Wide Confocal Integrated Microscope System

NOTE: This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. This is a Sources Sought notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. This notice is issued to help determine the availability of qualified companies technically capable of meeting the Government requirement. 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. Statement of Need and Purpose: To meet ongoing requirements of the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) intramural scientists the Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment (SCCN) requires a Wide Focal Microscope System to provide state of the art microscope imaging. The unique salient features of the microscope platform, described herein, are critical to our planned research objectives and agency mission. Background: The overarching research goal of the SCCN is to probe the neural substrate of certain diseases and conditions through the development lens. A region of the brain that will be part of a significant focus is the pulvinar nuclei of the thalamus, which has expanded in size, complexity, and function throughout mammalian evolution. The overarching aim of the Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment is to take a multi-technique approach to explore the development of thalamocortical circuits and their plasticity into adulthood. This approach has the potential to identify the neural underpinnings of disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and cortical blindness, as well as help us understand how the brain differentially operates at different stages of life. As part of this research, SCCN requires a comprehensive widefield and confocal microscope platform to interrogate complex fluorescent signals. The current and anticipated applications are diverse and include RNAScope, MerFISH, fluorescent in-sito, varied neuronal tracers, and time-lapse imaging. A core technology that will integrate these various imaging methods leverages true simultaneous 4-color imaging for both widefield and confocal imaging. The required instrumentation must allow rapid multiplex fluorescent imaging of large tissues, including human and marmoset and must provide multi-channel time-lapse imaging where individual channels are exactly synced in time, critical for observing rapid cell dynamics. Generic Name of Product: Widefield and Confocal Integrated Microscope System Purchase Description: 1. Widefield confocal integrated microscope Basic system Fully automated, inverted research imaging system encapsulated in a user-friendly design (opening by hinges, quick access) with the following components: Widefield detection unit for synchronized flourometry, detecting and separating up to 4 labels simultaneously Fluorescence axis equipped with both widefield and confocal viewing Transmitted light axis with S40 condensor Automated modulation contrast unit Hardware Autofocus for drift correction as integral part of the focusing strategies Software Autofocus for image based focusing for use on demand and as integral part of the focusing strategies Sample Finder to find the sample carrier/sample and generation of an in-focus overview. focusing system for high precision focusing Objective turret with 1.6x and 10x Semiapochromate and space for up to 4 additional objectives Objective HC PL FLUOTAR 1.6x/0.05 Objective HC PL FLUOTAR 10x/0.32 Precise scanning stage 4-fold LED light source (365nm, 470nm, 560nm, 625nm) Confocal detection unit for FluoSync, detecting and separating up to 4 labels simultaneously Real time control ensuring the exact synchronization of all system components Anti-vibration table: Integrated circuit board to enable use of MotCORR objectives plus SmartCORR functionality for high resolution color correction and field flatness All system components (stage, illumination, focus, cameras) must be synchronized for real time control of system components for quick imaging functionality with 3 exclusive computational clearing modes: Instant Computational Clearing (ICC) for instantaneous removal of out of focus background Small Volume Computational Clearing (SVCC) for instant computational clearing and decision-masked 3D deconvolution dedicated to thin specimens (i.e.mono cell layer) Large volume computational clearing (LVCC) combines Instant computational clearing and decision-masked 3D deconvolution dedicated to thick specimen (i.e. organoids). Software Packages required for operation: 2. Workstation and analysis package Workstation PC with the following configuration Operating System: Win10 IoT Enterprise 2019 Processor: Intel XeonW-2245 3.9GHz 8C 165W CPU 192GB (6x32GB) DDR4 2933 DIMM ECC Registered WW Memory Graphics Board: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000 24GB (4)DP+USBc System Drive: 512GB SATA SSD Temp Drive: 8TB SSD RAID0 (HP Z Turbo Drive Quad Pro with 4x2TB NVMe) Data Drive: 4TB SSD RAID0 (2x 2TB NVMe) DVD writer: 9.5 DVDWR 1ST ODD Minimum 3 year warranty on workstation provided by manufacturer HP Z32 4K-UHD display, 31.5 inch minimum Cordless keyboard and mouse Data analysis software with the following functionality: Ability to train and apply machine learning-powered pixel classifier for image enhancement and segmentation for radically simplified image segmentation of 2D to 5D microscopy data sets to enable the user to train software to search for objects of interest. Deep learning and Python integration to apply a library of pre-trained deep learning models for image enhancement and/or segmentation. Additionally, via the Python API, integrate and run a wide range of software modules developed by open source programmers. Wide range of image analysis recipes including nuclei count and tracking, cell count and tracking, particle count and tracking, cell proliferation assay, neurite outgrowth, wound healing (phase contrast), stem cell colony detection (phase contrast), cell tracking (phase contrast), object detection (meshes), object detection (spots), object tracking and lineage tracing. Automatic determination of the required parameters using pre-trained deep learning for 3D object analysis. Batch processing of recipes, trained deep learning models, and trained pixel classifiers. Semi-automated analysis and editing tools such as the Contour Editor, which simplifies the task of reconstructing complex 3D shapes such as organelles, neurons and other cells, Object Classifier, a machine learning powered tool for classifying objects and identifying new phenotypes, and the Track and Lineage Editor. 