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RFQ #36C25023Q0252
Effective Date: 02/01/2022
Description
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2022-08.

This solicitation is set-aside for Full and Open Competition.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516, with a small business size standard of 1000. The FSC/PSC is 6650.

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center Research facility is requesting a Brand Name or Equal Nikon AXR confocal microscope. The Nikon AXR is a point scanning confocal. Its addition of artificial intelligence, expanding the number of colors, improving pixel density, sensitivity these significant additions expand the range of experiments possible with a point scanning confocal, while increasing the usability and functionality of the instrument, all in a modular and upgradable platform. The Nikon AXR has the largest field-of-view on both inverted and upright microscope stands available more specimens fit in one FOV with more objective lens choices than ever before. Confocal imaging, notoriously slow because of its point-scanning requirement for high quality 3-dimensional imaging at high resolution, is greatly changed by fast imaging with the AX R s resonant scanning capabilities.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

Sections of Product Description
Qty
Nikon AXR Confocal System with High Speed Resonant Scanner
1
Large FOV Inverted Microscope w/LED Flurescence
1
NIS-Elements Imaging Software and High-End Workstation/Monitor
1
Objective Lenses
1
DIC Optics
1
Live-Cell Incubator
1
Transmitted Detector
1
Piezo Z Drive
1
Epifluorescence
1
Water Immersion Dispenser
1
SoRa Spinning Disk Super Resolution System
1
High-End Image Analysis System w/Artificial Intelligence
1
Anti-Vibration Table
1

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Upcoming research projects requires a high-quality microscopic imaging platform that allows super resolution of organisms close to the limits of light microscopy. Furthermore, detection of subtle surface structures and fluorescence signals are essential in our studies of the growth and survival of the fungal pathogen, Pneumocystis.
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Furthermore, this microscope will facilitate the research of cancers, cardiac disease, lung disease, wound healing, infectious diseases, etc., to allow detection and monitoring of static or live image assays.

This research project will require a Super Resolution fluorescent microscope with a 25 mm field of view that supports large image stitching (often referred to as montages), high throughput acquisition and analysis of both multi-well plates and slide, incubate live cells on the microscope stand with temperature, humidity, and CO2 control, capture fluorescent images, high-speed capture of live cells up to 720 frames per second, and perform custom analysis routines.
Purchase of a Nikon AXR Confocal and SoRa Super Resolution System and its components. This instrument is critical to VA research and will be available for use by all VA researchers.

Salient Characteristics: Brand Name or Equivalent

The Nikon AXR Confocal and SoRa Super Resolution System (or equivalent) must be able to perform:
Super resolution imaging, allowing a lateral resolution size of 120nm per pixel, with an axial resolution of 300nm.
Large image stitching (Tiling or montage)
High throughput acquisition and analysis of both multi-well plates and slides
Infinitely size configuration of the confocal pinhole (>4 size positions available).
Incubation of live cells on the microscope stand while regulating of temperature, humidity, and CO2 control
Support for both confocal and SoRa spinning disk confocal modalities on the same microscope base frame.
Capture fluorescent images
High speed resonant scanner
High-speed capture of live cells up to 720 frames per second
25 mm field of view (FOV) from the microscope side port for widefield digital image capture.
Resonant scanner that supports 25mm FOV
Perform near-IR auto focus of samples to maintain focus along XY axis and over time course studies.
Plan gamma objectives for high quality images of blue wavelengths.
Perform custom analysis routines as designed by the individual researchers.
Suite of AI analysis tools
Analysis tools, including cell delineation and segmentation
Deconvolution and advanced imaging processing to enhance clarity and image quality.
Upgradability for different imaging modalities (i.e. FRAP) and confocal detectors.
Local support from manufacturer for on-site service.

Installation: Vendor will unpack and set up microscope to the VA specifications and advise of warranty information on the equipment. Training will need to be provided after set up is completed.

Place of Performance/Place of Delivery

Delivery Schedule: Delivery of equipment should be completed within 3-4 months ARO to:

VA Medical Center
3200 Vine Street
Cincinnati OH 45220

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:
FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items
FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Items

Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Items. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:
FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders

Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of FAR 13. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government.

The following are the decision factors:

The award will be made to the response most advantageous to the Government.
Responses should contain your best terms, best value, and technological requirements.
Submission of your response shall be received not later than 1:00pm EST on 1/27/2023 via email to Lillie.grey@va.gov.

Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision are under
FAR 52.212-1(f).

Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below.
Point of Contact
Lillie Grey
Contract Specialist
Lillie.grey@va.gov

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