The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Molecular Imaging Program (MIP) plans to procure on a sole source basis, the Olympus MVX Macro/Stereo Microscope with Olympus America Inc.; 3500 Corporate Parkway; Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034. The supplies herein are being procured in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized by FAR Part 13.106-(b) (1). The North American Industry Classification System Code is 334516 and the business size standard is 500 employees. The purpose of this requirement is for the NCI laboratory to develop new optical imaging methods and probes in the Molecular Imaging program to achieve the goal of developing early diagnosis methods and cure cancer patients. NCI has found a gap between in vivo imaging and microscopic imaging is currently the biggest obstacle. To fill this gap, the NCI plans to develop a stereoscopic microscopy system equipped with a spectral fluorescence camera. The stereoscopic microscopy is state-of-the-art with the narrowest angle of 2 subjective views merge images taken simultaneously with a color camera and a spectral fluorescence camera and the excellent fluorescence detect ability as well as the exchangeability of parts and image files with current microscopic systems BX51 and IX81, made by Olympus America. NCI plans to purchase a MVX stereoscopic microscope. Olympus America is the only source of Olympus MVS stereoscopic microscopes in the Mid-Atlantic region. Olympus is required for cross compatibility with other microscopes, cameras, analysis software and accessories. PART II: Facts and Reasons to Justify Other than Full and Open Competition 1. Statute: 13.106-1 (b)(1) (b) Solicitation from a single source. (2) For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source if the contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available (e.g., urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or industrial mobilization). No other requirement and/or type for supply or service will satisfy agency need. The following salient characteristics apply to the Olympus MVX Macro/Stereo Microscope: -The MVX body must be of a single optical axis design (Macro) to double the Numerical Aperture for increased resolution and fluorescence sensitivity. This should be a true Macro microscope not a stereomicroscope with an on-axis objective click stop. The MVX body must accept the MVX tilting trinocular with the ability to switch from single axis maximum resolution macro viewing to standard stereo viewing. -The MVX body must accept the binocular/trinocular head from the upright BX series of microscopes. - The MVX body with an integrated iris diaphragm to control depth of field for viewing the egg and Microinjector needle in one focal plane. - The MVX body must be modular to upgrade to fluorescence without having to purchase a different body. -Flatness of the viewing field is required therefore the main objective should be a planapochromat 1x objective rather then an achromat objective -Upgradeable to the two positions revolving nosepiece because of the need to exchange objectives without disturbing experiments in progress. - The two-position nosepiece and optics must retain parfocality when switching. -The base must be transmitted light Gimbal mirror system with fiber optic light source to minimize heat transfer to the base and specimen damage. This is not a request for competitive quotation. However, if any interested party believes it can meet the above requirement, it may submit a statement of capabilities. The statement of capabilities and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow the researcher to determine if the party can meet this requirement. One (1) original and one (1) copy of the capability statement must be received in the contracting office by 1:00 p.m. ET on August 16, 2008. All questions must be in writing and can be faxed to 301-402-4513 or sent via email to Melissa Marino:[email protected]. It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure questions have been received. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice 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. No collect calls will be accepted. In order to receive an award, contractor must have valid, updated registration and certification in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Please reference NCI-80155-MM on all correspondence.

Bid Protests Not Available