COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION WORKFORM
(1) Action Code: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
(2) Date: August 14, 2021
(3) Year: 2021
(4) Contracting Office Zip Code: 20892
(5) Classification Code: 6640
(6) Contracting Office Address:
6701 Rockledge Drive
Rockledge II
Bethesda, MD 20892
(7) Subject/Title: Leica HistoCore AUTOCUT Fully Motorized Rotary Microtome and Accessories
(8) Proposed Solicitation Number: NICHD-21-276
(9) Closing Response Date: 8/18/21
(10) Contact Point: Verne Griffin, Business Opportunity Specialist
(11) Contract Award and Solicitation Number: TBD
(12) Contract Award Dollar Amount: TBD
(13) Contract Line Item Number(s):
(14) Contractor Award Date: TBD
(15) Contractor Name: TBD
(16) Description: The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Digestive, Diabetes & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has a requirement to procure Leica HistoCore AUTOCUT Fully Motorized Rotary Microtome and Accessories.
This research work, a microtome is used and is a specialized precision cutting instrument, which accurately and repeatedly slices sections from a block of embedded tissue and enables microscopic investigation of tissue microenvironment. With its most unique function, a microtome is an indispensable asset/requirement for a laboratory that intends to perform histological studies of embedded tissues. The use of the instrument will also facilitate the study of bone growth and development associated with thyroid 
hormone function.
(i) “This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.”
(ii) The solicitation number is NICHD-21-253 and the solicitation is issued as a request for quote (RFQ).
(iii) The solicitation document, the incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-05 effective 3-10-2021.
(iv) The associated NAICS code is 334516 with a size standard of 1000. The acquisition is being conducted in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 13.
(v) The Contractor Requirements are listed below:
Scope
The research interest in the NIDDK is the study of receptor signaling related to endocrine diseases including but not limited to hyperthyroidism, and thyroid-associated eye diseases. One of the major projects of the lab is to study osteoporosis, regularly linked to thyroid hormone function, which requires study of bone and tissue structure for the animals that had been diseased and had undergone treatment. The lab also develops and tests small molecules for potential therapeutic applications. Recently, the
lab has been doing extensive in vivo research in cancer therapeutics, including preparing immunohistochemistry samples from the tumors generated and treated in animals and their preserved vital organs like thyroid gland, liver, lungs, etc. These paraffin-embedded samples need to be sectioned in a very precise and automated microtome that can keep the width of the slices ≤5 μm, and hence can be studied for different markers that show cancer progression and other cellular functionalities.  Moreover, the automated system enables faster positioning of the sample blocks due to its memory function, improving the overall period and quality of the performed sectioning process. With this work, the lab has been testing thyroid cancer for bringing about potential therapeutic application using the small molecule ligands for thyroid stimulating hormone receptors and has seen initial promising results. This current research in cancer therapeutics has been transformed to in vivo studies using immunocompromised mice where xenograft tumor is generated and thereafter treated with the most promising small molecules. The tumor histology from mice (both control and treated) needs to be studied to understand the function of the molecules and the signaling incurred in the tumor microenvironment.
The contractor shall provide the below to brand name or equal specifications:
149AUTO00C1 HistoCore AUTOCUT Config. 1
14050238257 Foot switch for rotary microtomes
14041157009 Power Cord various NEMA5 15 C13
14050246573 RM-CoolClamp
14041521464 HI1210 100/127V 50/60Hz
Leica HistoCore AUTOCUT Fully Motorized Rotary Microtome and accessories for use in current research in cancer therapeutics. The features of the instrument shall be in the following manner:
(a) Flexibility – Both automated motorized and precision manual sectioning (with unique force balance system) options give optimal flexibility. Personalized coarse feed wheel enables sample advancement or retraction with ease, precision and no noise. Additionally, this feature enables faster trimming of sample blocks.
(b) Memory function – The programmable memory position directs the instrument to remember the optimal specimen exchange position for the block allowing faster and efficient trimming.
(c) High-quality Sectioning – The RM-CoolClamp keeps the block cold longer for consistent slice thickness over multiple sections of paraffin embedded tissue. The precision temperature water bath allows floatation and adherence of sections to slides effortlessly.
(d) Maximized safety – The fully equipped instrument comprises of a new enhanced model automatic electronic brake to minimize the risk of hand injury when changing the block. As soon as the automated sectioning is paused, the electronic brake kicks in immediately to return and hold the specimen in the safest position away from the blade. The emergency stop button on the microtome front or in optional foot stop will interrupt motorized sectioning immediately in case of emergency
(e) Easy upgradation - The setup also allows further upgradation to use tungsten carbide blades to get even thinner slices, viz., <1μm.
(f) Easy operation – The setup is equipped with backlash-free and low maintenance precision micrometer feed system, and hence infrequent service visit will lower overall costing as well.
Technical Requirements:
• Enhanced safety – Multiple emergency brake setups to avoid any and all kinds of hazard during operation and idle conditions of the instrument.
• Fast and precise electronic coarse feed. User programmable lateral coarse feed.
• Programmable with memory function to satisfy every users’ needs.
• Trimming section thickness setting range: 1.0 to 500 μm; Section thickness setting range: 0.5 to 100 μm
• Specimen block cooling function for consistent and cleaner slices.
• Antistatic waste tray for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Blade holder to use variable high- or low-profile blades.
• Precision temperature water bath for floatation and adherence of sections.
(vi) Delivery: 10 to 15 Days after receipt of award
(viii) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.
(ix) The provision at FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items, is applicable. Award will be made to the contractor providing the most advantageous quote to the Government. Technical factors and price considered.
The technical factors are as follows:
The contractor will be evaluated on their capability to provide the product to the brand name or equal specifications as stated on the solicitation and shall be required to provide required service with certification from the OEM.
(x) FAR clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items, is applicable. An offeror shall complete only paragraphs (b) of this provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certificates electronically via http://www.acquisition.gov. If an offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at the System for Award Management (SAM) website, the offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (p) of this provision.
(xi) FAR clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.
(xii) FAR clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. Including the following clauses and Prohibitions:
i. 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program
Representation
ii. 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies
iii. 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities
iv. 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity
v. 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities
vi. 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons
vii. 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases
viii. 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging while Driving
ix. 52.225-1, Buy American—Supplies
(xiii) Additional Contract Requirements: 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal
(xiv) The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating are not applicable.
(xv) Offers shall be submitted via email to [email protected]. The due date for receipt of offers is 11:00 am Eastern Time on August 21, 2021.
(17) Place of Contract Performance:
National Institute of Health, NIDDK
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(18) Set-aside Status: None