Integrated upgrade package for a Government owned Zeiss Axiovert 200 Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope

Contracting Office Address: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 9609 Medical Center Drive Room 1E144 Bethesda, MD 20892 Description: The National Cancer Institute (NCI), The Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LCMB) plans to procure on a sole source basis with BioVision Technologies, Inc. 64 E. Uwchlan Avenue #273, Exton, PA 19341 an integrated upgrade package for a Government owned Zeiss Axiovert 200 Spinning Disk Confocal microscope. This acquisition will be processed in accordance with simplified acquisition procedures as stated in FAR Part 13.106-1(b)(1). Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type contract. The North American Industry Classification System code is 334516 and the business size standard is 500 employees. Delivery is 90 days from date of award. It has been determined that there is no opportunity to acquire green products or services under this contract. The Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LCMB) requires improvement to the LCMB's spinning disk microscope for experiments involving the observation of microscopic structures in both fixed and live cells. These experiments require imaging equipment with sufficient sensitivity to visualize faint RNA translation probes and sufficient speed to capture the location of a single RNA marked with multiple probes of different colors. The integrated upgrade package from BioVision Technologies possesses the following salient characteristics: 1) Modifications must allow use of current microscope (Zeiss Axiovert 200), spinning disk head (CSU-22 Yokogawa spinning disk head), lasers and laser launch all part of NIH decal #01343911. 2) The combined outcome of these modifications must be to allow imaging of the NIH's RNA translation probes in both the red and green channels, photobleaching, three color fluorescent protein imaging (CFP, YFP and RFP) and the ability to image multiple samples in one experiment, 3) Modification of CSU-22 head with Borealis 2 optics to increase the laser power at the objective by approximately 2 fold, 4) Addition of interchangeable input optics to give 2 different magnifications, 5) Hamamatsu ImageEMX2 EM-CCD camera to improve sensitivity of detection system, 6) Photobleaching unit operating in a separate light path from the EM-CCD camera (ILAS FRAP2 system), 7) ASI closed loop XY stage with rotary encoders for Zeiss Axiovert with Piezo stage top focusing control, 8) 8 position emission filter wheel with 5 degree tilt, 9) New dual monitor computer with 16GB RAM and dual drives, 10) Operating software (MetaMorph) capable of controlling all devices and USB DAQ control board, 11) Drilled base plate for existing vibration table 12) Addition of mechanical alignment system under the confocal system 13) Removal, packing, and shipment of the confocal head for upgrade 14) Reinstallation of confocal head, integration and installation of upgrades, and training of users BioVision Technologies, Inc. is the only known contractor that can provide an integrated upgrade package to the Government owned microscope with the aforementioned salient characteristics. This is not a solicitation for competitive quotations. However, if any interested party believes they can meet the above requirement, especially small businesses, they may submit a tailored statement of capabilities via fax or email. In addition, all responsible sources may submit a bid, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the NCI. All information furnished must be in writing and must contain sufficient detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the above unique specifications described herein. All information must be received in the NCI contracting office on or before 4:00 PM EST on December 10, 2013. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed (240) 276-5401 or emailed to Anh-Huy Nguyen, Contracts Specialist at anh-huy.nguyen@nih.gov. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In order to receive an award, contractors must have valid registration and certification in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. No collect calls will be accepted. Please reference solicitation number N02RC46001-71 on all correspondences.