66--Multi-Stack Module Upgrade for Microscope

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 22, is issuing this special notice to inform industry contractors of the intent to execute a Single Source award as prescribed in FAR 13.106-1(b)(i) with Keyence Corp of America, 669 River Drive Suite 403, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407. Prior to soliciting, market research was conducted and concluded that the multi-stack module upgrade for the current microscope, BZ-x700 microscope, is proprietary to Keyence Corporation of America. Keyence is the only responsible source and no other supplies and services will satisfy the need set forth by the VA San Diego Healthcare System due to proprietary rights of the manufacturer. Furthermore, the BZ-x700 fluorescence microscope is not compatible with any other modular accessory. In accordance with FAR Part 13, specifically Subpart 13.106-1(b)(i), there is only one (1) responsible source and no other services will satisfy agency requirements. This requirement is to provide a multi-stack module upgrade for the currently owned BZ-x 700 microscope, S/N: BZ-H3XD. This multi-stack module will provide high-resolution imaging for cerebral tissue samples and whole brain experiments. The proposed period of performance will be from 05/19/2017 through 08/15/2017. The Multi-Stack module upgrade contract will include the following: Must be compatible with BZ-x700 fluorescence microscope Must be the following dimensions: Head - (WxDxH) 13.39 x 19.53 x 20.35 in. Controller - (WxDxH) 4.92 x 15.87 x 8.96 in. The optics must have inverted fluorescence, bright field, and phase contrast capabilities. Must be capable of taking images of whole brain slices in XYZ fields in real time, minimizing tissue exposure to bright lights (which can damage and kill the tissue, rendering it unusable for research). Must be capable of simultaneously stacking and imaging brain slices in XYZ fields in real time, minimizing the number of exposures and reducing the time and cost per brain slice. Camera must be 14-bit/8-bit monochrome, 8-bit color frame: Up to 95 fps, autofocus and quick- focus capabilities. This procurement is being conducted using commercial item procedures pursuant to FAR Part 12 and FAR part 13. The place of performance is as follows: VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161. The anticipated award date is May 19, 2017. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is 333314, Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing. The Small Business Administration size standard for this sector is 500 employees. This notice of intent is neither a formal solicitation nor a request for competitive quotes. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. No award will be made on the basis of unsolicited quotations or offers received in response to this notice. Any response to this notice must show clear, compelling and convincing evidence that competition will be advantageous to the Government. The intent of this synopsis is for informational purposes only. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 19, 2017. Interested shall e-mail all statements, quote, and capabilities; the senders bear full responsibility to ensure complete transmission and timely receipt. All inquiries and concerns must be addressed in writing via e-mail to contact@example.gov with solicitation/notice number VA262-17-P-4388 referenced in the subject line.