Upgrade of a Cell/Embryo Mricomanipulation/Microinjection System for a Zeiss Axiovert 200 Optical Microscope

Solicitation Number: HHS-NIH-NIDA (SSSA)-SS-14-434 Title: Upgrade of Cell/Embryo Mricoman/Microinjection System for a Zeiss Axiovert 200 Optical Microscope Classification Code: 66 NAICS Code: 334516 Description: Upgrade of Cell/Embryo Mricoman/Microinjection System for a Zeiss Axiovert 200 Optical Microscope Introduction: This is a Source Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of all qualified sources to perform a potential requirement. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. This notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. Background: The Cerebral Microcirculation Section of the Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Imaging (LFMI) has recently become interested in developing techniques to produce transgenic marmosets as a way to advance its research of brain function and neurological disorders. To produce transgenic marmosets, embryos collected from donor females must be manipulated and injected with lentiviruses containing the transgene of interest. This technique, called Embryonic Microinjection (MI), is performed using an existing inverted microscope. To enable precise and successful manipulation of the embryos, the microscope is equipped with a micromanipulator/microinjection system (rig). This system is composed of two micromanipulators that allow precise 3D positioning of micropipettes to physically interact with the cells/embryos under the microscope, with a level of precision of movement that cannot be attained by the unaided human hand. One of the micromanipulators is used to gently hold the cell/embryo of interest, while the other micromanipulator hold microcapillary needle containing the lentiviruses to be injected into the cell/embryo. In addition, the system also has a manually controlled microinjector, operated by pressurized air, for pressure control, manual microinjection and liquid dispensing; and an electronic microinjector, to provide precise control of the injection pressure and volume. The Cerebral Microcirculation Section currently has an inverted microscope, model Axiovert 200, S/N 205199 that is equipped with an outdated micromanipulator rig that cannot further support the operation needs of our group. This rig needs to be upgraded to the latest available version so the use and operation of NINDS MI experiments can continue. The present project is aimed at upgrading the existing micromanipulation/microinjection rig with a new equivalent system. Purpose and Objectives for the Procurement: This purchase will provide for the upgrade of an existing cell/embryo micromanipulation and microinjection right that currently equips an also existing inverted optical microscope, model Carl Zeiss Axiovert 200, for the purpose of enabling in vitro microinjection of individual cells and embryos. The existing microscope was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC, while the existing micromanipulation/microinjection rig that equips the microscope. Capability Statement: Businesses that believe they possess the capabilities necessary to undertake this work should submit complete documentation of their capabilities to the Contract Specialist. The capabilities statement must specifically address each project requirement separately. Additionally, the capability statement should include 1) the total number of employees, 2) the professional qualifications of scientists, medical experts and technical personnel as it relates to the above outlined requirements, 3) a description of general and specific facilities and equipment available, including computer equipment and software, 4) an outline of pervious research projects that are similar to the project requirements in which the organization and proposed personnel have participated, and 5) any other information considered relevant to this program. The capability statement must not exceed 15 single sided or 7.5 double sided pages in length and using a 12-point font size minimum. The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name and address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g. 8(a), HubZone, etc.) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. Interested organizations are required to identify their size standards in accordance with the Small Business Administration. The government requests that no proprietary or confidential business data be submitted in a response to this notice. However, responses that indicate the information therein is proprietary will be properly safeguarded for Government use only. Capability statements must include the name and telephone number of a point of contact having authority and knowledge to discuss responses with Government representatives. Capability statements in response to this market survey that do not provide sufficient information for evaluation will be considered non-responsive. When submitting this information, please reference the solicitation notice number. All capability statements sent in response to this Sources Sought Notice must be submitted electronically (via email) to Jasmine Snoddy, Contract Specialist-Snoddyj@mail.nih.gov in MS Word within 12 calendar days of the date of this announcement. All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in the response. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After reviewed of the responses received, pre-solicitation and solicitation notices may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. The solicitation release date is pending. The Government intends to negotiate a fixed-price contract. Confidentiality: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation (s)."