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Solicitation Number: FD-2024-028SSS Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis Title: Procurement of a Fluorescent Stereozoom Microscope Response Date: January 26, 2024 This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and... Solicitation Number: FD-2024-028SSS Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis Title: Procurement of a Fluorescent Stereozoom Microscope Response Date: January 26, 2024 This is a SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS and is not a pre-solicitation announcement. The purpose of this Market Research and Sources Sought Notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified U.S. Domestic businesses, which could include Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Women Owned Small Business firms and even Large Businesses. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis will be used by the Government in making appropriate acquisition decisions. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science Center Ecotoxicology Program's primary effort is to determine the impacts of pollutants on fishery resources managed by NOAA Fisheries. In particular, the Program is currently studying the impacts of urbanization and associated nonpoint source stormwater runoff on the health of embryonic, juvenile, and adult salmonids. Chemicals from tire-wear particles are known to be highly toxic to coho salmon, and petroleum hydrocarbons in road runoff are toxic to all fish species. Current studies involve determining how these chemicals affect ESA-listed salmonids at all life stages. Available data strongly suggest the brain and heart as important target organs for lethal and sublethal toxicity. In order to study these internal tissues and determine changes in their cellular organization and 3-dimensional anatomy, exposed animals need to be analyzed by microscopy. INTENDED USE/PURPOSE: In order to study the internal structures of developing salmon embryos and alevins, a fluorescent large-field stereomicroscope system is needed. This instrument fills a gap for the NWFSC Ecotoxicology fish health studies that require the ability to study how organs, tissue structures and cells are impacted in managed fish species that are exposed to toxic chemicals in stormwater runoff. This instrument allows the collection of anatomical and functional information in both live salmonid embryos and alevins and either fixed or live dissected specimens. Because of the large size of salmon eggs and embryos (~ 5 mm diameter), a special large-field stereozoom microscope is needed. This instrument would also permit the analysis of dissected salmonid hearts at later stages, which are also too large for imaging on conventional microscope systems that are already available at NWFSC. The Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16 is specifically designed for collecting 3-dimensional images from larger specimens, with a field of view ranging from 1.4 to 66 mm. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIAL SALIENT FEATURES: The stereo microscope system needs to have the capability for 3-dimensional low-light fluorescent imaging with the maximum resolution and field of view possible. This includes: Large zoom range (16:1) High numerical aperture for objective lenses (0.57) High imaging resolution (0.3 microns) Motorized stage with large travel range (150 mm X 100 mm) Structured illumination to remove out-of-focus light for maximum sharpness of images Automated data collection software DELIVERY SCHEDULE: Deliver by 8 weeks after receipt of order. The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) is 334516 with a size standard of 1000 employees. Interested firms shall provide, in writing, a brief narrative (no more than 3 pages in length) and documentation to support your firm’s capability and experience meeting the requirements herein and include your firm’s name, address, point of contact, telephone number, SAM UEID Number, CCR CAGE Number, business type and size (i.e., small, large, non-profit, educational, etc.). Any response that does not include this information will not be considered. The Government will review your response to determine if your firm has the experience, knowledge and capability to provide the items as specified above. This request for information does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. Nor does this request for information constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that any procurement action may be issued for the Government’s requirements. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise because of the submission of contractor’s information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. All contractors doing business with the Government are required to be registered and active with the System for Award Management (SAM) website. NOTE: THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. No solicitation document is available. No contract will be awarded based on responses received to this notice.