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The mission of the NIEHS is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives. Neurobiology is an integral part of environmental health sciences. Disruption of brain development and function produces life-long effects on human cognitive potential. The NL investigates the cellular and molecular processes in the developing and aging nervous system that increase its vulnerability to environmental toxicants. The DNG uses intersectional genetic strategies in mice to uncover the developmental and genetic factors that may define this phenotypic diversity. These investigations combine cellular, molecular, behavioral and physiological approaches to provide insight into how genetic and environmental perturbation of distinct noradrenergic neuron subtypes early in development result in increased susceptibility to cognitive and affective disorders later in life. The DNG currently uses a Zeiss 510 microscope purchased in 2004; however, the current microscope is no longer covered by the NIEHS multi-instrument service contract with Zeiss due to its age. Furthermore, parts of this microscope are not currently being produced and therefore cannot readily be replaced; therefore, any future service and maintenance is not possible. This is likely to cause irreparable harm to ongoing experiments since the instrument has been under continuous service by Carl Zeiss through a manufacturer's warranty and annual maintenance agreement. The equipment has proprietary source codes which can only be provided through Carl Zeiss and no other company is authorized to provide services on the microscopes either. The continuity of current experiments, replication of older experiments and ability to open old imaging data files is critical to the integrity of research at NL. The Zeiss LSM 880 is the only confocal microscope compatible with existing equipment (LSM 510 two-photon microscope) and software. Since the Zeiss ZEN platform that operates the Zeiss 880 is identical to what is currently being used at NIEHS, existing acquisition software macros, acquisition SOPs, and data analysis pipelines will be directly transferable. The system upgrade will allow the opportunity to integrate parts of the previous system. Additionally, the NL will be able to use NIEHS expertise in transitioning to the Zeiss LSM 880. The DNG is in need of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system with interchangeable sample holders (i.e., 96-well, 96-well Fast and 384 well plates formats) for an ongoing study on the role of brain neuroimmune function in inflammation-related Neurodeqeneration. The LSM Zeiss 880 must offer the capabilities and features described below:
• A multiphoton (NLO) laser with sensitive GaAsP detectors, a piezo motorized electrophysiology stage, specialized objectives designed for deep visualization of cleared tissue. Versatility in usage with a piezo motorized stage and specialized lenses that permit the acquisition of large detailed datasets of cleared tissue.
• Zen software/Zen Black tiles and positions module, in combination with this microscope package and specialized lens for the ability to combines multiple images across a large field of view; thereby, allowing for the collection of previously inaccessible datasets.
• An upright microscope and piezo electrophysiology stage for continued use of the shared facility in collecting electrophysiology and calcium imaging data while increasing functionality to allow superior imaging of cleared tissue through a specialized long working distance lens.
• Enhanced capabilities/features for electrophysiology experiments and calcium imaging, while also permitting acquisition of large detailed immunofluorescent datasets of cleared tissue.
• 34 channel spectral detection, 7 laser lines (405, 458, 488, 514, 561, 594, and 633), liquid cooled GaAsP detectors and scanners, a piezo motorized electrophysiology stage, definite focus system, and specialized lenses for both electrophysiology or calcium imaging (water immersion, refractive index of 1.33) and cleared tissue (refractive index of 1.45). Zen 2.3 system software, workstation and 32" monitor will also be provided.
• XY scanning stage to allow for stitching of images to construct whole tissue sections and for imaging at multiple locations during time lapse studies.
• GaAsP detectors to allow imaging of low level fluorescence currently undetectable on older generation microscopes and calcium transients.
• Long working distance and specialized lens to allow for deep penetration of tissue up to 5mm, revealing datasets that were formally difficult to acquire.
• The ability to continue using as many of the previous components as can be seamlessly integrated.
• The ability to reuse existing major components (Ti:Sapphire pulsed laser, camera, objectives, etc.)
• Versatility of use needed to accommodate multiple users with diverse experimental needs.
• Features that allow for improved acquisition of calcium transients and live cell imaging, continuation of previous electrophysiological experiments determining circuitry, and the versatility to also acquire high-resolution large detailed tiled datasets from cleared brain tissue.
• Allows for the continuity of current experiments, replication of older experiments and ability to open old imaging data files.
• Compatibility with existing equipment (LSM 510 two-photon microscope) and software.
• Direct transferability of existing acquisition software macros, acquisition SOPs, and data analysis pipelines.
To perform delivery and installation the contractor shall be registered as an outside visitor and access to the NL and Developmental Biology Group's laboratory space will be by NIEHS employee escort. The Government retains the right to unilaterally reject damaged microscope and associated components from the Contractor based on the requirements(s) specified.
This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals; however, all responses received within five (5) days from the date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this notice is solely with the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. If no affirmative responses are received within five (5) days of this notice to determine whether a qualified source is more advantageous to the Government, the order will be issued to Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC. There is no solicitation package available. The Contracting Officer for this requirement is Ms. Onyenauché Washington. All questions or concerns relating to this notice shall be submitted by e-mail to [email protected]