3D objects generated using the Contour Editor can be used to delineate regions of interest where users can apply any of the recipes, trained Pixel Classifier, or deep learning models. Pixel and object colocalization analysis (including computation of Manders and Pearson's correlation coefficient). Open over 40 microscopy file types, including extended support for proprietary files containing FALCON and TauSense data. Render multi-channel 2 to 4D images of up to 3 TB (raw size) with millions of detected objects/cells/neurons/tracks. Highly interactive visualization tools including the Ortho Slicer and the Clipping. Planes to selectively reveal regions, objects, and relationships of interest in raw and analyzed mesh data. Search and Action bar to access all training materials and to command analysis package to take specific actions. Image and object text tagging system ideal for collaborative work and to visually keep track of different objects/regions of interest. The Video Animator to unleash creativity to generate high fidelity video animations of up to 4K and 60 fps. Spreadsheet and Charts (scatter, bar, lineage, and track) features to explore and export analyzed results for further statistical exploration in dedicated third party software. Virtual reality integration for interactively navigating and exploring both the raw voxel data and segmentation results using advanced VR headsets 3. Sample Carrier Click-in holder for standard and chamber slides (1"x 3"). Compatible to K-frame 4. Service Contract and Training 5. Service Installation On-site installation services performed by a factory-trained and certified Field Service Engineer to meet our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. 6. Objectives Objective providing a field number of 25, 0.62 mm free working distance, 20X magnification and 0.75 numerical aperture, M25 objective thread with TL-BF, TL-DIC, TL-IMC, and FLUO contrasting methods Plan apochromatic objective with superior color correction Optimized for confocal scanning applications For use with 0.17 mm coverglass and no immersion Objective providing a field number of 25, 0.14mm free working distance, 63X magnification and 1.4 numerical aperture, M25 objective thread with TL-BF, TL-DIC, TL-IMC, and FLUO contrasting methods. Plan apochromat oil immersion objective with superior color correction extended to 405 nm, optimized for widefield and confocal scanning applications also with Mica. Must be compatible with oil immersion 7. Type F Immersion liquid, ISO 8036 Type F Immersion liquid, ISO 8036, 10 ml, very low autofluorescence, highly recommended for Fluorescence applications and all APO objectives Salient characteristics: Sample finder that quickly and automatically generates an in-focus overview of the relevant areas. Detection across a broad spectrum with fully integrated phasor-based hybrid unmixing that allows the separation of up to 4 fluorophores with simultaneous acquisition in widefield and confocal allowing for higher imaging throughput without spatiotemporal mismatch Functionality that allows the user to set all technical excitation and detection parameters according to the experimental demands automatically by a single touch. Sample protection / image quality feature that allows user to set the experimental demands for a sample type such as living cells or fixed tissue. Sample focusing feature that keeps the sample in focus throughout the entire experiment. Automatic preselection feature that allows selection based on sample characteristics. Mixed TL & CLSM / TL & WF that combines transmitted light (BF or IMC) with widefield or confocal imaging, including a pixel precise alignment of the images. (confocal for WideFocal variants only) Objective collision prevention mechanisms that prevent the objectives from colliding with a well plate to protect objectives and samples. High-speed illumination with a triggered 4-line LED or laser light source Contained and compact system with small footprint, not requiring dark room conditions. User-friendly LAS X software for easy access to microscopy and reduction of training and operating time. Navigator functionality to setup the experiments and maintain the context during imaging. Software control that provides the following: Computational clearing of the out-of-focus blur inherent to all widefield images in real time and can be viewed during image acquisition. Computational clearing of the deeper imaging in large volume samples, e.g. in a 150 ?m brain section using a 40x/1,30 oil objective (see Tech Note). Computational clearing of the out-of-focus single 2D images without the need to acquire more than one image as required with 3D deconvolution or structured illumination solutions thus minimizing photobleaching and phototoxicity as well as avoiding motion artefacts in fast moving samples. Raw data always maintains integrity - computationally cleared data does not overwrite raw data. Fully automated intelligent and adaptive image information extraction method from confocal data acting in near real time using extremely fast parallel GPU processing. Easy-to-train data analysis software package that employs a pixel classifier for segmentation and identification of objects and subsequently allows visualization of results with full traceability of the data points to their origin. Intelligent water cap to establish and maintain water immersion during the experiment, even during long-term experiments. (live cell variants only) Smart CORR Objectives for image based automated adjustment of the CORR ring of a motCORR objective for optimal optical performance of the combination of objective, sample carrier and sample. LiveIQ protects the sample from unnecessary light exposure in widefield, as it stops illumination during widefield live imaging, whenever suitable. Additionally, movement artefacts are reduced with higher framerates during stage movement. RGB-imaging: use the FluoSync widefield detector to do RGB imaging of histological stainings (e.g. H&E or nissl staining). Quantity: One Delivery Date: 60-120 days following the award of the contract Warranty: All items fully warrantied for one year. Capability statement /Information sought: Respondents must provide clear and convincing documentation of their capability of providing the equipment specified in this notice. The respondent's capability statement should contain sufficient detail for the Government to make an informed decision regarding your capabilities. Respondents must also provide the following information. Respondents UEI number, cage code, organization name and address. Business size (e.g., small or large) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code. Respondents' Socio-economic Status (e.g., HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses). GSA or other Government Contract Number if applicable Place of manufacture Any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the requirement. The response is limited to ten (10) pages and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-pont or 12-point font, and 8-1/2'x11 paper size. The response must include the respondents technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. All capability statements sent in response to this Sources Sought notice must be submitted electronically (via email) to the Kristina.Jenkins@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) by the closing date and time of this announcement. Facsimile responses will not be accepted, and all responses must reference the Notice ID. Disclaimer and Important Notes: This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in 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 a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published on SAM.gov Contract Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. 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).