Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope, with Multiphoton Excitation Compatibility, for Multiuser NIEHS Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging Center

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Inc. One Zeiss Drive, Thornwood, NY 10594 under the authority of the FAR Subpart 13.5, Test Program for Commercial Items, Section 4202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, 10 U.S.C. 2304(g)(1)(B) . This acquisition will be processed in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures FAR Part 13.106-1(b). Carl Zeiss Microimaging, Inc. is the only known responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The NIEHS Laboratory of Signal Transduction Fluorescence Microscopy and Imaging Center (FMIC) is a common use facility located in the Research Triangle Park, NC, that provides NIEHS researchers and their collaborators, access to a variety of advanced imaging equipment and techniques. Most of the techniques are centered on obtaining the digitized images of fluorescent cells from a confocal microscope. The purpose of this acquisition is to purchase of a laser scanning confocal microscope with multiphoton excitation compatibility (to include installation and option for a 1-year service agreement after warranty expiration). This new microscope will replace our Zeiss 410 which is 15 years old and technically obsolete. Since the FMIC was formed in 1994, the center has acquired 3 Zeiss laser scanning confocal microscopes and further developed the infrastructure for file storage, data acquisition, and data analysis pipelines around the Zeiss image format and scanning technology. The uniformity of using Carl Zeiss LSM series instruments has allowed the FMIC to streamline training and create SOPs to tackle cumbersome acquisition and analysis tasks for its large user base. While other manufacturers are able to provide confocal microscopes, Carl Zeiss is the only one who uses the AIM and Zen imaging acquisition/analysis software that is compatible with the equipment already existing in the FMIC for which the training, operating, and data pipelines have been designed. The Zeiss LSM 710 NLO 34 channel laser scanning confocal microscope is the necessary replacement given the organization of training/equipment/protocols in the FMIC. The Zeiss LSM 710 NLO 34 channel is a confocal fluorescence microscope with multiple laser lines in the visible (458nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm, and 633nm) and invisible range (351nm, 364nm, 405, and 730-1150nm via tunable pulsed IR laser). This microscope utilizes technology that vastly attenuates reflection and also allows for tunable emission detection without traditional fixed emission filters. The detector technology combined with a light recycling loop used in this microscope also allows for improved signal quality. This Zeiss 710 microscope system provides a broad range of fluorescence techniques, these include: single color imaging, multicolor imaging, multiphoton, FRET, FRAP, timelapse, autofocus, 5 channel non-descanned detectors, integration of prechirp controls for pulsed lasers, and Image Correlation spectroscopy. These capabilities meet the needs to satisfy the overwhelming scheduling demands of NIEHS researchers. NIEHS conducted market research and found that no other source provides a product with the same capabilities for an exact comparison. Specific comparisons were to the Olympus Fluoview FV1000MPE and the Leica TCS SP5. Both of these confocal systems are technically similar to the Zeiss LSM 710. However, the Zeiss LSM 710 offers a unique advantage specific to the FMIC because of software compatibility with existing equipment (two LSM 510s). Since the AIM/ZEN platform that operates the Zeiss 710 is identical to what is currently being used in the FMIC existing acquisition software macros, acquisition SOPs, and data analysis pipelines will be directly transferable. This compatibility with existing equipment simply will not exist with the Olympus or Leica product. Given that this instrument will replace an older Zeiss instrument and the compatibility with current instruments and software, it critical to the FMIC infrastructure to continue with the Zeiss LSM series microscopes and AIM/ZEN software. Additional technical features specific to the Zeiss LSM 710 NLO 34 channel microscope, which are needed to advance the NIEHS in-vivo imaging program, include: Ability to house up to 5 non-descanned detectors; Full integration of prechipr control