Automated Crystallization Imaging System

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation number is NIHLM2014228 and is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation/contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-43. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 541711 and the business size standard is 500 employees. This solicitation is being conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Library of Medicine (NLM), on behalf of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases (NIDDK) intends to procure an automated imaging system for incubating and capturing both ultraviolet and visible light images of crystallization trials. Crystallization trials are used to grow crystals that are then used to solve high-resolution protein structures. Requirements: Imager that can quickly image Greiner 96 well microplates sealed with Grace Biolabs covers and Molecular Dimensions lipidic cubic phase plates. The imager must be able to image 3 slices per drop with both UV and color visible light in less than 10 minutes for a 96 well plate containing 96 hanging drops The imager must be able to keep the plates at a constant temperature of 22 degrees Celsius plus or minus 0.5 degree Celsius The imager must offer a 1-12X continuous zoom and continuously variable 360 degree cross-polarization (any degree from 0-360). The visible light path must be separate from the UV light path so that the highest quality color images can be captured. Period of Performance: Delivery no later than September 30, 2014; Installation, set-up and training by October 14, 2014 POTENTIAL SOURCES SHALL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN THEIR RESPONSE: The offeror must include a completed copy of the following provisions: FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial; As stated in FAR Clause 52.212-2 (a), FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statues or Executive Orders - Commercial Items, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items; and FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items - Deviation for Simplified Acquisitions. "The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered." The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical Evaluation, Price, and Past Performance. Vendors must submit a listing of the most recent contracts/awards (minimum of 3) in which similar apparatus or equipment was purchased. Contracts/awards may include those entered within the Federal Government, state and local governments and commercial concerns. Include the following information for each contract or subcontract: 1. Name of Contracting Organization, 2. Contract Number (for subcontracts provide the prime contract number and the subcontract number, 3. Contract Type, 4. Total Contract Value, 5. Description of Requirement to include Statement of Work, 6. Contracting Officer's Name and Telephone Number, and 7. Program Manager's Name and Telephone Number. * If past performance questionnaire is available, please submit. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations however; all responses received within 15 days from the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition is based upon responses to this notice and is solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive acquisition. The offeror must include in their quotation, the unit price, the list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. The clauses are available in full text at http://www.arnet.gov/far. Interested vendors capable of furnishing the government with the item specified in this synopsis should submit their quotation to the below address. Quotations will be due fifteen (15) days from the publication date of this synopsis on August 11, 2014 by 4:30 p.m., ET. The quotation must reference "Solicitation number" NIHLM2014228". All responsible sources may submit a quotation, which if timely received, shall be considered by the agency. Quotations must be submitted in writing to the National Library of Medicine, NIDDK Acquisitions Office, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Room 770B, Bethesda, Maryland 20817, Attention: Sonya Owens-Cobblah. Faxed copies will not be accepted. The National Library of Medicine requests the procurement of the professional services contract to provide service and maintenance. Vendors may identify in writing their interest and capability in response to this requirement or submit a proposal. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all responses received before the closing date of this announcement will be considered by the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which, if timely received, shall be considered by the agency. The contract vehicle is a Firm Fixed price contract.