SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE # FDA_SSN_1226893 for a 25x objective lens and 405 nm UV laser for Leica SP8 imaging system Posted Date: April 23, 2020 Response Date: May 5, 2020 by no later than 2:00 pm CDT Classification: 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies NAICS Code: 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY - NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR SOLICITATION This is a Sources Sought notice to determine the availability of Small Businesses capable of supplying the imaging equipment described below. This notice is for planning purposes only, and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposal, Request for Quotation, or an indication the Government intends to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this notice. Your response to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a Small Business Set-Aside is possible. The appropriate NAICS code for the acquisition is 334516 – Analytical laboratory Instrument Manufacturing; Small Business Size Standards – 1,000 employees. Requirement and Background The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) Microscopy and Imaging Core Facility (MICF) supports all FDA scientists and laboratories for their morphological studies and microscopic imaging requirements. Our main work is centered around analyzing the host- pathogen (e.g. virus, bacteria-parasites) interaction using fluorescently labeled cell, tissue or pathogen samples in immunological responses and vaccine-related studies. The MICF at CBER currently employs a Leica SP8 confocal multi-photon imaging system, S/N: 8100002535, for tissue and animal imaging. However, more sophisticated imaging utilizing multi-color, deep-tissue and multi-photon techniques is necessary to produce higher-sensitivity images for CBER researchers; accurately accomplishing this scientific need requires a 25x objective lens and UV laser similar to a Leica HC FLUOTAR 25x CORR lens/405nm laser UV package and accessories for the existing system. Minimum Technical Requirements The 25x objective lens and UV laser similar to a Leica HC FLUOTAR 25x CORR lens/405nm laser UV package and accessories shall include and meet the following technical requirements: 1. Shall integrate seamlessly with existing Leica SP8 upright confocal multi-photon imaging system, S/N: 8100002535, to include all required connectors, software, and hardware; 2. Lens shall be 25x objective, include scan head and scan-optics alignment module, and shall integrate seamlessly with existing Leica lens nose piece with no modification; 3. Capable of minimum of 6mm free working distance and numerical aperture of 1.0 for deep-tissue imaging; 4. Capable of high-transmission minimum of 85% for 470-1200 nm wave-length and ready for one and two photon imaging needs; 5. Capable of integrated motorized collar correction with existing motCORR software and controller circuitry; 6. Include UV laser 405 nm, output power 50 mW with direct modulation of laser intensity (DMOD), ready for imaging and photoactivation; 7. Include temperature control heating system for existing system; 8. Include installation, alignment, and staff training; 9. Minimum 1-yr. full warranty to include unlimited e-mail and telephone support from manufacturer; 10. Include all shipping charges FOB Destination. Delivery Address: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Bldg. 52/72 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002 Responses to this Sources Sought notice shall unequivocally demonstrate the respondent is currently engaged in providing the required 25x lens-405 nm UV laser imaging system meeting the technical requirements set forth above. Although the target audience is small businesses or small businesses capable of providing these systems from another small business, all interested parties may respond. At a minimum, responses in the form of a Capability Statement shall include the following: Business name and bio, DUNS number, business address, business website, business size status (i.e., SB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone SB, SDB, WOSB, LB), point of contact name, mailing address (if different from business address), phone number and email address. Provide this same information again if responding with the capability of providing an instrument offered by another firm; Descriptive literature, brochures, marketing material, etc. detailing the instrument and equipment (to include consumables) which the responding firm is regularly engaged in providing; Information on available service/maintenance plans for the identified equipment; If applicable, identification of the firm's GSA Schedule contract(s) by Schedule number and SIN’s that are applicable to this potential requirement are also requested. If a large business, provide documentation if subcontracting opportunities exist for small business concerns; Though this is not a request for quote, informational pricing is encouraged. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information, not identified in the response. Interested parties shall respond with Capability Statements as described above by e-mail only, before 2:00 pm (Central Daylight Time - Local Prevailing Time in Jefferson, Arkansas) on May 5, 2020, to Tim Walbert, Contract Specialist, at the following address:
[email protected]. Notice of Intent Responses to this Sources Sought announcement will assist the Government in determining whether or not any future requirement similar to this one should be set aside for small business, made available to full and open competition or procure through sole-source acquisition procedures. Disclaimer and Important Notes This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre‐solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality and Proprietary Information No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non‐proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).