Patterned Illumination System Equipment for Confocal Microscope

INTRODUCTION THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NON-COMPETITIVE (NOTICE OF INTENT) SYNOPSIS TO AWARD A CONTRACT OR PURCHASE ORDER WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION. The National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) intends to award a purchase order without providing for full and open competition to PHOTONEDGE CANADA INC (DBA: Mightex Systems) for Polygon1000 DMD Pattern Illuminator equipment. BACKGROUND The Unit on Developmental Signaling (UDS) investigates early embryonic development using the zebrafish embryo as a model system. The zebrafish embryo is a valuable vertebrate model because it is transparent and develops externally, rendering it amenable to microscopy-based studies. Recently, new techniques have been developed to manipulate biological processes using light. These - molecular optogenetics methods offer unprecedented spatial and temporal control over processes that are key to development, such as signaling and gene expression. In addition, it is possible to manipulate multiple processes simultaneously using different wavelengths of light. The ability to perform precise experimental manipulations will allow the UDS to test and develop theories explaining how early embryonic tissues are patterned. Because the zebrafish embryo is amenable to microscopy, it is also a promising platform for molecular optogenetics applications. However, to take full advantage of these methods, it is necessary to precisely control light exposure to the embryo. An ideal system would allow the researcher to expose different regions of the embryo to different wavelengths of light while simultaneously (or near-simultaneously) imaging the embryo to assess responses to experimental manipulations. Other options to control light exposure to embryos include external LED systems and using the confocal microscope's lasers. While external LED systems can be useful for specific applications (particularly for experiments requiring spatially uniform exposure with temporal and intensity control), they do not provide the spatial resolution and simultaneous imaging necessary for an important subset of experiments. It is in theory also possible to use the confocal microscope's lasers; however, the confocal system is not designed for the type of patterned illumination that would be most useful for the UDS (e.g., constant spatial light gradients) because it is based on scanning rather than fixed illumination. Additionally, the existing lasers do not cover all required wavelengths. The UDS will be able to investigate embryogenesis much more effectively with a dedicated patterned illumination system. However, to take full advantage of these methods, it is necessary to precisely control light exposure to the embryo. An ideal system would allow the researcher to expose different regions of the embryo to different wavelengths of light while simultaneously (or near-simultaneously) imaging the embryo to assess responses to experimental manipulations. JUSTIFICATION The system needs to be compatible with our current Zeiss equipment and also allow for florescence use at the same time, which is vital to our research. The Mightex Polygon 1000 DMD Pattern Illuminator will provide the necessary spatiotemporal control over multiple wavelengths that is needed for our projects, is compatible with the Zeiss LSM 800 confocal microscope equipment and software currently used by the UDS, and allows for florescence use at the same time. The UDS needs a product that is compatible with current equipment. Based on discussions with knowledgeable individuals from other labs, we learned that Mightex systems have been used successfully with Zeiss confocal microscopes to carry out molecular optogenetic experiments (mainly in flies). NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 333314 of with a Size Standard of 500. REGULATORY AUTHORITY The resultant contract will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Circular (FAC) 2021-05 effective 3-10-2021. This acquisition is conducted under the procedures as prescribed in FAR subpart 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures at an amount not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) and FAR Subpart 12- Acquisition of Commercial Items. STATUTORY AUTHORITY This acquisition is conducted under the authority of FAR Subpart 6.302- FAR 6.302-1'Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE NIH/NICHD 6 Center Dr BLDG. 6B RM 3B326 Bethesda, MD, 20892 DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT We seek a patterned illumination system with the following features: - Compatible with the Zeiss LSM 800 confocal microscope and Zen software used by the UDS - Can generate spatial gradients of light - Simultaneous or near-simultaneous exposure to at least 4 wavelengths (~450, ~550, ~630, ~740 nm) - Simultaneous or near-simultaneous imaging during patterned illumination - Spatial resolution of at least 10 microns - Temporal resolution of at least 5 seconds 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. Responses to this notice shall contain sufficient information to establish the interested parties bona-fide capabilities for fulfilling the requirement and include: certification to provide OEM service and parts, unit price, list price, shipping and handling costs, the delivery period after contract award, the prompt payment discount terms, the F.O.B. Point (Destination or Origin), the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), 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. 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. 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. All responses to this notice shall be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, on July, 9th, 2021 to contact@example.gov and shall include solicitation # NICHD-21-159 in the subject line. NOTE TO CONTRACTOR: The contractor shall provide a completed copy of FAR 52.204-24, "Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment" with their quote in response to this solicitation.