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SB SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE: Acquisition of Brand Name or Equal MediLumine Prism In Vivo Imaging System including installation and training NOTICE NUMBER: 75N91021Q00048 ISSUED BY: National Cancer Instit... SB SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE: Acquisition of Brand Name or Equal MediLumine Prism In Vivo Imaging System including installation and training NOTICE NUMBER: 75N91021Q00048 ISSUED BY: National Cancer Institute (NCI), Office of Acquisitions (OA) DESCRIPTION This Small Business Sources Sought Notice (SBSS) is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The purpose of this Small Business Sources Sought Notice is to identify qualified small business concerns, including 8(a), HUBZone or Service-Disabled Veteran-owned business concerns, that are interested in and capable of performing the work described herein. The NCI does not intend to award a contract based on responses received nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. This requirement is assigned North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 423490-Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers. NCI may issue a request for quotation (RFQ) as a result of this Small Business Sources Sought Notice. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against NCI shall arise as a result of a response to this Small Business Sources Sought Notice or the NCI’s use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement. BACKGROUND The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Molecular Imaging Branch (MIB) requires one (1) Brand Name or Equal MediLumine Prism In Vivo Imaging System. The instrument is required for researchers to conduct researches on photoimmunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment. The imaging system will be used to visualize the location and size of tumors in live animals by detecting bioluminescence emitted from luciferase-expressing tumor cells. The system also is used to track fluorescent reagents such as fluorescent-labeled antibody. Such imaging is essential for the research to assess the efficacy of cancer treatment. TYPE OF ORDER This is a Firm Fixed-Price Purchase Order. SPECIAL ORDER REQUIREMENTS PRODUCT FEATURES/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS The following product features/characteristics are required: Ability to contain an Electron Multiplying Charged Coupled Device (EMCCD) camera capable of a sensitivity of a readout noise < 0.1? (electron) at 20 MHz and Single photon detection > 91% @ 10 MHz. Because MIB needs to detect tumor cells as early stage as possible, especially in the cancer metastasis model. In order to achieve this, the camera has to have the capability to detect single photon events and a reliability of greater than or equal to 91% probability of detecting the single photon event. Capability of both bioluminescent and fluorescent in vivo imaging. This is required because the MIB needs the ability to detect the bioluminescence from the luciferase expressing cancer cells and fluorescence from the dye-labeled antibody in the same animal. Having two separate instruments is not cost effective and the MIB is limited in lab space to have separate instruments. Ability to image acquisitions of a minimum of 5 images per second to allow for real time imaging. In order to capture live image in good resolution, an acquisition speed of 5 images per second is required. Capability of having a minimum field of view of 18 cm x 18 cm in order to view the simultaneous imaging of five mice. In order to obtain images in consistent setting, it is ideal to capture images of multiple animals at once. The MIB uses five animals per experimental group, therefore an 18 cm x 18 cm field is the minimum view required. Ability to contain an integrated warming system to maintain animal at physiological temperatures. The animals under the anesthesia during imaging have to be warmed to keep the physiological temperatures. The imager door has to be tightly closed during imaging, so it is difficult to use external warming plate in it. Therefore, the warming system has to be integrated. Instrument must have the ability to image 5 mice at a time using a gas (isoflurane) anesthesia system. Door to equipment must be light and tight. The light and tight enclosure is necessary because the inner space of the imager must be completely dark to minimize the noise and capture the small light signal. Lens system with numerical aperture down to f/0.95 for optimal light collection with 512 x 512 minimum resolution. Instrument must have motorized filter wheels. This is required so that filter change is controlled from the attached computer. Computer and monitor must be included with instrument. Computer must have a minimum 1 TB hard disk drive in order to have enough space to accommodate the captured images which will be large. Acquisition software must be included with the instrument and allow for an adjustable exposure time, gain, binning, and programmable imaging sequences for bioluminescence, fluorescence or both combined. Acquisition software must allow for export of image files in TIFF format. TIFF format is required because it is the most compatible for publications. Acquisition software must allow for real time display of bioluminescent and fluorescent images. The real time display is necessary so that the researchers can preview the image before capturing it. Due to limited lab space, the instrument must be no larger than 24” W x 24” D x 62” H DELIVERY / INSTALLATION Delivery shall be within 5 months business days after delivery. Installation shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified operator. The Contractor shall deliver and install the equipment at the following address: Delivery address: NCI, Molecular Imaging Branch 9000 Rockville Pike Bldg. 10, Room 1B43 Bethesda, MD 20892 TRAINING Training shall occur within 7 business days after installation. Training shall be for 2 business days and include manual and USB flash drive with copy of back up installation software . WARRANTY The Contractor’s warranty shall cover the whole imaging systems sold. Any instruments, equipment, components, or other supplies (“Supplies”) procured by this purchase are free of defects in design, material, or manufacture for a period of at least eighteen (18) months from the date of installation. The Contractor shall warrant that all consumables or expendable parts are free of defects in design, material or manufacture for a period of at least 90 calendar days from date of acceptance by the Government. Supplies which are repaired or replaced shall be warranted for the remainder of the initial warranty period or for 90-days – whichever is greater. The Contractor shall also warrant and imply that items delivered are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING DELIVERIES DURING COVID-19 The Contractor shall store or retain all supplies furnished under this order until notified by the NCI