This solicitation number is RFQ-2456376 and the solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-55.  This is a total small business set aside.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on behalf of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has a requirement for a microscope, micropipette puller, and a multi-manipulator system. The microscope will be coupled to a femtosecond pulsed infrared laser to be used as a two photon laser scanning microscope. The micropipette puller and manipulator system will be used for electrophysiological recordings from neurons during imaging under the microscope. The microscope, micropipette puller, and multi-manipulator system must have the following specifications:

Microscope:

(1) Objective movement of at least 22mm in X, Y, and Z;
(2) Long term stability of 1-2 micron/hour;
(3) Customizable open platform design;
(4) Four channel PMT detector;
(5) 6mm galvanometric scanners;
(6) Objective rotatable about optical axis;
(7) Main body of microscope translatable along rail system.

Micropipette Puller:

(1) Color touch screen display;
(2) Diagnostic testing of all puller components;
(3) Built-in error detection of air pressure loss or filament burnout;
(4) Jaw temperature sensor.

Multi-Micromanipulator System

(1) Single controller running two stepper motor drive manipulators
(2) Single button toggle of movement modes between speeds, resolution, pulsed diagonal and accelerated mode;
(3) User definable fixed angle 4th axis;
(4) Minimum step size of 62.5 nm per microstep;
(5) Full travel of at least 25mm in each axis;
(6) Maximum speed of at least 5mm/sec;
(7) Mechanical drift of less than 1 micron/hour

Offerors will be evaluated on their ability to meet technical specifications. Offers will also be evaluated on best value in relation to price. Quotations are to be sent electronically to Korriise LaRoche, Contracting Officer at [email protected].

The following FAR provisions shall apply to this solicitation: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Items, 52.212-2, Evaluation--Commercial Items. Offerors must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items, with its offer. Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Condition Commercial Items and Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.