The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) have a requirement to purchase a Virobot™ Vitrification Robot from Fei Company, 7451 NW Evergreen Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124. This device will greatly improve the quality of the work in the lab and save valuable time in preparing specimen. The following specifications shall be included in the system: The Vitrobot™ Vitrification Robot The Vitrobot™ (Vitrification Robot) is a fully PC-controlled device for vitrification (rapid cooling) of aqueous samples. Minimal training is required when operating the instrument for research purposes in a laboratory environment. The process of plunging, blotting and vitrification is fully automated upon placing a vial in the chamber and setting up the liquid coolant container. Operational parameters are reproducible and the result is strictly PC controlled, enabling a high throughput of vitrified samples, with an easy and straightforward control of the vitrification process. The parameters to be influenced are: temperature, humidity, the number of blottings and a number of critical time settings. The instrument will consistently produce excellent specimens for cryo-electron microscopy. Researchers can now rely on specimen preparation allowing the investigator to concentrate on structural studies of the specimen. Instrument Control The Vitrobot™ is fully controlled by an embedded/integrated PC, equipped with the Windows operating system. Specific instrument control and operational parameters set-up are done through a Graphical User interface and/or with a mechanical foot-pedal switch. Sample Application Software controlled dipping/withdrawing of the grid from a vial. Small sample volumes can also be applied manually through a small side port allowing access to a pipette. Both application time and wait time (time between application and blotting) are software controlled and can be set through the Graphical User interface. Blotting Device Excess fluid is removed from the grid by (repeatedly) blotting with filter paper on rotating foam pads. Both the number of blotting actions (max. 16 times for one grid) and the duration of blotting (blot time) are software controlled and can be set through the Graphical User interface. Longitudinal grid positioning (“blot offset”) as well as the wait time between blotting and vitrification (“drain time”) is user definable. Vitrification Process Automated shutter control allows for an instant and smooth injection of the sample grid into the container with liquid ethane and/or propane. A lift for the container brings the coolant as close as possible to the shutter to ensure optimal vitrification. Parallel coupling between lowering of the coolant container and the position of the frozen grid remaining inside the coolant. This minimizes any possible contamination prior to the sample transfer into a storage box or cryo holder. Additional Devices The Vitrobot™ is standard delivered with a Phillips 15” LCD monitor, a slim-line keyboard, a mouse and a foot-pedal switch. Technical Specifications Weight 29 kg Dimensions (LxWxH) 423 x 183x 894 mm Air (pneumatics – clean, dried air) 6 – 16 bar through 6 mm hose inlet Power supply (voltage) 110-230 V @ 50-60 Hz Fuse 4 AT (110 V USA) 2 AT (230 V Europe) Power Cable 90-250 V Operating Parameters Working Temperature 4-70°C (at an ambient temperature between 18-25 °C). Pelter controlled heating/cooling. Relative Humidity Ambient humidity – 100% (no condensation at RH<85%) Ultrasonically controlled humidification. The Institute intends to purchase this equipment by other than full and open competition from Fei Company. To the best of the Governments knowledge they are the sole manufacturer and distributor of this equipment. Interested vendors may identify in writing their interest with a capability statement to the Contracting Officer prior to the closing date of this notice. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals, however, all responses received before the closing date of this announcement will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition is based upon responses to this notice and is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. It is anticipated that Request for Quotation (RFQ) NIH-NIDDK-04-298 will be available fifteen (15) days after the publication date of this synopsis. Receipt of quotations will be due ten (10) days after the release of the RFQ. The anticipated award date is September 14, 2004. Request for copies of the RFQ must be in writing and may be FAXED to 301-480-8261. Quotations must be submitted in writing to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 6707 Democracy Blvd., Room 773, Bethesda, Maryland 20817 Attention: Diana Ly. FAX quotations must contain offerors names, address, telephone number and fax number. FAX quotations will only be accepted if dated and signed by an authorized company representative.

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