NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION: NIMH Compatible upgrade of existing Multi-photon Imaging microscope with holographic stimulation functionality

NOTICE OF INTENT to Sole Source SOLICITATION NUMBER: NIMH-24-005335-75N95024P00427-NOI TITLE: NIMH Compatible upgrade of existing Multi-photon Imaging microscope with holographic stimulation functionality CLASSIFICATION CODE: 66 -- Instruments & laboratory equipment NAICS CODE: 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing RESPONSE DATE: 8/5/24 at 12:00PM EST PRIMARY POINTS OF CONTACT:Jeff Moore; Jeff.Moore@nih.govChristine Frate; Christine.Frate@nih.gov DESCRIPTION: INTRODUCTION THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NON-COMPETITIVE (NOTICE OF INTENT) SYNOPSIS TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION (INCLUDING BRAND-NAME). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), The Plenz Laboratory Section on Critical Brain Dynamics (SCBD) requires a custom-mounted holographic stimulation pathway, built on top of the existing Bergamo II microscope. NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE and SET ASIDE STATUS The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 334516 - Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing with a Size Standard of 1,000 employees. REGULATORY AUTHORITY This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13'Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Contracts awarded using FAR Part 13'Simplified Acquisition Procedures are exempt from the requirements of FAR Part 6'Competition Requirements. FAR Subpart 13.106-1 (b) Soliciting from a single source provides that: For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, Contracting officers may solicit from one source IF the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, brand-name OR industrial mobilization). The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-05 dated April 22, 2024. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and The Plenz Laboratory requires a custom-mounted holographic stimulation pathway, built on top of the existing Bergamo II microscope, enables precise optogenetic stimulation of individual nerve cells deep within the behaving animal's cortex during sensory stimulation. Notably, both the 2PI and SLM components were meticulously designed for seamless compatibility with Thorlabs' Bergamo II multi-photon imaging series. To ensure smooth transitions between platforms and minimize downtime for servicing, the second Bergamo II 2PI microscope will also incorporate custom-designed Thorlabs modules for the holographic pathway. Constructing this second combined imaging/holographic stimulation platform is paramount for the continued generation of experimental data crucial to deciphering the role of brain circuits in both normal and pathological behaviors. Product name: Bergamo II 2PI Stimulation Platform. Trade name: Holographic stimulation path Salient characteristics: - Existing microscope body (EMB302-RGG-ESP) of the Bergamo II microscope with the PrimaryPath,12 kHz RGG,2P(680-1300nm), which has Resonant High-Speed Imaging (4.4 fps at 2048 x 2048 Pixels, 45 fps at 512 x 512 Pixels, 600 fps at 512 x 32 Pixels) and Galvo-Galvo Imaging (48 fps at 512 x 32 Pixels and 70 fps at 32 x 32 Pixels) is only compatible with the additional holographic stimulation platform OPR2233 Secondary Path, 4mm GG, 3P(800-1800nm) and periscopic path FP3301-ESP (Items 1&2) - This path works with the existing. - Existing RGG scan head RGGSCANNER-12KESP and path combined comprise a RGG system that together with the newly added holographic pathway and provided spatial light modulator (SLM; item 1) can be controlled with the existing Software Package ThorImage (ThorLabs, Inc.). - This package integrates external system control (Pockels Cell, BCM-PCA026; beam attenuator, BCM-PA), SLM control as well as data collection/stimulation and analysis that is compatible with our existing primary multi-photon imaging and holographic stimulation platform. The technical requirements for this job will include Thorlab specific technicians installing the new holographic stimulation path to fit with our existing Multi-photon Imaging microscope. Additionally, they will be required to ensure that the system is fully integrated for combined multi-photon imaging and holographic stimulation. Specifically, this upgrade will consist of the following: 1. A new holographic stimulation path with a Resonant-Galvo-Galvo (RGG) for enhanced holographic stimulation flexibility and high-performance data acquisition board (ThorDAQ). This module allows for controlling the holographic stimulation beam within a larger brain area. The optic mechanical specifications of this module are specific to the Bergamo II Thorlab Inc microscope. The upgrade also requires an updated DataAcquisition Card (DAQ), which is integrated into the Thorlabs specific imaging and stimulation software for which the system is currently designed. 