DESCRIPTION: The National Institutes of Health - NICHD intends to procure the services of a contractor to provide 2-photon microscopy system necessary for imaging dynamic neural activities in brain slices and behaving animals in neuroscience research. Components are major building blocks to accomplish a 2-photon microscopy with fast-scanning capability. The Lab’s microscopic instruments, equipment, accessories and optics frame are mostly from the Sutter Instruments which is highly compatible with various optical design, and a resonance scanning device with DAQ system are manufactured by the VidrioTech. The X-Y resonance scanner and associated optics including ultra-sensitive photodetectors can precisely control the excitation laser beam and enables to acquire high-resolution fluorescence images. By integrating this components onto our existing femto-second laser source, the 2-photon microscopy can significantly improve the data quality in our ongoing projects, such as for characterization of genetically encoded fluorescence sensors, understanding molecular-specific synaptic transmission, and studies on neuronal functionalities of behaving mice. Among many other commercially available products, the suggested items offer the best flexibility and compatibility in the design schemes, thereby many of researchers in the same Lab can utilize the system for various purposes. This proposed procurement is for supplies for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate on a sole source basis to Sutter Instruments as a continuation of on-going similar compatible products. However, for the sake of competition, a solicitation went out to some vendors and Sutter Instruments remains by far the lowest technically acceptable price. In order to comply with the requirements in this Solicitation/Special Notice, the responses should be based on our interpretation of the general requirements provided below. Special Note: The proposed contract action is for a continuation of previous services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all quotes received within the time and date of publication of this "Special Note " will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. HOW TO RESPOND: In order to compete for this project, interested parties must be registered in the Central Contracting Registration and submit a price quotation by 12 pm, ET, June 16th 2020. Offerors should submit one copy of the quote to MOE FILALI via email. Electronic transmissions to
[email protected] are preferable but must be timely. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure the proposal is received by the date and time shown above. The following Federal Acquisition Regulations clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Mar 2005), 52.212-4 (Sept 2005), 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes of Executive Orders-Commercial Items (Aug 2006). (6)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246). (18) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (19) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793). (20) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (31) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332). Primary Point of Contact: MOE FILALI Contracting Office Address: NIH/NICHD Office of Acquisitions 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 1145D Bethesda, MD 20817 (w) 301.827 7737
[email protected]