Leica Stellaris 8 Microscope with CARS and SRS
National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB) plans to procure one (1) brand name or equal Leica Stellaris 8 Microscope with CARS and SRS. This is a co... National Cancer Institute (NCI), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB) plans to procure one (1) brand name or equal Leica Stellaris 8 Microscope with CARS and SRS. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice, and shall be processed in accordance with FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation, 75N91021Q00158, is issued as a request for quote (RFQ) and includes all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2021-05 (3-10-2021), simplified acquisition procedures for commercial items. The North American Industry Classification System code is 334516 and the business size standard is 1,000 employees. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type purchase order. The NCI CCR NOB is focused on basic research as well as translational and clinical research with the goal to improve the outcomes of patients with brain tumors. The Cancer Metabolism Program within the Neuro-Oncology Branch is investigating metabolic vulnerabilities of brain tumors to exploit them therapeutically. An emerging area in the program is to investigate the heterogeneity located within the tumor microenvironment using Raman Imaging Microscopy and fluorescence. NCI uses fluorescence to identify the type of cell, while Raman is used to quantify lipids and other biomolecules as a function of their location within the cells and create metabolic imaging maps. NCI hypothesizes that cellular composition will reflect the malignancy of the cell and plan to develop methodologies to identify the type of cell based upon their chemical composition from within the complex microenvironment. New technology will allow us to have fluorescence and Raman Imaging in the same integrative unit and allows selection of Raman features to be specifically enhanced above the others thus increasing the signal to noise and sensitivity of those features to be detected. The long-term goal is to describe the metabolic heterogeneity within brain tumors in order to inform on improved treatment strategies. NCI CCR requires a Raman Imaging Microscopy and Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Stimulated Raman and Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) in the same unit. The following product features/characteristics are required for this requirement: A multi-modal nonlinear optical microscopy instrument combining Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS), Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy (SRS), second-harmonic generation, 2-photon and 1-photon fluorescence for advanced tissue-based diagnostics. The ability to acquire fluorescence together with Raman spectroscopy is crucial in advancing single cell metabolic mapping, as the fluorescence is typically used to determine the identity of the cell (immune types of cells, tumor cells or normal cells), organelle (mitochondria, lysosomes, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi) or one or two fluorescence protein-tagged proteins of interest while the Raman spectroscopy provides the metabolic and biomolecular fingerprinting. The integration of fluorescence and Raman in the same instrument provides enhanced signal sensitivity by several orders of magnitude of selected Raman frequencies. This feature allows for imaging of specific endogenous signals that were otherwise very low intensity or of external Raman tags, thus decreasing the acquisition time and lowering the limit of detection for the specific signal. The SRS ability to enhance the signal of multiple dyes assuming that they are separated reasonably well, allows multiplexing of different dyes on the same sample without damaging the tissue or cells. Several publications report the application of SRS in live cells. The instrument shall offer the capability to produce 3D reconstruction of Raman images. The instrument shall provide interface with fluorescence and acquisition of Raman images at selected frequencies. The instrument shall be coupled with machine learning, data obtained can be used in prediction models, which are based upon the chemical composition of the tissue. The instrument shall be capable of Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) which is a third order non-linear optical process that allows to obtain a Raman spectrum in presence of fluorescence eliminating the need for photobleaching. The instrument CARS and SRS shall be capable of being adapted for intravital microscopy; for example, for imaging tagged metabolites in mice. STELLARIS 8 White Light Laser (WLL) Flexible, pulsed fluorescence excitation allows the user to design simultaneous multi-color fluorescence imaging experiments with minimal cross-talk. The optimal match of excitation helps to preserve the sample and minimizes phototoxicity while imaging living samples. The WLL is a pulsed excitation source, suitable for applications such as TauSense and Fast Lifetime Contrast Imaging (FALCON). TauSense provides the potential to explore new dimension of information: Gain functional information (cell signaling, metabolic status, pH, ion concentration) using TauContrast. Improve image quality by separating autofluorescence or reflection light using TauGating. Delivers pulsed excitation for FALCON (FAst Lifetime CONtrast) NCI CCR has reviewed literature and participated in demos at different branches at NIH campus and identified the Stellaris 8 Raman Microscope as containing the combination of features required. Warranty: A minimum of twelve (12) months of warranty shall be included in the quote, which covers the cost of repair and/or replacement, including labor or any defect in workmanship or parts. The Contractor shall also warrant and imply that all items delivered as a result of this order are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in the order in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(o). If a defect results in lost or decreased