Confocal Microscope

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is the Nation's federal health sciences university and is committed to excellence in military medicine and public health during peace and war. We provide the Nation with health professionals dedicated to career service in the Department of Defense and the United States Public Health Service and with scientists who serve the common good. We serve the uniformed services and the Nation as an outstanding academic health sciences center with a worldwide perspective for education, research, service, and consultation; we are unique in relating these activities to military medicine, disaster medicine, and military medical readiness. USU is located in Bethesda, MD on the grounds of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda. Additional information regarding USU can be found on our website: www.usuhs.mil. USU has a requirement for a confocal microscope with four (4) option years for maintenance. This requirement is subject to FAR clause 52.232-18. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This is a request for quotes (RFQ) for commercial items in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures, utilizing the test program of 13.5. This RFQ incorporates all provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-76 (August 25, 2014) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) (August 5, 2014). In order to be eligible for award, offerors must be registered in www.SAM.gov, with completed representations and certifications. Offerors interested in responding to this requirement must provide a quote for a confocal microscope, which at a minimum, meets the specifications listed below. A single firm fixed-priced (FFP) order will be awarded. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple quotes for confocal microscopes, which will be evaluated separately by the Government. Minimum Specifications: The confocal microscope will replace an existing Zeiss Pascal laser scanning confocal microscope, which has been in service for approximately 15 years. Quoted confocal microscopes, must at a minimum, meet the following specifications: - 4 channel fluorescence (blue, green, red, far-red); - transmitted light detector; - a range of high quality, chromatic and spherical aberration corrected objectives (10x,20x,40x,63x,100x); - mercury or xenon bulb and power supply for visual observation of samples before scanning; - contrast enhancement (either phase contrast or DIC); - inverted microscope stand with stage adapters suitable for standard glass slides, culture dishes, or multi-well plates, anti-vibration air table; - computer and monitor(s) capable of running acquisition software; - second full-featured copy of software for use on offline image processing workstation. Offerors responding to this solicitation must also provide pricing for four (4) one (1) year option periods for maintenance, with the first option period beginning after expiration of warranty. The government intends to award a single firm-fixed priced (FFP) purchase order to the offeror representing the best value to the government based on the evaluation factors listed below. Evaluation factors are listed in order of importance, with most important listed first. The government will conduct a trade-off between price and non-price factors. The Government is not required to award to the lowest priced offeror or the offeror quoting the highest technically rated item. The government reserves the right to award without discussions. Evaluation Factors (Listed in order of importance): 1. Technical - Offerors must provide product literature, which demonstrates the capabilities of the quoted item(s). At a minimum the product literature must demonstrate that the quoted item meets the specifications outlined above. Information on warranty, training, installation and delivery lead-time must be included in the quote submission and will be evaluated. The government reserves the right to utilize technical (i.e., trade magazines) and customer reviews/references as part of the technical evaluation. Note: USU does have an existing Zeiss 710 that we will continue to utilize. Offerors quoting a system which can use the same accessories/consumables (objectives, filter cubes, stage inserts, mercury bulbs) as the Zeiss 710 may be considered more desirable by the Government. 2. Price - Offerors must include all applicable costs (Example: Components, Shipping), to include four option periods for maintenance, in their quote. The total quoted price for all components, will be the evaluated price. Offerors must submit the following with their quote: - Completed copy of provision 252.209-7993 - Completed copy of provision 252.247-7022 - Completed copy of provision 52.222-48 See attached list for applicable provisions and clauses for this requirement. Quoted items must be new. Quotes for refurbished equipment will not be considered. Offerors must also indicate in quote where item is manufactured. Items will be shipped to Bethesda, MD. Questions/clarifications regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email to contact@example.gov by September 5, 2014. Any question received after September 5th will not be answered. Questions will not be answered over the phone or submitted by any other means. All questions will be answered in an amendment to the solicitation posted on or around September 8th. Quote packages are due by 10:00 PM Eastern local time on September 15, 2014. Quotes must be submitted via email to contact@example.gov. Quotes will not be accepted by any other means. Late quotes will not be considered. Quote packages should include a cover sheet that provides the following information: - Company Name - Point of Contact, to include email and phone number - DUNS Number - Statement that includes acknowledgement of latest amendment number