Inactive

RFQ Title 12305B-TEM-19-SS Seeking Sources This is a Sources Sought Only The North East Area (NEA) is issuing 12305B TEM-19-SS as a Sources Sought. The NEA has a requirement/need for Transmission Elec... RFQ Title 12305B-TEM-19-SS Seeking Sources This is a Sources Sought Only The North East Area (NEA) is issuing 12305B TEM-19-SS as a Sources Sought. The NEA has a requirement/need for Transmission Electron Microscope. The award will be for a product that meets the minimum requirements as described below. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY and a SOLICITATION IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. This notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or an obligation on the part of the Government. This request for capability information does not constitute a request for proposals. Submission of any information in response to this market survey is purely voluntary. The government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred associated to this request for capability information. The North East Area (NEA) is issuing this sources sought request as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to provide the aforementioned services. The result of this market research will contribute to determining whether there are adequate sources are available from which to receive competitive proposals. Submission Instructions: Interested parties, who consider themselves qualified to provide the product as detailed are invited to submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by 2:00 PM (CDT) July 10, 2019. If your organization has appropriate qualifications and capacity to provide this product, please provide the following information: (1) A complete and current record of your SAMs Registration which includes DUNS number, Organization name, address, contact name, email address, Web site address, telephone number, type of organization, small business type (if any), etc; All questions or responses under this Sources Sought Notice shall be sent to Mark O Volk, Contracting Officer, USDA, ARS, NEA. Supporting documents may be furnished by email at Mark.Volk@ars.usda.gov All communication shall be by email. No information will be taken by telephone. THIS IS A NOTICE FOR SOURCES SOUGHT. No feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. However, NEA may contact sources to gather additional information as needed. Specifications: Resolution: 0.20 nm@ 100kV Dual Lens Modes: Standard configuration provides High Contrast (HC) and High Resolution (HR) imaging modes by utilizing a unique compound objective lens system to alter focal length and Cs values for optimized operation under a wide range of conditions /samples. Switching between modes is done via software control Digital Operation: Microscope setup, electrical alignments and sample search procedures are conducted under normal room light conditions utilizing a highspeed digital navigation camera with a standard computer display. An integrated high-resolution camera is included whereby final image collections are obtained in the same. For teaching and presentation purposes, operations (from setup to final image capture) can be displayed on a large wall monitor, at a remote location, or recorded to video using common PC accessories. Turbo-Molecular Pumped (TMP) Vacuum System: The utilization of a TMP in conjunction with reduction in spatial volume under vacuum, due to the elimination of the traditional large viewing chamber, yields a highly efficient and robust vacuum system for standard imaging as well as in-situ type analyses. This design also minimizes the potential for specimen damage and contamination allowing users to address a wide variety of specimen types I preparations. High Precision Stage: The 5-axis ultra-stable goniometer with a 'ball-in-cup ' holder design for two steady points of contact during specimen manipulation. This stage and holder design translates to increased image stability under a wide range of operating conditions. This is especially important during tilting / tomography and in high-throughput scenarios where high magnification imaging is necessary immediately after insertion of the holder into the electron column. Sample Pre-Irradiation: Automated Pre-Irradiation (API) acclimates the specimen to the electron beam, reducing thermal expansion and helping to eliminate sample drift. This leads to an increase in sample stability and allows users to acquire high quality imaging data from less than ideal sample preparations. 20kV to 120kV Voltage Range: Low voltage range combined with the HC capability of the dual-mode lens, improves imaging of "unstained" and low contrast specimens. Reducing the need to stain specific samples saves time and improves environmental/ laboratory safety. Simple Start-up and Shut-down: Activation of the accelerating voltage, filament voltage, and bias is computer controlled for quick and easy start-up. Users of various experience levels can effectively operate the microscope from start-up to shut-down with single button automated procedures. Advanced Stage Navigation: The stage can trace movements, record positions / tilt angles, and utilize a low magnification navigation image so as to minimize repeated viewing of the same area or repeatedly exposing sensitive specimens to the electron beam. The operator can quickly verify that all areas of the specimen grid have been examined and easily recall saved positions for further analysis. Reduced Specimen Damage: The TEM incorporates an air leak mechanism for the specimen pre-pumping chamber to prevent damage to sensitive samples during specimen exchange. No Image Rotation: The image is stable (no rotation) throughout the entire magnification range. Camera pixel size: A smaller pixel size is desired for greater resolution of images. Anticontamination device: A 'cold finger' or some similar anti-contamination device is useful to stabilize the sample and keep the microscope column clean. Training: Training in the operation of the microscope and image acquisition software is essential.