Contracting Officer or technical point of contact (TPOC) of a delivery date. The Contractor shall deliver supplies no later than 30-days after notification. The Contractor shall not sell supplies furnished under this order to another company or party if the NCI is unable to accept delivery due to conditions related to COVID-19. Installation as required by the Statement of Need may be delayed due to conditions related to COVID-19. If services provided under this order are delayed, the Contractor shall provide all services at different times and dates at no additional cost. The Contractor shall direct all courier and delivery services – including those not operated by the Contractor (e.g. FedEx, USPS, UPS) – to follow the instructions in this section. All companies delivering to the NIH main campus must comply with Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) access procedures. Upon arrival, the CVIF will provide a list of buildings and loading docks to delivery personnel. Deliveries will be logged in at the loading dock, and the loading dock contractor or Government personnel will attempt to contact the TPOC listed on the package. In the event that the TPOC is unable to accept the package, the delivery shall not be left at the loading dock station. The delivery must be returned to the Contractor, and the Contractor must coordinate with the TPOC to deliver on another date at no additional cost. Deliveries can only be made between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday, excluding federal holidays. NOTE: Contractors delivering to Building 10 will be required to complete additional steps including a brief medical screening before unloading and entering to make deliveries. These steps are necessary to protect patients and staff. Delivery personnel may also be asked a series of questions related to recent travels and any physical symptoms known or suspected to be relevant to COVID-19. PAYMENT Payment shall be made in full upon delivery and acceptance by the Government. Payment authorization requires submission and approval of invoices to the COR and NIH OFM, in accordance with the attached payment provisions listed below: The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls: Prompt Payment (Jan 2017) FAR 52.232-25. Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow: Invoice Requirements A. An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed. A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements of FAR 32.9. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. (See exceptions under II., below.) Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor. Vendor/Contractor: Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact). Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment). Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract. If the Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice. Invoice date. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per vendor regardless of site. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS: Contract Number; Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). In those exceptional cases where a contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice. The VIN is the number that appears after the contractor’s name on the face page of the award document. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.* Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award. If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately. If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.* NOTE: If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting Officer before submitting the invoice. A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid. B. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order. If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized. Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt. C. The Contractor shall submit invoice to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Office of Financial Management (OFM) via email at invoicing@nih.gov with a copy to the approving official, as directed below. The Contractor must follow step-by-step instructions as stated in the NIH/OFM Electronic Invoicing Instructions for NIH Contractors/Vendors, which is included as an attachment on the website at https://oamp.od.nih.gov/DGS/DGS-workform-information/attachment-files. The invoice shall be transmitted as an attachment via email to the address listed above in one of the following formats: Word, or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). The Contractor must submit only one invoice per email. Do not submit supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, time sheets, vendor invoices, etc.) with your invoice unless specified elsewhere in the contract or requested by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall submit a copy of the electronic invoice to the following Technical Point of Contact (TPOC): Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) Name- ___________________Email Address- For inquiries regarding the status of invoices, contact OFM Customer Service via email at ofm_customer_service@incontactemail.com or via phone at 301-496-6088. To send your inquiries via other available communication methods refer to the OFM Customer Service website at https://ofm.od.nih.gov/Pages/Customer-Service.aspx. Note: The OFM Customer Service is open Eastern Standard Time Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed between 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Invoice Payment A. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events: The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice. The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed. B. The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended. Interest Penalties A. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable. A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office. A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with a term or condition. B. In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor. C. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (December 2013) a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor. b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act. c) Include the substance of this clause, include this paragraph c, in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items. SUBMISSION INFORMATION Capability statements shall be submitted via email to Contracting Officer, William Neal, at william.neal@nih.gov no later than 1:00 P.M. EST on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 (03/30/2021). All information furnished must be in writing and must contain enough detail to allow the NCI to determine if it can meet the unique specifications described herein. Please reference number 75N91020Q00048 on all correspondence. 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 capability. 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, an RFQ may be published. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation(s).