for femptosecond pulsed lasers; Holographic diffraction grating with recycling loop at >90% efficiency; and Upgradable with tunable visible laser. This acquisition includes: Cat. # 4109001755525000, Zeiss LSM 720 #6 NLO, Ar, 561, 633, 34ch ZEN 2009; Cat. # 4109009120830000; 405 cw Laser Kit for SM 710 NLO; Cat. # 0000001410137000; Basic electronics for external laser; Cat. # 0000001411472000, NLOP Laser coupling kit; Cat. # 4109009120930000, MT/Phy/FRET/FRAP AIM-ZEN 2009; Cat. # 4108431514082000, NLO system table for LSM 710; Cat. # 4108018107000000, Computer/Monitor cart for LSM 36; Cat. # 0000001269455000, Switching Mirror; Cat. # 0000001410107000, T-PMT; Cat. # 4310079901000000, Axio Observer Z1 Stand; Cat. # 4300520000000000, Z-drive Operation; Cat. # 4310130000000000, Optovar Turret; Cat. # 0000001069229000, Mirror Insert; Cat. # 4236370000000000, Rearport LSM R3.5; Cat. # 0000001410143000, Support LSM 710 RP; Cat. # 4255370000000000, Binoc Tube 45/23 f/ Axio Observer; Cat. # 4329240000000000, Equip Laser Safety Axio Observer; Cat. # 459330000000000, Dust Cover f/ Vert100/135/200; Cat. # 0000001299421000, Fastening Kit for Inverted; Cat. # 4251640000000000, Sideport NDD right / Stand alone; Cat. # 0000001475770000, ADapter AxioObserver NLO; Cat. # 4242440000000000, Condsr LD 055 H/DIC/Ph 6x Mot; Cat. # 4317160000000000, Aqua Stop II f/Axio Observer; Cat. # 0000001479586000, CAble set for LSM 710; Cat. # 4206399000700000, APO Calibration LSM M27; Cat. # 42453390000000000,Nosepiece 6x MOT w/Definite Focus; Cat. # 4245339030000000000, Beam Combiner Modul NLO; Cat. # 4245339040000000, Compensation Module Definite Focus; Cat. # 4249499901000000, Reflector turret 6x mot ACR for LSM; Cat. # 0000001693058000, ACR Beamsplitter NLO; Cat. # 4523690000000000, Adjusting Aid HBO/XBO f/ Skop2+Vert; Cat. # 4236480000000000, Attenuator FL Mot Discrete; Cat. # 4236480000000000, Attenuator FL Mot Discrete; Cat. # 424933000000000, Reflector Module FL EC ACR P&C; Cat. # 48804999010000000, FL Filter Set 49 DAPI, EX G365 S f ; Cat. # 0000001114101000, FL Filter Set 43 CY 3 Shift Free; Cat. # 0000001114101000, FL Filter Set 43 CY 3 Shift Free; Cat. # 0000001327824000, LSM Fluorescence Protection Shield; Cat. # 4239230000000000, Transmitted light Illuminator LSM; Cat. # 423000000000000, Lamphousing 12V/100W w/ Collector; Cat. # 38007995400000000, Bulb HAL 12V / 100W Rectangular Fi; Cat. # 43202899010000000, Scanning STage 130x100 DC; Cat. # 432929900000000, Stage Controller MCU 2008 f/ DC XY S; Cat. # 4329039902000000, Joystick 2 Axis f/stage controller; Cat. # 0000001315568000, Cable CAN us 3.5m; Cat. # 4513520000000000, Universal Mounting Fram K; Cat. # 4203409901000000, EC Plan-Neofluar 10x/0/30 WD=5.2 M2; Cat. # 42085298700000000 LD LCI PA 25x/0.8 DIC Imm Corr(UV); Cat. # 42046299000000, EC Plan-Neofluar 20x/1.3 DIC WD=0.21; Cat. # 4207829900000000, Plan-Apochromat 63x/1.40 Oil DIC M2; Cat. # 42176799700000000, C-Apochromat 40x/1.20 W Corr WD=0.; Cat. # 4269470000000000, DIC Slider LCI PN 25x0/9 II Corr; Cat. # 426944000000000, DIC Slider PN40x, F 40x, PA 40x; Cat. # 42695700000000, DIC Slider PA 63x/1.4 III HR; Cat. # 42694800000000, DIC Slider CA 40x/1.2W, LD CA 40x/1.; Cat. # 0000001128130000, Polarizer D Rotatable; Cat. # 4249370000000000, Analyzer Module ACR P&C; Cat. # 0000001005867000, DIC Prism II/0.55; Cat. # 0000001005868000, DIC Prism III/0.55; Cat. # 0000001325338000, X-Cite 120 PC with 1.5m Liquid Ligh; Cat. #423302000000000, Illumination Adapter HXP/X-Cite; Cat. # 4329070000000000, TFT Docking Station; Cat. # 0000001410101000, NDD module 2-channel LSM 710; Cat. # 0000001442160000, LBF 660 for all NDD modules; and Cat. # 0000001512357000, Filterset 2i green/red. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability. Respond to this requirement by submitting written capabilities/specifications to the Contracting Specialist at the address stated above. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, all responses received on or before 9:30 AM EST on September 8, 2009 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no affirmative responses are received on or before 9:30 AM EST on September 8, 2009 to determine whether a qualified source is more advantageous to the Government, negotiations will commence with Carl Zeiss Microimaging on a sole source basis. The NAICS Code/Size is 334516/500 Employees. There is no solicitation package available. For any questions regarding this announcement, please contact Paula Pier via email at pierp@niehs.nih.gov*****