performance of supplies or services furnished under this order, the Contractor shall cover all parts, materials, labor, and/or travel expenses required to repair or replace the supplies at no cost to the Government. The extended warranty shall include emergency repair on-site service by in-state qualified factory trained field engineers with a 48-hour response time. Because the equipment will be a custom manufacturer instrument of high complexity, an extended warranty is required. A 48-hour response time is required due to the heavy experimental load of ongoing research experiments. Delivery and Installation: Equipment shall be delivered within 90 business days of purchase order award. The Contractor shall provide the NCI Technical Point of Contact (TPOC), TBD at award, with tracking information to anticipate delivery to the best extent possible. All shipping/handling (including FOB) and delivery/installation fees shall be included in the quote. Upon delivery, the Contractor shall notify the TPOC to schedule the installation date and time that shall occur within 10 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: NIH/NCI/CCR NOB 37 Convent Drive, Building 37, Room 1136 Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA DELIVERY PROCEDURES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Contractor must pay close attention to the following delivery instructions. Please be aware that due to the fluidity of the existing pandemic, instructions may be updated as needed after award. The equipment shall be delivered within the timeframe listed in section 4.2 above. The Contractor shall: Store or hold equipment until NCI is ready to accept the equipment at no additional cost. The equipment shall not be sold to another business in the event NCI is not ready to accept delivery due to unanticipated changes related to COVID-19; and Training as required by the Statement of Need shall be made available and provided to required staff at different times and dates, if required, at no additional cost. Communicate and follow instructions from the TPOC to coordinate delivery, installation, and training in accordance with the timeframes stated in sections 4.2 through 4.3 above. The delivery address and TPOC’s information will be provided at the time of award and must be included as part of the order/shipping label. All companies delivering to NIH’s main campus shall comply with Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) access procedures. CVIF will provide a list of buildings with loading docks. Delivered items will be logged in and the loading dock Contractor or Government employee will attempt to contact the TPOC for inspection and acceptance of the package. In the event the TPOC is unable to accept the package, the equipment shall not be left at the loading dock station. The Contractor shall confirm another attempt will be made to deliver on another date, to be coordinated with the TPOC, at no additional cost. Deliveries shall only be made between 6AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday. Note: Delivery personnel may be asked a series of questions related to recent travels and if any physical symptoms relevant to COVID 19 exist. PAYMENT: Payment shall be made in full upon delivery, inspection and acceptance by the Government. Payment authorization requires submission and approval of invoices to the TPOC 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. PURCHASE ORDER CLAUSES: FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JULY 2021) FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/. CLAUSE NO. TITLE DATE FAR 52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018 FAR 52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE AUG 2020 FAR 52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS DEC 2014 FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS OCT 2018 FAR 52.222-20 CONTRACTS FOR MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, ARTICLES, AND EQUIPMENT JUN 2020 FAR 52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS JUN 2013 FAR 52.247-35 F.O.B DESTINATION, WITHIN CONSIGNEE’S PREMISES APR 1984 HHSAR 352.222–70 CONTRACTOR COOPERATION IN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INVESTIGATIONS DEC 2015 HHSAR 352.227-70 PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICITY DEC 2015 HHSAR 352.237-74 NON-DISCRIMINATION IN SERVICE DELIVERY DEC 2015 SOLICITATION PROVISONS AND CLAUSES: FAR 52.211-6 BRAND NAME OR EQUAL (AUG 1999) (a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as “brand name or equal,” the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are specified in the solicitation. (b) To be considered for award, offers of “equal” products, including “equal” products of the brand name manufacturer, must: (1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation. (2) Clearly identify the item by— (i) Brand name, if any; and (ii) Make or model number. (3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and (4) Clearly describe any modification the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modification. (c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate “equal” products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer. (d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an “equal” product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation. FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/. PROVISION NO. TITLE DATE FAR 52.203-18 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS-REPRESENTATION JAN 2017 FAR 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018 FAR 52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING AUG 2020 FAR 52.204-17 OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF OFFEROR AUG 2020 FAR 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR AUG 2020 FAR 52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL JAN 2017 FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT OCT 2020 FAR 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-REPRESENTATION OCT 2020 FAR 52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS – REPRESENTATION