LSM 700 and LSM 780 Microscope Upgrades (Desktop Computers and 405 nm Laser)

This is a Small Business Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZones mall businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a)small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System(NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background: Dr. Quan Yuan's DMPU Lab requires two computers to run our confocal microscopes, specifically the ZEN software. The existing computers have been stress-tested to work without specific instrument setups. Due to security requirements by the NIND IT Department, all computers connected to the shared network drive must run Windows 10. Our computers are now six years old, and an upgrade for two computers is needed at this time to ensure that experimental data is not lost or corrupted due to a breakdown of the computers. The Zeiss 700 is our most-often used confocal microscope. Our lab uses a confocal microscope to image whole brains and specific neurons in the Drosophila fly. In order to produce comprehensive images that indicate the location of cell nuclei, we also require a new laser to excite blue dyes and fluorophores. We require a 405 nm laser that is compatible with the LSM 700 instrumentation setup we currently have. Purpose and Objectives: The Dendrite Morphology and Plasticity Unit (DMPU) Lab uses two Zeiss Confocal Microscopes (LSM 700 and LSM 780). Both microscopes require computers that can run the ZEN software and can be connected to the NIH network drive. Two computers are needed for proper data storage derived from mission critical experimental data for the LSM 700 and LSM 780 microscopes. Additionally, the 405 nm laser is needed and will be used in conjunction with the LSM 700 microscope to produce comprehensive images of fly neurons. Project requirements: Generic Name of Product: Two Windows 10 PC Workstations. One 405 nm laser light source. Brand Name: Carl Zeiss LSM 780 Workstation (Brand-name or equal) Carl Zeiss LSM 700 Workstation (Brand-name or equal) Carl Zeiss 405 nm laser (Brand-name or equal) Salient characteristics PC Computers: - Computers shall run Windows 10 operating system. - Computers shall be able to run proprietary ZEN software; specific to the Carl Zeiss confocal imagins systems. - Computers shall have a Solid-State-Drive SSD 512 GB, at least 8 TB of Memory - Contractor shall building the computers based on these specification and test on a replication of a configuration confocal imaging system currently in use by the laboratory, both the LSM700 and LSM780. Laser - Laser shall produce a 405 nm excitation that can be routed into a Carl Zeiss LSM 700 and operated from the ZEN software. - Laser shall contain generation housing less than 40 lbs Quantity: Two Windows 10 PC Workstations. One 405 nm laser light source. Anticipated period of performance: The contractor shall deliver and install the equipment within 45 days after receipt of order. Delivery must be FOB destination and include inside delivery. On-site training must take place within two (2) weeks of equipment installation. The equipment shall be delivered and installed between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00 pm, Bethesda, MD local prevailing time. The contractor shall provide an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified service technician to perform setup, installation, and an on-site 1-day training session for 10 staff members. Warranty: Contractor shall warrant that the Equipment will be free from material defects for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of acceptance. All service performed on this equipment shall be provided by certified and factory trained technicians. Technicians shall have the ability to diagnose the systems on site via remote access. Contractor shall provide any required replacement components due to malfunctions on-site. Capability statement /information sought: Respondents must provide clear and convincing documentation of their capability of providing the products specified in this notice including providing information regarding being an authorized provider of the supplies and services. Also, information must be provided in sufficient details of the respondents' (a) staff expertise, including their availability, experience, formal and other training; (b) current in-house capability to perform the work; (c) prior completed projects of similar nature; (d) corporate experience and other management capability; and (e) examples of prior completed Government contracts, references, and other related information. The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc., pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. Respondents should provide responses accordingly: (1) submit information electronically by email. No mail, telephone or facsimile responses will be accepted; (2) format capability statements using Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF including attachments, resumes, charts, etc. Use single space, 12 font minimum and 8.5 x 11 size paper; (3) organize material in such a manner that clearly identifies and addresses capability requirements and provide an executive summary; (4) capability statement should not exceed two pages not including the cover page, executive summary, or references; (5) RESPONSES SHOULD BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 10:00 AM EASTERN TIME ON August 7, 2019; (6) include respondents' technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and email addresses; and (7) send responses to this notice via email to danny.cohn@nih.gov. "Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s)."