FDA Leica DMi8 confocal upgrades

The contract pertains to the upgrade of an existing Leica DMi8 confocal microscope, serial number 526325, with a CICERO/THUNDER spinning disk system to enhance fluorescence and live-cell imaging capabilities at the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. The upgrade includes supply, on-site installation, and full Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) of a turn-key system that must achieve high-speed image acquisition exceeding 100 fps, minimize phototoxicity, and fully integrate with the existing microscope infrastructure. All components must meet brand-name-or-equal standards, comply with 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures, and adhere to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for accessibility, requiring submission of a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)-based Accessibility Conformance Report. The solution must be provided using original equipment manufacturer parts and installed by certified technicians, followed by on-site training for three to five users. The solicitation is issued as a Firm-Fixed-Price contract under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method, where technical compliance is a mandatory threshold and award is made to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all requirements. Proposals must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer by 2:00 PM CDT on June 10, 2026, and must include documentation proving technical acceptability and Section 508 compliance. All offerors must have an active Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov at the time of submission. Invoicing must be done solely through the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), with payments processed net 30 days after government acceptance. The contract includes a base period with no specified dates, followed by two optional 12-month periods for preventive maintenance services, which the government may elect to exercise. Packaging, marking, and preservation standards are not specified, and no set-aside provisions apply. The contract incorporates multiple FAR clause deviations authorized by RFOs, including exceptions related to service contract labor standards, whistleblower rights, subcontracting restrictions, and payment processing, with electronic submission and accessibility compliance being non-negotiable requirements.