NOV 2015 FAR 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW FEB 2016 FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS JUN 2020 FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERCIAL ITEMS OCT 2014 FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS FEB 2021 FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS OCT 2018 FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS---COMMERCIAL ITEMS JAN 2021 FAR 52.214-21 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE APR 2002 FAR 52.223-22 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND REDUCTION GOALS – REPRESENTATION DEC 2016 HHSAR 352.222 -70 CONTRACTOR COOPERATION IN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INVESTIGATIONS DEC 2015 HHSAR 352.224 -71 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION DEC 2015 The following additional FAR clauses cited in this clause are applicable: (b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items: 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUNE 2020), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402) 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (JUNE 2020) (41 U.S.C. 3509) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First Tier Subcontract Awards (JUNE 2020) (Pub.L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (OCT 2020) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government' Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (JUNE 2020) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a). 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 632(a) (2)). 52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUN 2003) (E.O. 11755). 52.222-19 Child Labor Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2020) (E.O. 13126). 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (SEPT 2016) (E.O. 11246). 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212). 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020) (29 U.S.C. 793). 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) (38 U.S.C. 4212). 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496) 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging while Driving (JUN 2020) (E.O. 13513). 52.225-3 Buy American—Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act. (JAN 2021) 52.225-5 Trade Agreements (OCT 2019) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note). 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchase (FEB 2021) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury). 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management (OCT 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332). Submission Information: This Request for Quotation (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any cost for preparation and submission of a quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your firm’s quote shall become a part of the official contract file. Quotes must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ and signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. In addition, it must contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for a period of at least 60 days from the date of receipt thereof by the Government. Quotes must be submitted by returning a completed copy of the attached SF-1449 with FAR 52.204-26 Certification, and a completed FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items-with DUNS Number Addendum, signed by an authorized representative of the offeror OR provide a copy of valid certification in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. Quote must contain all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the prices quoted. Specifically, quotes must include the following: Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN); Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number; Business Size (e.g., small or large) Questions must be submitted electronically (via email) to Contracting Officer, Miguel Diaz, at miguel.diaz@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 12:00 PM EST, on Friday, August 13, 2021. Proposals must be submitted electronically (via email) to Contracting Officer, Miguel Diaz, at miguel.diaz@nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 12:00 PM EST, on Friday, August 20, 2021. All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered. PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE AND TIME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. No collect calls will be accepted. Please refer to solicitation no: 75N91021Q00158 on all correspondence. Basis for Award: Award will be made to the responsible firm submitting the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quotation which meets or exceeds the acceptability standards for the requirements/technical specifications stated above. Award will be made on all or none basis. A technically acceptable offer is one in which the Offeror complies with the requirements/technical specifications stated above, and does not take exception, nor object to any of the terms contained in this request. Offers that are not technically acceptable will not be considered further. The technical evaluation will be a determination based on information furnished by the Contractor. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which is not identified in the proposal. Evaluation and award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106. The technical evaluation will be a determination based on information furnished by the quoter. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information which is not identified in the quotation. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and make a single award. Quotations should contain the quoter’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to make an award without discussions. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received. If you are providing an “equal” product, you must submit additional documentation that highlights and describes how your offering is equal in accordance with FAR 52.211-6.
Data sourced from SAM.gov.
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