Inactive

INTRODUCTION: This is a Small Business Sources Sought (SBSS) notice. This notice is not a request for proposals and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. No solicita... INTRODUCTION: This is a Small Business Sources Sought (SBSS) notice. This notice is not a request for proposals and does not commit the Government to award a contract now or in the future. No solicitation is available at this time. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of all qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone Small Businesses; Service-disabled, Veteran owned Small Businesses; 8(a) Small Businesses; Veteran- owned Small Businesses; Woman-owned Small Businesses; or Small Disadvantaged Businesses; and Their size classification according to the North American Industry Classification System, (NAICS) Code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible or through full and open competition. All size organizations are encouraged to respond. Small business organizations must have their size status certified by the small business administration. The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code is 811210 (formerly 811219) and the business size standard is $30M. BACKGROUND: The mission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is to conduct and support medical research and research training and to disseminate science-based information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, to improve people’s health and quality of life. The NIDDK supports a wide range of medical research through grants to universities and other medical research institutions across the country. The Institute also supports government scientists who conduct basic, translational, and clinical research across a broad spectrum of research topics and serious, chronic diseases and conditions related to the Institute's mission. In addition, the NIDDK supports research training for students and scientists at various stages of their careers and a range of education and outreach programs to bring science-based information to patients and their families, health care professionals, and the public. The Multi Institute Cryo-EM Facility (MICEF) is a collaborative facility maintained by the NIDDK. It serves the scientific communities of NHLBI, NIDDK and NINDS. MICEF currently houses a Titan/Krios G3 microscope that is used for Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM), a specialized process that produces detailed 3D characterization of biological samples. MICEF offers support in planning Cryo-EM experiments, sample preparation and imaging, using equipment, and analyzing data. To continue this support, the Titan/Krios G3 microscope requires a maintenance plan to keep the microscope functioning properly and providing accurate results. OBJECTIVE: The preventative maintenance plan for the Titan/Krios G3 microscope requires optimized and continuous performance for the quality and productivity of the ongoing research at NIDDK. The purchase of the service contract will ensure the high standard operation status of the microscope and its service to all Cryo-EM research projects at NIDDK. SALIENT / REQUIRED FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS: TASK AREAS: Task Area 1 – Service Agreement – Contractor shall provide telephone support for microscope trouble shooting (to be determined by COR). Contractor shall provide on-site service (as determined by COR) by an experienced service engineer; on-site response shall be within 48 hours after submittal of service request. Any replacement parts that are needed for repair should be delivered by overnight shipping at the cost of the vendor. The vendor covers all costs including labor, travel, living expenses and parts. Task Area 2 – Preventive Maintenance – The Contractor shall provide a one-time on-site preventive maintenance during the contract period (to be determined by COR), and NIDDK’s MICEF facility director must be present during the maintenance. Task Area 3 – Software Updates – The Contractor shall provide notification of any new software updates that can improve the functionality of the software capabilities. NIDDK’s MICEF facility director must be present during the software upgrade and will verify the success of the upgrade. Task Area 4 – Location of Service(s) – The Contractor shall perform the services for the microscope located in Building 13, Room G826 at NIH’s Bethesda Main Campus. Capability statements submitted as a result of this announcement should demonstrate the offerors’ qualifications and experience, specifically providing evidence as to their capability to perform this requirement. Potential sources must demonstrate and document the ability to fulfill the following in their capability statements: Capability to provide maintenance service for the Titan Krios G3– services to include: 4-hour targeted telephone support, 48-hour targeted onsite labor response, unlimited labor hours (including travel time and expenses), all necessary spare parts (including all accessories listed on the contract), replacement FEG tip (for applicable products), one preventive maintenance visit (per year) and software updates, Ability to service the Ceta 16M Camera 330 kV, Capability to fulfill the maintenance/support outlined in Task Areas 1 to 4. Personnel/Management: Adequacy, appropriateness and relevance of expertise, experience, qualifications, and availability of the key professional and technical staff with a project of similar size, scope, and complexity. Past Performance: Past performance is considered essential. In addition to demonstrating that they have met the above qualifications, interested parties must identify at least three other projects of similar size and complexity. Interested organizations that believe they possess the capabilities necessary to undertake this project should submit electronic copies of their capability statement, addressing the areas above. Please limit responses to five (5) pages or less. Any proprietary information should be so marked. Written capability statements must be submitted to Kerry-Ann Chisholm, Contract Specialist, at e-mail address kerry-ann.chisholm@nih.gov no later than 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on December 15, 2022.