Title: LSM 780, Microscope

i. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued." ii. The solicitation number is NHLBI-CSB-(HL)-2012-167-DDC and the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). iii. The resultant purchase order will include all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-058. The total contracted dollar amount, including options will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. iv. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 334510 and the business size standard is 500 employees. The market research conducted by the Government has determined that there are at least two small businesses with the capabilities to satisfy this requirement. Therefore, this requirement is set-aside. This acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items. v. The COAC Services Branch, Office of Acquisitions, DERA, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), NIH, for the Cell Biology Physiology Center (CBPC) intends to procure Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC brand name microscope. vi. The statement of work as follows: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The NHLBI Cell Biology Physiology Center requires an upgrade to an existing microscope model Zeiss LSM 510. Zeiss LSM 780 will replace the current microscope which is now outdated and parts are not available. This instrument is 10 years old. The laboratories are currently suffering from deterioration in its performance due to worn out hardware components. The new system will provide double the sensitivity, photon counting, greater speed and image quality compared to the old system. The Cell Biology Physiology Center, part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is involved in the study of the role of molecular chaperons in protein folding in yeast including prion requires single molecule dynamic detection using FCS; LSM 780 GaAsP photon counting sensitivity and multi-color FCS capability. Research relies on advanced light microscopes and point scanning laser microscopes. The objective for the new laser microscope search is to have superior light sensitivity, low photo bleaching, high dynamic range of detection, and full spectrum fluorescent capability. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROCUREMENT: The objective and purpose of this acquisition is to purchase a superior light sensitivity, low photo bleaching, high dynamic range of detection, and full spectrum fluorescent capability. Requirements for LSM 780, System - Must be superior light sensitivity, low photo bleaching, high dynamic range of detection, and full spectrum fluorescent capability - 32-Ch GaAsP detector with 45% Quantum Efficiency (QE) typically - Plus photon counting ability (FCS) on the GaAsP and new side PMT - Great dynamics especially to visualize weak signals - Active cooling and oversampling photon counting mode for best SNR vii. The delivery date is14 -16 weeks after receipt of order. The FOB Point is destination. viii. FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, is applicable to this requirement and is incorporated by reference. ix. FAR Clause 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items, is applicable to this requirement. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Contract shall meet all of the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work x. FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, is applicable to this requirement, and is incorporated by reference. xi. FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, is applicable to this requirement, and is incorporated by reference. xii. FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items is applicable to this requirement, and the following clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEP 2006), with Alternate 1 (OCT 1995); FAR 52-219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZONE SMALL Business Concerns (JUL 2005); FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (MAY 2004); FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (APR 2008); FAR 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages - Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999); FAR 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation (APR 2009); Far 52.222-19, Child Labor - Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (AUG 2009); FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999); FAR 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007); FAR 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (SEP 2006); FAR 52.22-36, Affirmative Action for Worker with Disabilities (JUN (1998); FAR 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veteran of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (SEP 2006); FAR 52.222-39, Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees (DEC 2010); FAR 52.225-1, Buy American ACT - Supplies (FEB 2009); FAR 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008); FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Central Contractor Registration (OCT2003); and FAR 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration (APR2008). xiii. There are no Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) assigned rating is applicable to this requirement. xiv. Responses to this request for quotation are due on July 5, 2012 by 8:30 a.m. local time. The award will be made based on the lowest priced technically acceptable quote meeting the Government's requirements. The Government intends to evaluate quotes and award a contract without discussions with the Offerors. Therefore, the initial quote should contain the offeror's best terms from a technical and price standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later it is determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all quotes, waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotes received. The Offeror's quote must include an itemized price lists of charges, complete description of services, complete address for invoice payment and purchase order delivery, prompt payment discount terms, the Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), the taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and certification of business size of the company. The offeror must also register in the Government's Contractor Registry System. Note: www.ccr.gov. The responses must reference "Solicitation number" NHLBI-CSB-(HL)-2012-167-DDC. All responsible sources may submit a quote which if timely received shall be considered by the agency. Quotes must be submitted in writing to the COAC Services Branch, Office of Acquisitions, DERA, National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), 6701 Rockledge Drive, Suite 6042, Bethesda, MD 20892-7902, quotations will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative. xv. Offerors must submit with the proposal a certified letter from Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC stating their company is an authorized reseller. xvi. For additional information contact Deborah Coulter by email at address contact@example.gov or by telephone at +1 (555) 000-0000. xvii. The brand name determination is based on the Government's requirement to procure the most advanced point scanning laser confocal microscope for the light microscopy core of the NHLBI (CBPC). The purchase of this system is to provide current and future needs of the laboratory's research. The parts are required to complete a fully functional LSM 780 system. The parts must be compatible with a prior purchase from the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). These qualifications are critical for the CBPC of the nature of the scientific research supported by this core. The following is a few aspects of the research high lights that will benefit from using the LSM 780. 1. Study of the role of molecular chaperons in protein folding in yeast including prion; requires single molecule dynamic detection using FCS, LSM 780 GaAsP photon counting sensitivity and multi-color FCS capability will be the best choice for this project 2. Studies of functions of cytoskeletal proteins including myosins and actin in extreme light sensitive Dictyostelium cells; sensitivity in detection and high (AE) provided by GaAsP 32-channel detector 3. Studies of Arf-6 and related proteins in membrane traffic, requires multi-color imaging that has a big dynamic range of signal intensities. This will be achieved by the 32-channel GaAsP. With a parallel spectral detection design, it offers simultaneous 34-channel readout in lambda mode; allows up to 2x better signal-to-noise ratio for 2x faster acquisition 4. Studies of myosin motor proteins in Purkinje neurons, T-lymphocytes, and other cell systems