR 52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793), FAR 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (DEC 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212), FAR 52.225-1 Buy American Act - Supplies (JUNE 2003) (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d), FAR 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2006) (E.o.s. proclamations, and statues administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury), 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332), FAR 52.333-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553), FAR 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78). Closing date and time for receipt of quote is May 30, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Submit offer in accordance with FAR provision 52.212-1. Copies of FAR Clause 52.212-3 may be accessed via the Internet at www.arnet.gov. A formal notice of changes, if applicable will be issued in the FedBizzOpps (www.eps.gov) via an amendment(s). Copies of clause 52.212-3 will be provided upon offeror's request. Mail offer to NIEHS, OM, OA (MD NH-02) P.O. Box 12874, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.*****