MICAO Adaptive Optics System for Microscopy

THIS IS A BRAND NAME OR EQUAL NOTICE. This is a synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisitions Procedures. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are not being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This is a Notice of Intent. The announcement number for this acquisition is NIH-OLAO-OD3-NOI3434024 and is being issued under the authority of FAR Subpart 6.302-1, 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The anticipated award date July 15, 2014. The incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-72 dated January 30, 2014. This acquisition will be processed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is not a small business set-aside. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 333314, which has a size standard of 500 employees. The National Institutes of Health, Office of the Director, Office of Logistics and Acquisitions Operations, on the behalf of the National Institutes Deafness Communication Disorders, intends to procure on a sole source basis from Imagine Optic, Inc., a Micao Adaptive Optics system for microscopy, Plug and Play device, Microscope compatibility: Standard inverted frames, Optimized for objectives of 100x/n/a>1.3, Optical transmission: 95%, Operating wavelength range: 400 - 700 nm, Software: MicAO v1, Camera interface: I/O camera port, Dimensions/weight: 410 x 410 x 100 mm / 17 kg, Working environment: room temperature, Power supply: 110 - 220 V / 50-60Hz and 2 day installation at customer facility-Qty of 1 and 3 days on-site support package-Qty of 1. The components that comprise the MICAO optical system are patented and Imagine Optic, Inc./Axiom Optics have exclusive rights. The MICAO is under Patent WO 2013010859 A1. Finally, the MICAO software is the only existing software solution designed for adaptive optics applied to light microscopy. The Laboratory of Cell Structure and Dynamics will used this adaptive optics to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effect of wavefront distortions. In microscopy, light passing through the lens carries similar wavefront distortions, leading to an inability to resolve the microscopic structure (proteins). While correction of defocus and astigmatism is sufficient for normal visual functioning, it is generally insufficient to achieve super-resolution. MICAO is an optical system that attaches to a microscope to reduce aberration. The main components of MICAO are the HASO first wavefront sensor, the MIRAO deformable mirror and the MICAO software. MICAO is the only plug and play adaptive optics unit for microscopy available today. It is compatible with Nikon widefield inverted microscopes and designed for 100x 1.45 NA Nikon objectives, which is currently in use in our laboratory. This is a fixed-price contract. The Government therefore, intends to solicit, negotiate, and/or purchase this requirement on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 with BRAND NAME OR EQUAL considerations. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however, the Government will consider responses submitted. Responses must be submitted no later than 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST), July 8, 2014 to Ms. Shirlene Smith via e-mail to contact@example.gov. Emailed submission ONLY will be accepted. All information furnished must contain sufficient detail to allow the government to determine if it can meet the above specifications described herein. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Please reference the announcement number NIH-OLAO-OD3-NOI3434024 on all correspondence. Requests for information concerning this requirement must be submitted in writing can be E-mailed to contact@example.gov. It is the vendor's responsibility to confirm receipt of all quotations and/or questions by the closing date of this announcement via e-mail. Calls will not be accepted.