2. Addition of a periscopic path that allows the holographic stimulation to be moved in conjunction with the imaging path of the existing microscope for stable linking of imaging and stimulation plane. Addition of a high-resolution spatial light modulator module which in conjunction with the existing Thorlabs control software package allows for integrated imaging and stimulation of neurons. The custom-designed stimulation stage mounted on top of the microscope body allows for the unique all-optical interrogation (imaging and simultaneous stimulation at cellular resolution). Quantity: 1 x Multi-photon Imaging Microscope path and accessories. Includes delivery and installation. Delivery is expected within 60 days after receipt of order. CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION (INCLUDING BRAND-NAME) DETERMINATION During market research, it was found that Thorlabs Inc is the only vendor that can provide the required product specific upgrade. It was found that no similar product(s) are a compatible upgrade of existing 2-PI BERGAMO II, Thorlabs,Inc. microscope with holographic stimulation functionality. Originally established in the Plenz lab roughly seven years ago, the first Bergamo II 2PI platform from Thorlabs pioneered high temporal and spatial resolution recording from the brains of awake transgenic mice. This groundbreaking platform was further enhanced approximately five years ago to integrate spatial-light-modulated (SLM) holographic laser controls. This custom-mounted holographic stimulation pathway, built on top of the existing Bergamo II microscope, enables precise optogenetic stimulation of individual nerve cells deep within the behaving animal's cortex during sensory stimulation. Notably, both the 2PI and SLM components were meticulously designed for seamless compatibility with Thorlabs' Bergamo II multi-photon imaging series. To ensure smooth transitions between platforms and minimize experimental downtime for servicing, the second Bergamo II 2PI microscope will also incorporate custom-designed Thorlabs modules for the holographic pathway. Constructing this second combined imaging/holographic stimulation platform is paramount for the continued generation of experimental data crucial to deciphering the role of brain circuits in both normal and pathological behaviors. the material or service must be compatible in all aspects (form, fit, and function) with existing systems presently installed. The upgrade must coordinate, connect, or interface with the existing system by hardware and software design: a. The technical requirements for this job will include Thorlabs technicians installing the new holographic stimulation path to fit with our existing, second 2-PI BERGAMO II microscope. Additionally, they will be required to ensure that the system is fully integrated for combined multi-photon imaging and holographic stimulation. b. A new holographic stimulation path with a Resonant-Galvo-Galvo (RGG) for enhanced holographic stimulation flexibility and high-performance data acquisition board (ThorDAQ). This module allows for controlling the holographic stimulation beam within a larger brain area. The opticomechanical specifications of this module are specific to the Bergamo II Thorlab Inc microscope. The upgrade also requires an updated DataAcquisition Card (DAQ), which is integrated into the Thorlabs specific imaging and stimulation software for which the system is currently designed. c. Addition of a perioscopic path that allows the holographic stimulation to be moved in conjunction with the imaging path of the existing microscope for stable linking of imaging and stimulation plane. d. Addition of a high-resolution spatial light modulator module which in conjunction with the existing Thorlabs control software package allows for integrated imaging and stimulation of neurons. The custom-designed stimulation stage mounted on top of the microscope body allows for the unique all-optical interrogation (imaging and simultaneous stimulation at cellular resolution). The intended source is: ThorLabs, Inc. 56 Sparta Avenue Newton, NJ 07860 United States CLOSING STATEMENT THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this notice. 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. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation which shall be considered by the agency. The information received will normally be considered solely for the purposes of determining whether to proceed on a non-competitive basis or to conduct a competitive procurement. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties' bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: unit price, list price, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Unique Entity Identifier ID (UEI), the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the certification of business size. All offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) www.sam.gov. All responses must be received by the closing date and time of this announcement and must reference the solicitation number, NIMH-24-005335-NOI. Responses must be submitted electronically to Jeff Moore, Contract Specialist, at jeff.moore@nih.gov and Christine Frate, Contracting Officer, at Christine.frate@nih.gov . U.S. Mail and fax responses will not be accepted.