FDA AI sample finder for Zeiss AXIO inverted microscope

The contract seeks an AI Sample Finder system to be integrated with a Zeiss AXIO Observer Z1 inverted fluorescence motorized microscope, serial number 383400118, to automate slide preparation and navigation for influenza vaccine lot release testing at the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. The solution must include a high-resolution Axiocam 305 mono R2 camera, a scanning stage, stage controller, mounting frame, AI processing module, Zen Toolkit, and a ZEN 3.10 DLic software upgrade, all meeting Zeiss or equal specifications in physical, functional, and performance characteristics. The system is expected to reduce manual setup time from minutes to seconds and significantly increase testing throughput. The solicitation is issued under NAICS code 334516 with no set-aside for small businesses or socioeconomic categories, allowing any qualified entity to respond. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Timothy Walbert by 2:00 p.m. CDT on July 2, 2026, using only non-macro-enabled Microsoft Office formats such as .docx, .xlsx, or .pdf. The evaluation method is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable, meaning offers must first pass a pass/fail technical compliance review, and award will be made to the lowest-priced qualified submission. Acceptance will occur at U.S. FDA CBER LBVI in Silver Spring, Maryland, under FOB Destination terms, with title and risk of loss transferring upon delivery. The contractor must ensure all items comply with Section 508 accessibility standards, submitting either an Accessibility Conformance Report based on VPAT or the HHS Section 508 Conformance Checklist, and must also certify compliance with the Buy American Act. All invoices must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform, and payment is scheduled for net 30 days after acceptance. The contracting officer, Tim Walbert, serves as the primary point of contact; the Contracting Officer’s Representative will be assigned later to perform technical inspections and accept deliverables. The contract is firm-fixed-price, and no options, key personnel requirements, security clearance specifications, or organizational conflict of interest provisions are included. Offerors must maintain active SAM.gov registration with a valid UEI and submit required certifications regarding child labor, Buy American compliance, and IT accessibility, while adhering to strict prohibitions on macros, executable code, and unauthorized payment systems.