66 -- Upgrade Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory, Sidney, Montana, intends to enter into a single source contract with Microcosm Inc., Columbia, Maryland, for the purchase of upgrades for the Government-owned Computer and Phoenix Software being used with a Government-owned LSM 410 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. The Phoenix hardware and software and all upgrades to the Phoenix product for the LSM Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope are proprietary to Microcosm, Inc. and not available from any other distributors. Microcosm provides custom optical coupling between the laser and the microscope. The award includes purchase of Phoenix Software Suite with LSM 410 Control Module and Phoenix Customized 3 Channel Digitizer as well as Computer Upgrade, Onsite Installation and Integration, System Survey, Calibration and Alignment and Training by LSM Certified Personnel. *Provide Qualification Statement by Close of Business August 23, 2005, if interested in this procurement.