Upgrade for 2-Photon Imaging Microscope

THIS IS A NON-COMPETITIVE (NOTICE OF INTENT) SYNOPSIS TO AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Section on Critical Brain Dynamics intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Thorlabs, Inc. for the upgrade of the Bergamo II 2-Photon Imaging (2-PI) microscope. NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE and SET ASIDE STATUS The intended procurement is classified under NAICS code 333314 - Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing with a Size Standard of 500 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, the contracting officer 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) No. 2021-06, dated June 10, 2021. Background / Purpose / Objective: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Section on Critical Brain Dynamics currently has a Bergamo II 2-Photon Imaging (2-PI) microscope for experimental research, which was purchased approximately 5 years ago. The technology underlying 2-PI since then has advanced to include more flexible scanning capabilities. The current requirement focuses on the upgrade of the existing microscope as well as replacement of degraded modules to significantly enhance and stabilize the process of the 2-PI. This upgrade is necessary to continue to produce experimental data relevant for understanding the role of brain circuits in normal and pathological behavior. The existing system is comparable to the upgrade that will be purchased and can be installed seamlessly and without delay. Using a completely different system would require refitting the mechanics of our 2-photon imaging system, causing a considerable delay in experimental procedures. Therefore, ThorLabs, Inc. is the only sole source provider. Anticipated period of performance / delivery date: Ninety (90) weeks after award of contract. CONTRACTING WITHOUT PROVIDING FOR FULL OR OPEN COMPETITION (INCLUDING BRAND-NAME) DETERMINATION The determination by the Government to award a contract without providing for full and open competition is based upon the market research conducted. Specifically, ThorLabs, Inc. is the only source that can provide the ThorLabs, Inc. is the only source that can provide the parts to the upgrade of the existing Bergamo II 2-Photon Imaging (2-PI) microscope. 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, 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. All responses must be received by the closing date and time of this announcement and must reference the solicitation number, NIMH-NOI- 21-004726. Responses must be submitted electronically to contact@example.gov. U.S. Mail and fax responses will not be accepted.